bertalign/data/mac/dev/en/overlap

"Ah, makes sense.
"Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
"Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much.
"Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
"Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
"Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
"Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
"Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
"Also impossible!
"Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
"Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
"Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded.
"Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
"Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
"Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this.
"Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
"At the Capital Planetarium.
"At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs."
"At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five."
"At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone.
"At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while.
"At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
"At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
"At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
"Breathtaking, aren't they?
"Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
"Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?"
"Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
"Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
"Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
"Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
"Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
"Can you ... be more specific?"
"Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ...
"Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
"Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned.
"Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
"Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
"Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
"Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
"Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me."
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!"
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?"
"Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible!
"Cut," the director yelled.
"Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
"Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
"Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
"Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
"Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
"Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
"Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark.
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time.
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!"
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
"Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while.
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
"Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
"Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
"Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
"Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around.
"Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around. Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
"How could you do that?
"How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!"
"How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
"How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
"How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
"How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!"
"How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
"How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me."
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!"
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?"
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible!
"I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
"I don't know much.
"I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
"I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
"I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
"I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
"I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
"I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
"I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
"I don't know."
"I don't know." She hung up.
"I don't know." She hung up. What can it be?
"I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
"I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
"I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
"I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
"I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
"I must get my hands on a pair before five."
"I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone.
"I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while.
"I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
"I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
"I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
"I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
"I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise!
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet?
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless.
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
"I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they?
"I understand.
"I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
"I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes."
"I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car.
"I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
"I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?"
"I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least."
"I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine.
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?"
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ...
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned.
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
"I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
"I work in nanotech."
"I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense.
"I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
"I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much.
"I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
"I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
"I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
"I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No.
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set.
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise!
"I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money.
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field."
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
"In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
"Is it our turn?"
"Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least."
"Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine.
"Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
"Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
"Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
"Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
"Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
"It all comes down to money.
"It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
"It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
"It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field."
"It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
"It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
"It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
"It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction."
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
"It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned.
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—"
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true.
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
"It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend."
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?"
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium.
"It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs."
"It's easy to confirm this.
"It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
"It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about?
"It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
"It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
"It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?"
"It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses."
"It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?"
"It's getting dark.
"It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time.
"It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!"
"It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
"It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
"It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
"It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
"It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
"It's my turn, at least."
"It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine.
"It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
"It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
"It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
"It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
"It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
"It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
"It's not a malfunction."
"It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
"It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
"It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
"It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
"It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
"It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
"It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
"Most turned out to be true.
"Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
"Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
"Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
"Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend."
"Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
"Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while.
"Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech."
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense.
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much.
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
"Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
"No.
"No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
"No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set.
"No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
"No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
"No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise!
"No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
"No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet?
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal.
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
"Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
"Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
"That is ... a fantastical legend."
"That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
"That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while.
"That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
"That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
"That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
"That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
"That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean?
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
"That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean?
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
"Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
"This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No.
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal.
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
"This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
"Three-K glasses?"
"Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
"Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
"Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
"Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
"Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
"Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?"
"Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium.
"Using 3K glasses."
"Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?"
"Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
"Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
"Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
"Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
"Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
"Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?"
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
"We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal.
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
"Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
"What I mean is ...
"What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
"What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned.
"What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
"What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
"What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
"What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
"What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech."
"What are you talking about?
"What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
"What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
"What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?"
"What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses."
"What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?"
"What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
"What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know."
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up.
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be?
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
"What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
"What if it's sabotage?"
"What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible!
"What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
"What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
"What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded.
"What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
"What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
"What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this.
"Where can I find these glasses?"
"Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium.
"Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs."
"Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five."
"Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone.
"Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while.
"Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
"Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
"Why?"
"Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
"Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
"Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
"Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
"Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
"Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
"Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
"Wow, so precise!
"Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
"Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet?
"Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
"Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless.
"Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
"Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they?
"Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
"Yes."
"Yes." Wang ducked into the car.
"Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
"Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?"
"Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least."
"Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine.
"Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
"Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
"You know that's impossible!"
"You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?"
"You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible!
"You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
"You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
"You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded.
"You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
"You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
"You mean, those rumors—"
"You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true.
"You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
"You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
"You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
"You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend."
"You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
"You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while.
''How much did you win?'
''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—'
''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.'
''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him.
''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
'All right!' he cried.
'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!'
'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free.
'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
'All right.
'All right. We fight for money.
'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake.
'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.'
'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die!
'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu!
'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!'
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie!
'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
'And why have you got to go?
'And why have you got to go? To play?'
'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.'
'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?'
'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.'
'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more.
'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget.
'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
'And yours?'
'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty.
'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake.
'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone.
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here.
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.'
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
'At you!'
'At you!' The two of them set to again.
'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?'
'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!'
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!'
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him.
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?'
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—'
'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for?
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do.
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words.
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.'
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
'But I—'
'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.'
'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him.
'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever.
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then.
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed.
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing?
'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
'But you're a quick mover all the same!
'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time.
'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—'
'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!'
'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again.
'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right.
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.'
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages.
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?'
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
'Can you remember that?'
'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.'
'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works?
'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work.
'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!'
'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either.
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!'
'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!'
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
'Climb down, I said!'
'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
'Come on then: let's see—'
'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!'
'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again.
'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?'
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course!
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it!
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!'
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go?
'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?'
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go?
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?'
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.'
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?'
'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.'
'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no!
'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no!
'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!'
'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!'
'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.'
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
'Don't you worry, Grannie!
'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here.
'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does.
'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something.
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think?
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?'
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled.
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?'
'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears.
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard.
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!'
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!'
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
'Follow me!'
'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
'Get a move on, will you!'
'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him.
'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?'
'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—'
'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.'
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!'
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch.
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then!
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!'
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no!
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no!
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!'
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!'
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet.
'Go and have a look, then.
'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening.
'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
'Go to!'
'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem.
'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him.
'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well.
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!'
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer.
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!'
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry.
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.'
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from?
'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
'Goong-goong?
'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?'
'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!'
'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him.
'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?'
'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle.
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!'
'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course!
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it!
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
'Have you forgotten everything?'
'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well.
'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!'
'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer.
'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am.
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.'
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then.
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
'He beat you, presumably.'
'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.'
'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name?
'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?'
'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty.
'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.'
'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.'
'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name?
'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?'
'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty.
'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.'
'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
'He's called Misty.
'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.'
'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it!
'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed.
'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
'He's gone, the poor bastard.
'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!'
'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming.
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.'
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!'
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!'
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
'His Majesty?'
'His Majesty?' 'What?'
'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.'
'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen!
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you?
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!'
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait!
'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening.
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded.
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming.
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her?
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same!
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time.
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—'
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!'
'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again.
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you.
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
'I didn't think it would be hard.
'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good!
'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back.
'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.'
'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy.
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?'
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie!
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!'
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.'
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
'I have something to say to you.
'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever.
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then.
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!'
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!'
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem.
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
'I know,' said Trinket.
'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something.
'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think?
'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?'
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!'
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
'I lent them to Wu.'
'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him.
'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all.
'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait!
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy.
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?'
'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—'
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.'
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him.
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
'I won't let him get away with it!
'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed.
'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.'
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.'
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night.
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep.
'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress!
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
'I wonder where they get the food from?
'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look.
'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen.
'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces!
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes.
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something.
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper.
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home.
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something.
'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen!
'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
'I'll tell you once more.
'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget.
'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old.
'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it.
'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me.
'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it?
'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?'
'I'll tell you what to do.
'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever.
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
'I'm not hungry.
'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.'
'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from?
'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake.
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone.
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same!
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back.
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
'I... I... can't remember.'
'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more.
'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget.
'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old.
'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it.
'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me.
'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it?
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it!
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes.
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something.
'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course!
'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it!
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid.
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die!
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!'
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard.
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good!
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back.
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.'
'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!'
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie!
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard.
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!'
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—'
'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!'
'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again.
'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
'It certainly is!'
'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room.
'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room.
'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
'It's all right.
'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.'
'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages.
'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?'
'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?'
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
'It's hard times that keeps us away.
'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit.
'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us!
'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to?
'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really.
'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed.
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing?
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?'
'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again.
'It's quite all right.
'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me.
'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.'
'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.'
'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
'Just you wait!
'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
'Keep rocking.
'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears.
'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
'Laurel!
'Laurel! Laurel!'
'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait!
'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?'
'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty.
'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake.
'Let them come in here.
'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.'
'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
'Let them leave it until this evening.
'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded.
'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming.
'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?'
'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?'
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail.
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking.
'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
'Live or die!
'Live or die! Excellent kungfu!
'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!'
'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room.
'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room.
'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
'Man proposes, God disposes.
'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something.
'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp!
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though.
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion. And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!'
'Never!'
'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today!
'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like.
'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this.
'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
'No answer?
'No answer? Okay, rock!
'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip.
'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
'No more for today!
'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like.
'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this.
'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right.
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you.
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
'No!
'No! Never!' protested Trinket,
'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it!
'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried.
'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!'
'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy.
'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?'
'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty.
'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
'No, ma'am.
'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.'
'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then.
'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling?
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness?
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy?
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?'
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?'
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
'Now you are really being too hard on us!
'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to?
'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really.
'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.'
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket.
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
'Oh . . . nothing.'
'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course!
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words.
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.'
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman.
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp!
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though.
'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
'Oh no, why should they be?'
'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!'
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
'On guard!'
'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.'
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!'
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem.
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him.
'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?'
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
'Please, Auntie!
'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!'
'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat.
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer?
'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock!
'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking.
'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears.
'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
'Quick!
'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then.
'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away.
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit.
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us!
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here.
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.'
'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
'She mustn't do that,
'She mustn't do that, I am much too young!
'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well.
'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin.
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!'
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –'
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat.
'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy.
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?'
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty.
'Spare me, gentlemen!
'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement.
'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that,
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young!
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well.
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
'Surrender?'
'Surrender?' 'Never!'
'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today!
'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like.
'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this.
'Surrender?' 'No!
'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket,
'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it!
'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried.
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently.
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou?
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here.
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?'
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin.
'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!'
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
'That's easy,' said the urchin.
'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!'
'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
'That's no good!
'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back.
'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.'
'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?'
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do.
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you?
'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!'
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!'
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem.
'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
'The book?'
'The book?' Old Hai humphed again.
'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?'
'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well.
'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!'
'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for?
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you!
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right.
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?'
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.'
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.'
'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
'Then get up ... and fight!'
'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet.
'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed.
'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed.
'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing?
'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
'There was no time to think about eating.'
'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
'There's only one thing, though.
'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is:
'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.'
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick!
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then.
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman.
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp!
'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away.
'To steal a book.'
'To steal a book.' 'Which book?'
'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.'
'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more.
'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget.
'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old.
'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it.
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed.
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid.
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die!
'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!'
'Too-tah – too-tah –'
'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat.
'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer?
'Very well!' he replied.
'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!'
'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
'Very well.
'Very well. Come over here!'
'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer.
'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away.
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit.
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us!
'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.'
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something.
'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!'
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry.
'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.'
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.'
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.'
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.'
'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name?
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for?
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do.
'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie!
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here.
'Well, that's it then!
'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!'
'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
'Well?
'Well? Had enough?
'Well? Had enough? Give in?'
'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet.
'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie!
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy.
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for?
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you!
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right.
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me.
'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.'
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all.
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
'What was the little fellow's name?
'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?'
'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty.
'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.'
'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it!
'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
'What's so alarming about killing?
'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?'
'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again.
'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?'
'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
'What's that?'
'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.'
'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.'
'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.'
'What's your name?' asked the boy.
'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?'
'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty.
'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
'What?'
'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.'
'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
'Where did that stuff come from?'
'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
'Where is Master Rong, then?'
'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.'
'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
'Which Mrs Zhou?
'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here.
'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?'
'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin.
'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!'
'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
'Which book?'
'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.'
'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more.
'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget.
'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old.
'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it.
'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me.
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
'Who says it's not fair!'
'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed.
'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?'
'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?'
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied.
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!'
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
'Why not try me?'
'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied.
'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!'
'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home.
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something.
'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you?
'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!'
'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
'Works?
'Works? Of course it will work.
'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!'
'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch.
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for?
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you!
'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
'Yes, Goong-goong!'
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!'
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.'
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?'
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go?
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?'
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.'
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?'
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.'
'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more.
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.'
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works?
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work.
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!'
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!'
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words.
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.'
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman.
'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for?
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do.
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it!
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed.
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious.
'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either.
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.'
'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him.
'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all.
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious.
'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid.
'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die!
'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!'
'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten. If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.'
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!'
A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
A classmate asked them where they were off to.
A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up.
A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—'
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!'
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again.
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows?
A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
A hundred times no!
A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!'
A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!'
A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet.
A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
A hundred times over.'
A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket.
A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something.
A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think?
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.'
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place?
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!'
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –'
A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat.
A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
A wall of pity grew between them.
A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating.
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!'
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?'
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it.
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent. Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears.
After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty.
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake.
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone.
After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine.
After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
After a while I walked away again.
After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it.
After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night.
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep.
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?'
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while.
After all, he's your cousin!"
After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet.
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed.
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then.
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her.
After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back.
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried.
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!'
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free.
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
After that I was angry and upset.
After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring.
After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here.
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does.
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it!
Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
Aiyeeh! Of course!
Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it!
Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him.
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?'
All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No!
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel!
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!'
All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes.
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!'
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something.
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by.
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera."
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath.
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear.
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
All this became somewhat boring.
All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off.
All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right.
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me.
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.'
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots.
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!'
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned.
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—"
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true.
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong?
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?'
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!'
And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal.
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?"
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium.
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs."
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five."
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone.
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while.
And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you.
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.'
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion. And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!'
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go.
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
And this time, don't forget.
And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old.
And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it.
And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me.
And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it?
And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?'
And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
And with that he left the room.
And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room.
And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word!
Are you feeling any better?'
Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!'
Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him.
Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?'
Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—'
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl.
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life.
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened.
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more.
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more.
Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice.
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it.
As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words.
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again.
As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one.
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt.
As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!'
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!'
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry.
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?'
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!'
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today!
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like.
As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things.
As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them.
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!'
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong?
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?'
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!'
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him.
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?'
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter.
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes.
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009.
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big.
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang.
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry.
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around.
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy.
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?'
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . .
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty.
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket. 'And yours?' After a moment's hesitation the boy replied: 'Mine's . . . People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!"
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?"
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible!
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded.
As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word!
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them.
As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that,
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young!
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well.
As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress!
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice.
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it.
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.'
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick!
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then.
As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel!
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!'
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail.
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking.
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction."
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark.
Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long.
At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that,
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young!
At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well.
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money.
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field."
At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
At least you've won something.
At least you've won something. What did the others think?
At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?'
At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled.
At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?'
At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big.
At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars.
At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that.
At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent. Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming.
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.'
At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind.
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer?
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock!
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion. And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away.
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit.
Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more.
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more.
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
Be merciful!'
Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars.
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear.
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows?
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then.
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand.
Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes."
Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car.
Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?"
Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up.
Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
Better go to the thermal springs.
Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
Better to die and be done with it.
Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.'
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
Bucking comes from the lower back.
Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.'
Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?'
Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this.
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right.
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money.
But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand.
But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go.
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute.
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not. It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed.
But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either.
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this.
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about?
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?"
But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses."
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?'
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!'
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today!
But Trinket was not finished yet.
But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one.
But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back.
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently.
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied.
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!'
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then.
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly.
But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though.
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is:
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?'
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!'
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today!
But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!'
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!'
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear.
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it.
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded.
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming.
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something.
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me?
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there.
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
But of this, for the time being, no more.
But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
But sharp!
But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though.
But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.'
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to.
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy.
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me?
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too.
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before.
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair.
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
But that's no problem.
But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him.
But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?'
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental."
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes.
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009.
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big.
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang.
But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
But to no avail.
But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking.
But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?'
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more.
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her. From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away.
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know."
But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much.
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean?
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though.
By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put.
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people.
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that,
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young!
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well.
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
Camera
Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever.
Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world.
Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though.
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er?
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me?
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there.
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people.
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed.
Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind.
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?"
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ...
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned.
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
Come back again after supper.
Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for?
Come in and sit down!'
Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!'
Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie!
Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!'
Come over here and I'll show you.'
Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?'
Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.'
Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works?
Come over here!'
Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer.
Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this.
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about?
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?"
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big.
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang.
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?"
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back.
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain.
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain.
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
Deep down her heart was in knots.
Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
Did you catch us in the act?
Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland.
Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile.
Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander?
Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly.
Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
Do you realize what that would mean?
Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal.
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper.
Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse.
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
Doves cooed in the fields.
Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though.
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.'
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!'
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry.
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.'
Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?'
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang.
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?"
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ...
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned.
Even her teeth began to chatter.
Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by.
Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera."
Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes.
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something.
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it.
Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean?
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?'
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever.
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world.
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped.
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling?
Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness?
Excellent kungfu!
Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!'
Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room.
Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room.
Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp!
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though.
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever.
Finally came the word, "Camera."
Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath.
Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank.
Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled.
Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here.
First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.'
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped.
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling?
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness?
From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy?
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise!
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet?
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless.
From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself.
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth.
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down.
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him.
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in.
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie!
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here.
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does.
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him.
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more.
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
From then on Bao-yu treated Aroma with even greater consideration than before, whilst Aroma for her part redoubled the devotion with which she served him. But of this, for the time being, no more. The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
Give in?'
Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet.
Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
Go out and rob?'
Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless.
Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they?
Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?"
Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
Got it?
Got it? Now—what's it called?'
Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes.
Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out? There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something.
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for?
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
Grandma gasped.
Grandma gasped. What was she feeling?
Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness?
Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy?
Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears.
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –'
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!'
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard.
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!'
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
Grandma was drenched with sweat.
Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer?
Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock!
Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped.
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling?
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness?
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy?
Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away.
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit.
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us!
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to?
Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really.
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something.
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right.
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.'
Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up.
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back.
Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently.
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou?
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here.
Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?'
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion. And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress!
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.'
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating.
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!'
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen!
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
Had enough?
Had enough? Give in?'
Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet.
Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed.
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing?
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?'
Have you had dinner yet?
Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless.
Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they?
Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?"
Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for?
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you!
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset.
Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me.
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put.
He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did?
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go.
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute.
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er?
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?'
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.'
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.'
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed.
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him.
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?'
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No!
He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket,
He could not see any stars.
He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not. It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.'
He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket.
He couldn't do anything about it.
He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did?
He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
He covered his eyes and began to cry.
He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around.
He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around. Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down.
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him.
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in.
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home.
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
He didn't know how long he stayed there.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
He didn't put up much of a fight!'
He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?"
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least."
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine.
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all.
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel!
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!'
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go.
He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry.
He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around.
He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around. Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning.
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch.
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then!
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!'
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something.
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think?
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?'
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled.
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?'
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard.
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good!
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back.
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.'
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her.
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows?
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
He had pledged his word!
He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong?
He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?'
He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried.
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!'
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free.
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it.
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle.
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
He hadn't slept all night.
He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep.
He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on.
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental."
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth.
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down.
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him.
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in.
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
He helped himself to a cake.
He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone.
He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same!
He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time.
He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
He is trying to be nice to us!"
He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!"
He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it!
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed.
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!'
He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you?
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars.
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned.
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—"
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true.
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away.
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know."
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up.
He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be?
He patted the red bundle.
He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!'
He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same!
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time.
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—'
He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!'
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows?
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right.
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money.
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake.
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.'
He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die!
He put the glasses on and looked around.
He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars.
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!'
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!'
He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
He said he could lend me some things.
He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them.
He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter.
He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
He said it didn't matter.
He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er?
He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did?
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go.
He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
He said that's the way it goes around here.
He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess.
He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit!
He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs?
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail.
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking.
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen!
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement.
He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range. Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big.
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.'
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name?
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?'
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty.
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.'
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it!
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened.
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?'
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away.
He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something.
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think?
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?'
He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled.
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong?
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?'
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!'
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him.
He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time.
He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!"
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them.
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words.
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again.
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows?
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
He turned around.
He turned around. Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever.
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then.
He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!'
He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry.
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal.
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
He was pretty chuffed.
He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!'
He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!'
He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem.
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?'
He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one.
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction."
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
He was the director, the cousin later told them.
He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?'
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute.
He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not. It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it!
He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong?
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?'
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch.
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!'
He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?' 'Better my arse!' muttered the eunuch. 'Get a move on, will you!' Trinket hurried over to him.
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed.
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!'
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!'
He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie!
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!'
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words.
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.'
Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her.
Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her?
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
Her clothes, too, were soaked.
Her clothes, too, were soaked. She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
Her face was exquisitely made-up.
Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to.
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them.
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice.
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it.
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
Her heart turned to ice.
Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it.
Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that?
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!"
Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating.
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!'
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
Her mind just went blank.
Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled.
Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out.
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed.
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?'
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt.
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings.
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them.
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
His hand rested on it.
His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle.
His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home.
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something.
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
How are you?
How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!'
How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money.
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
How can we possibly see it?"
How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses."
How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?"
How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
How do you get to that place?
How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable.
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word!
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong?
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long.
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away.
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset.
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put.
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back.
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place?
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
Howsomever.
Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then.
Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear.
I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
I am much too young!
I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well.
I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking.
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
I can tell people who I've seen.
I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces!
I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.'
I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night.
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place?
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did?
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go.
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute.
I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess.
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit!
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs?
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act?
I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland.
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship.
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship. She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well.
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship. She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy.
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship. She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me?
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship. She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too.
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship. She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before.
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship. She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair.
I did not leave that night—Chen Qingyang caught me and asked me to stay in the name of our great friendship. She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
I didn't say anything.
I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is:
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
I don't know where he's from.'
I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it!
I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed.
I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
I don't need you to teach me, either.
I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!'
I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard.
I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for?
I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind.
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
I felt very strange after I heard her words.
I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed.
I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
I finished almost right away.
I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset.
I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable.
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears.
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!'
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard.
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good!
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental."
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around.
I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here.
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.'
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well.
I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!'
I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer.
I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good!
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back.
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.'
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
I kept silent as I heard the words.
I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again.
I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.'
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
I must try and get a look.
I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen.
I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces!
I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.'
I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed.
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing?
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?'
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again.
I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?'
I passed out instantly.
I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
I quite understand.'
I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.'
I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly.
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs.
I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me?
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too.
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before.
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair.
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking.
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
I said: What can he do to me?
I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there.
I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home.
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something.
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?'
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again.
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?'
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well.
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean?
I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me.
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here.
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.'
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words.
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again.
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
I told him that I might not be able to return them.
I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter.
I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er?
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here.
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned.
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech."
I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense.
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking.
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff?
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while.
I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
I was waiting for your instructions.'
I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then.
I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening.
I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look.
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen.
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces!
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.'
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No.
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set.
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either.
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!'
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard.
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.'
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.'
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.'
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name?
I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?'
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?'
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.'
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand.
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes."
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car.
I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
I'll bring my stake.
I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.'
I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die!
I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu!
I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!'
I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room.
I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
I'll pop if you don't!'
I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?'
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?'
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.'
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed.
I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
I'm not afraid.
I'm not afraid. Live or die!
I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!'
I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten. If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace.
I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement.
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for?
I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you!
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go?
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?'
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.'
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?'
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.'
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more.
I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget.
I've lost my balls!'
I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go?
I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?'
I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.'
I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?'
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did?
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go.
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess.
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit!
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs?
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act?
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland.
If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile.
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place?
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.'
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket.
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something.
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it!
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?'
If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening.
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded.
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about?
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?"
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses."
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?"
If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No.
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set.
If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly.
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?'
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?'
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.'
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it.
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there.
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words.
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand.
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes."
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look.
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen.
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces!
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same!
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time.
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—'
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip.
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse.
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie!
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here.
If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever.
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No.
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set.
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise!
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine.
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid.
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die!
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!'
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten. If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!'
In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him.
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all.
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff?
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
In any case, I don't know her very well.
In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife. Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
In any case, slapping me was unfair.
In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
In fact, I didn't last too long.
In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away.
In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset.
In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though.
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel!
In minutes he was sound asleep.
In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech."
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense.
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much.
In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that?
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!"
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there.
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute.
In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not. It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt.
In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking. I shoved him right in the chest, pushing him down on his butt. Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though.
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind.
In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
Inside the camera was a different world.
Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
It ends forever.
It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world.
It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people.
It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people.
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
It seemed necessary back then, though.
It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait!
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice.
It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
It was a day of freedom for them.
It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right.
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me.
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.'
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.'
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent. Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out.
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that?
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one.
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?'
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied.
It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!'
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry.
It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something.
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right.
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am.
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.'
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then.
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is:
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words.
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old.
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it.
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me.
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it?
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?'
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean?
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean? The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
It's absolutely foolproof!'
It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch.
It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then!
It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!'
It's all empty show, really.
It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am.
It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.'
It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then.
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
It's not a big deal.
It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal.
It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient." As he spoke, Sha typed quickly at the terminal. Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
It's only a question of saying a few words.
It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.'
It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman.
It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her?
It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
It's only my nephew.'
It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!'
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!' When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?"
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
It's up to us to think of something.
It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
It's very old.
It's very old. There are several copies of it.
It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me.
It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it?
It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?'
It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
It's very old. There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper.
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!'
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie!
Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!'
Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
Joy?
Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
Just a visit to relations.'
Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.' Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something.
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway. Inside, under the window in the south wall, there was a kang covered with a dark-red carpet. At the east end of the kang, up against the wooden partition wall, were a backrest and bolster, both covered in gold brocade, and a large flat cushion for sitting on, also glittering with gold thread. Beside them stood a silver spittoon. Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her.
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.'
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in. I thought I would wait for the young mistress to come back and explain it all to her. I hope she won't be angry with me for pushing myself forward.' Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here.
Just bring them all to me.
Just bring them all to me. Got it?
Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?'
Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
Just for my sake!'
Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie!
Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!'
Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
Just imagine the look on their faces!
Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.'
Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night.
Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.'
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –'
Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out.
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking.
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears.
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess.
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit!
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs?
Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act?
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter.
Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
Laurel!'
Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait!
Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
Let her check his back.
Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine.
Let me serve you!'
Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry.
Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.'
Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from?
Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
Let's hope it works.'
Let's hope it works.' 'Works?
Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work.
Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!'
Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
Little White Dragon—forget it!
Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?'
Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
Live or die!
Live or die! My word is my wand!'
Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten. If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
Long live liberated feet!'
Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
Look at you!
Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right.
Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me.
Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.'
Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh.
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed.
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people.
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused. It seemed many people didn't believe Wang Er so much as existed. That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend."
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while.
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable.
Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money.
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field."
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain.
Maybe she'd like it.
Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything.
Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work. He didn't seem to hear me, so I snatched the tether from him and he slapped me without thinking.
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him.
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in.
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home.
Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put.
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back.
Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.'
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –'
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today!
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like.
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this.
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?'
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!'
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up. Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt.
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?'
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No!
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket,
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it!
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
Misty gave a little grunt.
Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no!
Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no!
Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!'
Misty had beaten him to it!
Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried.
Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!'
Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free.
Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
Misty laughed and set him free.
Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt.
Misty laughed.
Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid.
Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die!
Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!'
Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die! My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt.
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no!
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!'
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!'
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake.
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone.
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same!
Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time.
Misty rose to his feet.
Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed.
Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right.
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money.
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake.
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.'
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die!
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu!
Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no!
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no!
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!'
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!'
Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
Misty started coming at him.
Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?'
Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No!
Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket,
Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt.
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed.
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!'
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend."
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while.
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
Most probably he got away all right.'
Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night.
Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep.
Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
Mrs Lian is still there.'
Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick!
Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then.
Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking.
My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!'
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
My word is my wand!'
My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
My word is my wand!' They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten. If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!'
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room.
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room.
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
My words still echoed in her ears.
My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it.
My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there.
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
Never heard of him.
Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me. By the time Luo Xiaosi left, Chen Qingyang was confused.
Never!' protested Trinket,
Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it!
Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried.
Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!'
Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me."
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!"
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened.
No one could successfully track me.
No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain.
No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet?
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless.
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they?
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?"
No trouble at all.'
No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman.
No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her.
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them.
Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms. It was a day of freedom for them. That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it.
Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?' The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all.
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion. And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though.
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is:
Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?'
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again.
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?'
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well.
Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!'
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word!
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong?
Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing. 'Goong-goong? Are you feeling any better?'
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is:
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
Now—what's it called?'
Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men. As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men. As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men. As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men. As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men. As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men. As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings.
ON HER SIXTEENTH birthday, my grandma was betrothed by her father to Shan Bianlang, the son of Shan Tingxiu, one of Northeast Gaomi Township's richest men. As distillery owners, the Shans used cheap sorghum to produce a strong, high-quality white wine that was famous throughout the area. Northeast Gaomi Township is largely swampy land that is flooded by autumn rains; but since the tall sorghum stalks resist waterlogging, it was planted everywhere and invariably produced a bumper crop. By using cheap grain to make wine, the Shan family made a very good living, and marrying my grandma off to them was a real feather in Great-Granddad's cap. Many local families had dreamed of marrying into the Shan family, despite rumours that Shan Bianlang had leprosy. His father was a wizened little man who sported a scrawny queue on the back of his head, and even though his cupboards overflowed with gold and silver, he wore tattered, dirty clothes, often using a length of rope as a belt. Grandma's marriage into the Shan family was the will of heaven, implemented on a day when she and some of her playmates, with their tiny bound feet and long pigtails, were playing beside a set of swings. It was Qingming, the day set aside to attend ancestral graves; peach trees were in full red bloom, willows were green, a fine rain was falling, and the girls' faces looked like peach blossoms.
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened.
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
Occasionally he would come over to see her.
Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
Of course it will work.
Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!'
Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch.
Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then!
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course!
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it!
Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library. That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me.
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others. When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look.
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen.
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces!
Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
Okay, it's all set.
Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise!
Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet?
Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour." The night was moonless.
Okay, rock!
Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip.
Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today.
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something.
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think?
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?'
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled.
Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .' He had another coughing fit, and went on: 'You've done quite well today. At least you've won something. What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?'
Old Hai humphed again.
Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?'
Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!'
Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well.
Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!'
Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ... I just can't keep my mind on anything!' 'Very well. Come over here!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked a few steps closer.
Old Hai humphed.
Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing?
Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before.
Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.'
Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?'
Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again.
Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?'
Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing? I suppose you're only a child though, you've never done it before. Now, about the book— I hope you haven't forgotten.' 'The book?' Old Hai humphed again. 'Have you forgotten everything?' 'Goong-goong, I... I've got this terrible headache . . . and I'm so worried about your cough ...
Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you?
Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either.
Old Hai humphed. 'You want to wangle some moves out of me, don't you? The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch.
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then!
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!'
Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck. Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
Old Hai scowled at him.
Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for?
Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit!
Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all.
Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
Old Hai scowled at him. 'What do you want to go lending money to that Wu fellow for? He doesn't even work in the Upper Library, dammit! You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?'
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—'
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.'
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to. Old Hai scowled at him.
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever.
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go.
Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody. But as my old face is tough enough to stand a slap or two, it's up to me to go. So be it, then.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist.
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes. Off they went, floating along as though riding the clouds or sailing through a mist. Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat.
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer?
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock!
One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there.
One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard.
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!'
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend."
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while.
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible." They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail.
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
One thing was certain.
One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain.
Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief. One thing was certain. No matter what was at the end of the countdown, in the remaining one thousand or so hours, the possibilities would torture him cruelly, like demons, until he suffered a complete mental breakdown.
Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten. If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
Our parents will be worried!"
Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?'
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
PAD
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her. She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
Patience at once made up her mind what to do.
Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here.
Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.'
Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
Patience at once made up her mind what to do. 'Let them come in here. They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that,
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded.
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming.
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
People call me Misty.
People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake.
People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone.
People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
People call me Misty. Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
People stared at her.
People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes.
People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
People told him that I wasn't a mute.
People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not. It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things.
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away.
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit.
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us!
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to?
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know."
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up.
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be?
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress!
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter. As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter. As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter. As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter. As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter. As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter. As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened.
Qin-shi was surprised to hear Bao-yu call out her childhood name in his sleep, but did not like to pursue the matter. As she stood wondering, Bao-yu, who was still bemused after his dream and not yet in full possession of his faculties, got out of bed and began to stretch himself and to adjust his clothes, assisted by Aroma. As she was doing up his trousers, her hand, chancing to stray over his thigh, came into contact with something cold and sticky which caused her to draw it back in alarm and ask him if he was all right. Instead of answering, he merely reddened and gave the hand a squeeze. Aroma had always been an intelligent girl. She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field."
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned.
Sadness?
Sadness? Joy?
Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer?
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock!
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved. They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip.
See you here at noon tomorrow.'
See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die!
See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu!
See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!'
See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room.
See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room. Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them.
Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper.
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data.
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big.
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang.
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?"
Sha Ruishan's job was to create a more detailed map of the cosmic microwave background using observational data. The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ...
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
Sha grinned.
Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech."
Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense.
Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me."
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!"
Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?"
Sha picked up the phone.
Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while.
Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand.
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes."
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car.
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?"
Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least."
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction."
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
Sha was excited to see Wang.
Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?"
Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ...
Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned.
Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email. Sha grinned. Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields.
Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
She accomplished a lot in this field."
She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned.
She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—"
She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true.
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well.
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy.
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me?
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too.
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before.
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair.
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
She admitted that she'd been wrong to slap me, and that she hadn't treated me well. But she said my great friendship was phony, and the reason I had tricked her into coming was to study her anatomy. I said if she thought I was a faker, why did she believe me? I did want to study her anatomy, but that was with her permission, too. If she didn't like the idea, she could have told me before. In any case, slapping me was unfair. She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while.
She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me?
She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
She bit her lip.
She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse.
She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
She could not catch her breath.
She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank.
She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled.
She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause. Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped.
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling?
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness?
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy?
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to.
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh.
She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
She forced herself to say something.
She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right.
She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.'
She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages.
She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?'
She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for?
She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you!
She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right.
She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here? What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me.
She got used to it after a while.
She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me?
She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there.
She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently.
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou?
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here.
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?'
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin.
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right.
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.'
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages.
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?'
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
She had no problem with that.
She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words.
She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed.
She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
She had yet to figure that out.
She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that?
She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!"
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera."
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath.
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank.
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
She hung up.
She hung up. What can it be?
She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body.
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry.
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
She laughed hard for a while and said she simply couldn't bear the sight of that thing on my body. It looked silly and shameless, and whenever she saw him, she just couldn't help getting angry. We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
She left after making sure everything was fine.
She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff?
She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
She lives round at the back.
She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently.
She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou?
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that,
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young!
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well.
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.'
She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young! In any case, I don't know her very well. I don't know what sort of relations we are and what I should call her.' 'This is the Grannie Liu I was just telling you about,' said Zhou Rui's wife.
She must be a very capable young woman.
She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp!
She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to.
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared.
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking.
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah. Keep rocking!' one of the bearers roared. 'Keep rocking. Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears.
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her.
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it.
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out.
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over. Delighted with his good luck, Jia Rong hurriedly forestalled her. 'I'll get some of my own people to carry it. Don't put yours to a lot of trouble!' and he hurried out. Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
She picked up right away.
She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know."
She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up.
She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be?
She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle.
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!'
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields.
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
She ripped the tart-smelling veil away from her face and laid it on her knees. She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt. Grandma stood confidently; lightning crackled in the clouds overhead and shattered her radiant smile into a million shifting shards. The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew. That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you.
She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff?
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you.
She says please thank them very much for coming.
She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.'
She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say.
She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress.
She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.' 'Well all right then, if you are sure you have nothing to say. But if you have got anything to say, you really ought to tell the mistress. It will be just the same as if you were to say it to Her Ladyship.'
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one. I went over to tell him that the buffalo had been bitten by a poisonous snake and couldn't work.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.'
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.' Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.'
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
She turned to the pages.
She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?'
She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.'
She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by.
She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while.
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me?
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes. There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that?
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!"
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter.
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up.
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day.
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
She was following local wedding customs, which dictated that a bride wear three layers of new clothes, top and bottom, no matter how hot the day. The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace.
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots.
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating.
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!'
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life.
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened.
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment.
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
She was, in any case, a year or two older than Bao-yu and had recently begun to have some understanding of the facts of life. Observing the condition that Bao-yu was in, she therefore had more than an inkling of what had happened. Abandoning her question, she busied herself with his clothes, her cheeks suffused by a crimson blush of embarrassment. When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie!
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha!
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me.
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here.
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does.
She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie! After you've made such a long pilgrimage, we won't let you go home without seeing a real Buddha! By rights, of course, Callers and Visitors has nothing to do with me. You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots.
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous.
She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened. But then, just before the day of her screen test, she broke down and asked Wu Peizhen to go with her so that she would not be too nervous. Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.'
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick!
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then.
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp!
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though.
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp! Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her?
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace.
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
Shortly after leaving the village, the lazy musicians stopped playing, while the bearers quickened their pace. The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words.
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again.
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again. The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence. Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating.
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!'
Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all.
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed. The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that.
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words.
Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set.
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk."
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M."
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise!
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway.
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet?
Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set. From now on, if such great fluctuations occur, the data will be automatically saved to disk." "I think it might happen around one o'clock A.M." "Wow, so precise! No problem, since I'm working the night shift, anyway. Have you had dinner yet? Good, then I'll take you on a tour."
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable.
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears.
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it.
Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
Slowly they let go.
Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress!
So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it.
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything.
So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
So I became obsessed.
So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me.
So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er?
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students. The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked.
So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues. It never crossed my mind that I didn't look back as I walked. Since I couldn't imagine these things, they must be evidence of my existence.
So I had no choice but to stay put.
So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back.
So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
So I started smoking.
So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
So be it, then.
So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.'
So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled.
So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn.
So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city.
So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
So be it, then. If any good does come of the visit, we shall all of us benefit.' And so, that very evening, the matter was settled. Next day Grannie Liu was up before dawn. As soon as she had washed and done her hair, she set about teaching Ban-er a few words to say to the ladies at the great house – an exercise to which he submitted cheerfully enough, as would any little boy of four or five who had been promised an outing to the great city. That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long.
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away.
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset.
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman.
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that.
So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.'
So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket.
So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned.
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—"
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true.
So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!'
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself. That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go?
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking.
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that!
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities.
Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you? First, when you met her, you couldn't get a word out; then, when you did start talking, it was all "your nephew" this and "your nephew" that! I hope you won't mind my saying so, but even if the child was a real nephew you would still need to go a bit easy on the familiarities. Now Master Rong, he is her real nephew.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by.
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera."
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath.
Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry.
Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around.
Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around. Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course!
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it!
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain. The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen.
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate.
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
Soon a flat green line appeared on the screen. "This curve is the real-time measurement of the overall cosmic microwave background—oh, calling it a straight line would be more accurate. The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.'
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .'
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches.
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears.
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
Sooner or later she'll have to say something.' 'Elder brothers . . . spare me . . .' Grandma pleaded desperately between agonising retches. Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked.
Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked. She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice.
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it.
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped.
Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped. What was she feeling?
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly.
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking.
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking. The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors.
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures.
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech."
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense.
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
Starting at the turn of the century, the Miyun Radio Astronomy Observatory had opened itself to visitors. In order to earn some extra income, Sha often played the role of tour guide or gave lectures. This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much.
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes."
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car.
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?"
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least."
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine.
Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't. She had no problem with that. When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words.
Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?'
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings.
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting.
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.'
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?' 'Well, after today's game, I met this . . . little eunuch, who stood in my way and asked me to give him some of my winnings. I wouldn't, so we ended up fighting. That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.'
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter.
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper.
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push. 'What did your Pa tell you to say when we got here?
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter.
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by.
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera."
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly.
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent. Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
Surrender?'
Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light.
Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
That didn't bother her at all.
That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
That done, she set off on her journey, and in due course made her way to Two Dukes Street. There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself!
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!'
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai.
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes!
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!'
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go?
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?'
That means I've become a little Palace Eunuch myself! I've lost my balls!' 'Did you take in what I said just now?' growled Old Hai. 'Yes, Goong-goong, yes! I've got to go to His Majesty's Upper Library!' 'And why have you got to go? To play?' 'To steal a book.'
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words.
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing. After a while I walked away again.
That must be it!
That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine.
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff?
That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to.
That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
That should fix the little bugger!'
That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard.
That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good!
That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back.
That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back. You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off.
That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them.
That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter.
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long.
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away.
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset.
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it:
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed.
That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset. Chen Qingyang said she couldn't believe it: I actually had the impudence to display my ugly male organ in front of her, without feeling the least embarrassed. The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
That was what happened in the morning.
That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here.
That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er?
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating.
That year Grandma was five feet four inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She was wearing a cotton print jacket over green satin trousers, with scarlet bands of silk tied around her ankles. Since it was drizzling, she had put on a pair of embroidered slippers soaked a dozen times in tong oil, which made a squishing sound when she walked. Her long shiny braids shone, and a heavy silver necklace hung around her neck – Great-Granddad was a silversmith. Great-Grandma, the daughter of a landlord who had fallen on hard times, knew the importance of bound feet to a girl, and had begun binding her daughter's feet when she was six years old, tightening the bindings every day. A yard in length, the cloth bindings were wound around all but the big toes until the bones cracked and the toes turned under. The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me."
That's all he ever does.
That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though.
That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing –
That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer. It's Master Lian's wife who does all the managing – You'll never guess who that is:
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?"
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses."
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?"
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" .
That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
That's the sort of person a lady like that calls "nephew" . Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion. And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
That's what confused people.
That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
That's what confused people. What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!'
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .'
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'.
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself.
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking?
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course!
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it!
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
That's when you find a way to steal the book . . .' Something was beginning to fall into place in Trinket's mind, with all these references to 'His Majesty'. 'Could this be the Palace, the Forbidden City itself!' he thought silently to himself. 'Have I been wrong all this time, about it being the number one whore-house in Peking? Aiyeeh! Of course! That must be it! These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
That's why I was so late for lunch.'
That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.'
That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger.
That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him.
That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.'
That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name?
That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?'
That's why I was so late for lunch.' 'He beat you, presumably.' 'He was bigger than me, and stronger. He says I've got to fight with him every day, until I can beat him. Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty.
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
The Film Studio
The Film Studio FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio.
The Film Studio FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio.
The Film Studio FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl.
The Film Studio FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady.
The Film Studio FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit.
The Film Studio FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion.
The Film Studio FOUR DECADES THE story spans, and it all began the day she went to the film studio. The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place?
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace.
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
The air whisked against her as he passed by.
The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera."
The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath.
The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank.
The answer's no!
The answer's no! A hundred times no!
The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!'
The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!'
The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet.
The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.'
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself.
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either.
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
The answer's no, so it's no use trying.' 'Clever Old Turtle-head!' thought Trinket, silently cursing to himself. This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!'
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart.
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields.
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair.
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart.
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!'
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble.
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp.
The aroma of sorghum burrowed into her heart. Full-voiced strange and rare birds sang to her from the fields. A picture of what she imagined to be the bridegroom slowly took shape from the threads of sunlight filtering into the darkness of the sedan chair. Painful needle pricks jabbed her heart. 'Old Man in heaven, protect me!' Her silent prayer made her delicate lips tremble. A light down adorned her upper lip, and her fair skin was damp. Every soft word she uttered was swallowed up by the rough walls of the carriage and the heavy curtain before her.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!'
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
The bearers quickened their pace.
The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked.
The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked. She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo.
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin.
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it.
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle.
The bearers stopped in their tracks and stared dumbstruck at the highwayman of medium height who stood in the road, his legs akimbo. He had smeared his face black and was wearing a conical rain hat woven of sorghum stalks and a broad-shouldered rain cape open in front to reveal a black buttoned jacket and a wide leather belt, in which a protruding object was tucked, bundled in red satin. His hand rested on it. The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
The bearers' banter turned coarse.
The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail.
The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun. 'Puke-ah, puke-ah.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room. Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room. Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room. Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room. Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room. Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room. Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in.
The boots reached the door, and came on into the room. Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
The boy burst out laughing.
The boy burst out laughing. 'Well?
The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough?
The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?'
The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet.
The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
The boy crashed down right on top of him.
The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?'
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go.
The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps. Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?'
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light.
The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light.
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing.
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well?
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough?
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?'
The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet.
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?'
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light.
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him.
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light.
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing.
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well?
The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough?
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on.
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
The city students said, That's bullshit!
The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs?
The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act?
The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland.
The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile.
The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander?
The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background. The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor. All this became somewhat boring. The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all.
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me."
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.
The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera."
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath.
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank.
The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target. Finally came the word, "Camera." Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
The day before, Wu Peizhen had agreed to take Wang Qiyao to have a look around the studio. Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle. Summer was giving way to autumn, and the sunlight outside the sedan chair was brilliant. The bouncing movements of the bearers rocked the chair slowly from side to side; the leather lining of their poles groaned and creaked, the curtain fluttered gently, letting in an occasional ray of sunlight and, from time to time, a whisper of cool air. Grandma was sweating profusely and her heart was racing as she listened to the rhythmic footsteps and heavy breathing of the bearers. The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
The director became quite close with the girls and they eventually stopped blushing in his presence. A few times, when Wu Peizhen's cousin was not in the studio, they even went straight to look for the director. He had given them the nicknames "Zhen Zhen" and "Yao Yao," as if they were characters in his latest movie. Behind their backs he described Zhen Zhen to his colleagues as a graceless servant girl right out of Dream of the Red Chamber, a little cleaning maid who thinks she is special just because she is employed in a large, wealthy household. Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows?
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened. But the image of that crimson wedding veil and the dazzling studio lights were already imprinted in her mind and reappeared whenever she closed her eyes.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.'
The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something! The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry.
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around.
The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around. Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress!
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her?
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it. The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No.
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE. Okay, it's all set.
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while.
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me?
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away.
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there.
The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me? If things get really bad, I can simply run the hell away. What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
The first thing she said was: Don't worry. If you're paralyzed, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked.
The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked. She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction."
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from?
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look.
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion.
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.'
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home.
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back.
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
The gentlemen ignored her request and returned to their discussion. After she had waited there for some considerable time one of them said,' If you stand at that gate along there on the corner, someone from inside the house should be coming out presently.' But a more elderly man among them protested that it was 'a shame to send her on a fool's errand', and turning to Grannie Liu he said, 'Old Zhou is away in the South at the moment, but his missus is still at home. She lives round at the back. You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever.
The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them.
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out.
The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt.
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes.
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
The highwayman began pushing her into the sorghum field, his hand never leaving the object at his belt. She stared at Yu Zhan'ao with a feverish look in her eyes. Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard.
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!'
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties. Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out.
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste.
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed. She was afraid that Wang Qiyao had not liked the studio and the whole trip had been a complete waste. Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day.
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record?
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write.
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
The inhabitants of the Rong mansion, if we include all of them from the highest to the humblest in our total, numbered more than three hundred souls, who produced between them a dozen or more incidents in a single day. Faced with so exuberant an abundance of material, what principle should your chronicler adopt to guide him in his selection of incidents to record? As we pondered the problem where to begin, it was suddenly solved for us by the appearance as it were out of nowhere of someone from a very humble, very insignificant household who, on the strength of a very tenuous, very remote family connection with the Jias, turned up at the Rong mansion on the very day of which we are about to write. Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard.
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!'
The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!' The gloomy faces of the bearers and musicians revealed their anxieties.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
The inside of her skull felt cold one minute, as though filled with shiny pebbles, and hot the next, as though filled with coarse peppers. After Shan Tingxiu had spotted Grandma, a stream of people came to congratulate Great-Granddad and Great-Grandma. Grandma pondered what it would be like to mount to the jingle of gold and dismount to the tinkle of silver, but what she truly longed for was a good husband, handsome and well educated, a man who would treat her gently. As a young maiden, she had embroidered a wedding trousseau and several exquisite pictures for the man who would someday become my granddad. Eager to marry, she heard innuendos from her girlfriends that the Shan boy was afflicted with leprosy, and her dreams began to evaporate. Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
The inside of the sedan chair was badly worn and terribly dirty, like a coffin; it had already embraced countless other brides, now long dead. The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
The lab wasn't very big.
The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites.
The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang.
The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see.
The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background."
The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?"
The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ...
The lab wasn't very big. Equipment for receiving satellite data was squeezed into the main computer room, and three terminals displayed the information sent by the three satellites. Sha was excited to see Wang. Clearly bored with his long isolation and happy to have a visitor, he asked Wang what kind of data he wanted to see. "I want to see the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background." "Can you ... be more specific?" "What I mean is ... I want to see the isotropic fluctuation in the overall cosmic microwave background, between one and five percent," he said, quoting from Shen's email.
The left button switches it on.
The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental."
The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
The lights turned on and off.
The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed.
The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
The lights turned on and off. In the end, the woman in bed stopped moving and stayed still in the same position for quite some time before the lights once again dimmed. When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance. Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction."
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old.
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman.
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!'
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife.
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across.
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian.
The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation. 'This Mrs Lian,' said Grannie Liu: 'she can't be more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She must be a very capable young woman. Fancy her being able to run a great household like this!' 'Oh Grannie, you have no idea!' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Mrs Lian may be young, but when it comes to doing things, she's got an older head on her shoulders than any I've ever come across. She's grown up to be a real beauty too, has Mrs Lian. But sharp!
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit!
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs?
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act?
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland.
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile.
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander?
The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
The long journey has bored us to tears.'
The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness.
The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!'
The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –'
The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
The long journey has bored us to tears.' Grandma quickly snatched up her red veil and covered her face, gently drawing her foot back from beneath the curtain and returning the carriage to darkness. 'Sing us a song while we bear you along!' The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes.
The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing. Asked by Wu Peizhen if they could see some movie stars, the cousin looked embarrassed. He told them that there was not a single big star on any of the sets that day, explaining that it was not every day that big movie stars had scenes. The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
The meeting was a complete mess.
The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit!
The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs?
The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act?
The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland.
The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile.
The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit! Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander?
The men all gasped in amazement.
The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
The military deputy came to our team to do some grassroots investigation and then stayed. According to him, he wouldn't give up until he made Wang Er talk. His visit could be accounted for in two ways: one was that he came down to our team for the investigation, but when he met someone like me who played dumb with him, he got pissed off and decided to stay; the other was that he came down to our team not for investigation, but to pick on me, after hearing that Chen Qingyang and I had a love affair. Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did?
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go.
The mistress!
The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet.
The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said.
The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress.
The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond.
The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
The mistress! She'll be coming out now!' and Patience and Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to their feet. 'Just stay here, Grannie,' they said. 'When it is time for you to see her, we shall come in and fetch you'; and they went off with the other servants to greet their mistress. As Grannie Liu sat in silence, waiting with bated breath and head cocked to one side for her summons, she heard a far-off sound of laughter, followed presently by a sound of rustling dresses as between ten and twenty women entered the reception room and passed from it into the room beyond. Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
The moment I had the cigarette finished, she embraced me and we did it on the grass. Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with.
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake.
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you.
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!'
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room.
The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng. 'Take this for the time being to make some winter clothes for the children with. Some time later on, when you have nothing better to do, look in on us for a day or two for kinship's sake. It's late now, so I won't try to keep you. Give our regards to everybody who ought to be remembered when you get back!' She rose to her feet, and Grannie Liu, with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, picked up the money and followed Zhou Rui's wife out of the room. 'My dear good woman,' said the latter when they were out of earshot, 'whatever came over you?
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on.
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high. Her face, suddenly old and desiccated, was pearled with tears. She heard the sound of death in the gentle melancholy of the tune, and smelled its breath; she could see the angel of death, with lips as scarlet as sorghum and a smiling face the colour of golden corn. The bearers fell silent and their footsteps grew heavy. The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!'
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt.
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair.
The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you. I'll pop if you don't!' He thumped the object tucked into his belt. The bearers moved slowly behind the sedan chair. Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments.
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair:
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –'
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –'
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around.
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat.
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers.
The musicians, as though snapping out of a trance, struck up their instruments. A trumpet blared from behind the chair: 'Too-tah – too-tah –' 'Poo-pah – poo-pah –' One of the bearers up front imitated the trumpet sound, evoking coarse, raucous laughter all around. Grandma was drenched with sweat. Back home, as she was being lifted into the sedan chair, Great-Grandma had exhorted her not to get drawn into any banter with the bearers. Sedan bearers and musicians are low-class rowdies capable of anything, no matter how depraved.
The new boy was clearly tucking in.
The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now!
The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off!
The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home.
The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.' His thoughts ran on: 'What a fool I was just now! I should have stuffed a whole plateful in my pocket and buggered off! This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
The new scavenger had started hitting something.
The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter.
The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
The night was moonless.
The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they?
The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?"
The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
The night was moonless. They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids.
The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back. After a short while, Chen Qingyang ran over, with messy hair and puffy eyelids. The first thing she said was: Don't worry.
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?'
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.'
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works?
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work.
The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!'
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied.
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!'
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
The other side picked up only after a long while.
The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
The pain was excruciating.
The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism!
The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!'
The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
The pain was excruciating. My mother also had bound feet, and just seeing them saddened me so much that I felt compelled to shout: 'Down with feudalism! Long live liberated feet!' The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!'
The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead: 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' Grandma gasped.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession. It was unseemly to 'trample' with an uneven cadence or to grip the poles, and the best bearers kept their hands on their hips the whole time, rocking the sedan chair in perfect rhythm with the musicians' haunting tunes, which reminded everyone within earshot of the hidden suffering in whatever pleasures lay ahead. When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods.
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals.
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature.
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place?
The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy. However, the lowland on the back slope of the deserted mountain was crisscrossed with gullies and ditches; and fragrant grass grew lush in the sparse woods. I could build a thatched hut in some deserted spot, an empty mountain with no human trace—gurgling water with fallen petals. A place like that would help cultivate morality and nourish the inner nature. When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress.
The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut. In those days, I was full of respect for the task, enthusiastic about every kiss and caress. Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know."
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—"
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands.
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe.
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe.
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift.
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight?
The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range. I think it was back in the sixties when two Americans accidentally discovered the radiation when they were testing a supersensitive satellite reception antenna—" "That's more than enough," Sha interrupted, waving his hands. "Then you must know that unlike the local variations we observe in different parts of the universe, the overall fluctuation in the cosmic microwave background is correlated with the expansion of the universe. It's a very slow change measured at the scale of the age of the universe. Even with the sensitivity of the Planck satellite, continuous observation for a million years might not detect any such shift. But you want to see a five percent fluctuation tonight? Do you realize what that would mean?
The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked.
The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked. She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked.
The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked. She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind.
The red light had come from more than ten billion years ago. It was the remnants of the big bang, the still-warm embers of Creation. He could not see any stars. Normally, since visible light would be compressed to invisible by the glasses, each star should appear as a black dot. But the diffraction of centimeter-wave radiation overwhelmed all other shapes and details. Once his eyes had grown used to the sight, Wang could see that the faint red background was indeed pulsing. The entire sky flickered, as if the universe was but a quivering lamp in the wind. Standing under the flashing dome of the night sky, Wang suddenly felt the universe shrink until it was so small that only he was imprisoned in it.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
The results of Grandma's suffering were two three-inch golden lotuses, and by the age of sixteen she had grown into a well-developed beauty. When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental."
The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
The sacrificial choking sounds from inside the chair and the woodwind accompaniment had made them restless and uneasy, had set their souls adrift. No longer did it seem like a wedding procession as they negotiated the dirt road; it was more like a funeral procession. My grandfather, the bearer directly in front of Grandma's foot, felt a strange premonition blazing inside him and illuminating the path his life would take. The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one.
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them.
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure. When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace.
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip.
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse.
The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do.
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon.
The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue. Suddenly she felt feverish, and the tremors worked their way from her knees up through her body. Even her teeth began to chatter. All the mystery and grandeur of the film studio hung suspended in the light shimmering outside her veil. Someone came and straightened out her clothing and then quickly walked off set. The air whisked against her as he passed by. The crimson veil fluttered a bit, for a moment softening the anxieties of that afternoon. She heard a series of "okay"s repeating in rhythmic succession around her, as if converging upon a common target.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera
The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
The sky brightened.
The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on.
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental."
The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe.
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed.
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry.
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor. He felt a giant, invisible hand caressing his trembling heart, and he was once again a helpless babe. Something deep in his mind that had once held him up softened like wax and collapsed. He covered his eyes and began to cry. Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart.
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground.
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies.
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
The sounds of Grandma's weeping had awakened seeds of affection that had lain dormant deep in his heart. It was time to rest, so the bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground. Grandma, having cried herself into a daze, didn't realise that one of her tiny feet was peeking out from beneath the curtain; the sight of that incomparably delicate, lovely thing nearly drove the souls out of the bearers' bodies. Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body. They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods. The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it.
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules.
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark.
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time.
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!"
The studio simply could not schedule things the way they would like—they had to work around the stars' schedules. Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel!
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!'
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already.
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back.
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er?
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er?
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
The team leader didn't tell me because he thought I knew already. He also thought that since I took so much food with me I probably wouldn't come back. That was why when Luo Xiaosi asked him where Wang Er had gone, he said, Wang Er? Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess.
The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me.
The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me. Luo Xiaosi then made his way to the fifteenth team, asking Chen Qingyang whether she had seen me, and hinting in a roundabout sort of way that she'd had an indecent relationship with me. Chen Qingyang then told him that she knew nothing about me.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang.
The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart. The nurse said they shouldn't try to move me since my back was broken, and I'd be done for. I said, My back seems OK and you guys can just carry me. However, since none of them was sure about whether or not my back was broken, they were all afraid to move me. So I had no choice but to stay put. Finally, the team leader came over and said, Go phone Chen Qingyang. Let her check his back.
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K.
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out.
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform.
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though.
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun."
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?"
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No.
The temperature is 2.725±0.002K. The error range is due to the Doppler effect from the motion of the Milky Way, which has already been filtered out. If the kind of fluctuation you anticipate—in excess of one percent—occurs, this line would turn red and become a waveform. I would bet that it's going to stay a flat green line until the end of the world, though. If you want to see it show the kind of fluctuation observable by the naked eye, you might have to wait until long after the death of the sun." "I'm not interfering in your work, am I?" "No. Since you need such low precision, we can just use some basic data from COBE.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases.
The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs. The Qingping thermal springs were mud pools located in a valley, surrounded by nothing but wild, grassy hills. The people who built huts on the hills and lived there year-round were usually patients with a variety of diseases. If I went there, not only wouldn't it cure the pain in my lower back, but worse, I might get leprosy.
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs.
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense.
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear.
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
The thing didn't feel embarrassed either; it just forced its way straight into the hole between her thighs. Because there is this hole in a woman's body, a man thinks he has to use it, which just doesn't make sense. When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could.
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes.
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!'
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle.
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet.
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same.
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma.
The thought flashed through Grandma's mind that there was nothing to be afraid of: if death couldn't frighten her, nothing could. She raised the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who ate fistcakes. 'Hand over the toll, or I'll pop you all!' He patted the red bundle. The musicians reached into their belts, took out the strings of copper coins Great-Granddad had given them, and tossed these at the man's feet. The bearers lowered the sedan chair to the ground, took out their copper coins, and did the same. As he dragged the strings of coins into a pile with his foot, his eyes were fixed on Grandma. 'Get behind the sedan chair, all of you.
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out.
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.'
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip.
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse.
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself. You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable.
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions.
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star.
The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there. Before their visit all of those anecdotes seemed real, but once they had seen the place everything was now entirely unreliable. Numbness had taken hold of them by the time they entered a large room the size of a warehouse, where uniformed workers scurried back and forth, up and down scaffolding, all the while calling out orders and directions. But they did not see a soul who even faintly resembled a movie star. Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
The two of them had a good laugh.
The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind.
The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them.
The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them.
The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed.
The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable. Before long the director sent someone over to escort Wang Qiyao to the set, Wu Peizhen naturally following close behind. The lights were already set up and Wu Peizhen's cousin was up on the scaffolding, smiling down at them. The director, on the other hand, became serious and cold, as if he did not even know them. He had Wang Qiyao sit on a bed. It was a Nanjing-style bed with ornate flower patterns carved into the woodwork, a mirror set into the headboard, and high bed curtains all around—all the signs of rustic elegance.
The two of them set to again.
The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls.
The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off.
The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?'
The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!'
The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior. But for one reason or another (partly Whiskers' lecture, partly because this was, after all, only 'play-fighting' and not in deadly earnest) he didn't avail himself of a single one of the dubious tricks at which he excelled: the finger-twist, the pigtail-pull, the throat-bite, the eye-poke, the ear-yank, the grip-o'-the-balls. As a result he eventually came off the loser again, with Misty sitting on his back, and no hope of throwing him off. 'Surrender?' 'Never!' Misty burst out laughing and jumped up.
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er?
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him.
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me.
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals.
The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me. The team leader said, Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. Luo Xiaosi said, Just a few days ago you called a meeting to denounce him, and the vixen hit him with a stool and almost killed him. Having been reminded that way, the team leader was even more reluctant to refresh his memory about me. It just so happened that at the time a relief delegation from Beijing was coming to investigate how the city students were treated in the countryside, especially whether any had been tied up, beaten, or forced to marry the locals. Because of this, the team leader was even more unwilling to remember me.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs.
The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness. I have a dozen more pairs upstairs. You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
The universe was a cramped heart, and the red light that suffused everything was the translucent blood that filled the organ. Suspended in the blood, he saw that the flickering of the red light was not periodic—the pulsing was irregular. He felt a strange, perverse, immense presence that could never be understood by human intellect. Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!"
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought.
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said.
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said.
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him.
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation.
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal.
The universe would flicker like a fluorescent tube that's about to burn out!" And it will be flickering for me, Wang thought. "This must be some joke from Professor Ye," Sha said. "Nothing would please me more than to discover that it was a joke," Wang said. He was about to tell Sha that Ye didn't know the details of his request, but he was afraid that Sha would then refuse to help him. "Well, since Professor Ye asked me to help you, let's do the observation. It's not a big deal. If you just need one percent precision, data from the antique COBE is sufficient."
The urchin stared back at her impudently.
The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou?
The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here.
The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?'
The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin.
The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!'
The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
The walls were festooned with yellow silk so filthy it oozed grease, and of the five flies caught inside, three buzzed above her head while the other two rested on the curtain before her, rubbing their bright eyes with black stick-like legs. Succumbing to the oppressiveness in the carriage, Grandma eased one of her bamboo-shoot toes under the curtain and lifted it a crack to sneak a look outside. She could make out the shapes of the bearers' statuesque legs poking out from under loose black satin trousers and their big, fleshy feet encased in straw sandals. They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?"
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses."
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?"
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium.
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light. How can we possibly see it?" "Using 3K glasses." "Three-K glasses?" "It's a sort of science toy we made for the Capital Planetarium. With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
The whole thing was just unbelievable.
The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains.
The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears.
The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me.
The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it.
The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
The whole thing was just unbelievable. Chen Qingyang said that sometimes she would step out of her room and look in the direction of the back slope of the mountain, seeing the many paths winding through the valley and leading deep into the mountains. My words still echoed in her ears. She knew that any of those paths would take her to me. There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though.
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm. The low curtain of heaven stared darkly at the silvery faces of sorghum, over which streaks of blood-red lightning crackled, releasing ear-splitting explosions of thunder. With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people.
The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism. If I still didn't agree, he was going to let the widow come after me. The meeting was a complete mess. The locals all talked at once, saying that the city students had gone too far—we not only took their chickens and stole their dogs, but also beat their people. The city students said, That's bullshit!
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard. With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field. As Grandma listened to the music, trying to picture the instruments in the musicians' hands, she raised the curtain with her foot until she could see the sweat-soaked waist of one of the bearers. Her gaze was caught by her own red embroidered slippers, with their tapered slimness and cheerless beauty, ringed by halos of incoming sunlight until they looked like lotus blossoms, or, even more, like tiny goldfish that had settled to the bottom of a bowl. Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent. Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'. Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with. She even got neurotic and thought that the makeup man, impatient to get finished with her, was applying the makeup hurriedly and crudely. When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
Their name was Wang and they were natives of these parts. A grandfather had held some very small official post in the capital and had there become acquainted with Wang Xi-feng's grandfather, the father of Lady Wang. Conceiving an admiration for the power and prestige of this greater namesake, he had sought to link his family with the latter's clan by becoming his adoptive nephew. Only Lady Wang and her elder brother – Wang Xi-feng's father – who chanced at that time to be staying with their parent on his tour of duty at the capital, knew anything about this. The other members of the clan were unaware that any such relationship existed. The grandfather had long since died, leaving an only son called Wang Cheng who, having fallen on hard times, had moved back into the countryside somewhere outside the capital. Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account.
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.'
Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.' 'No wonder!' exclaimed Xi-feng when she had heard this account. 'I couldn't understand how they could be really related to us if I had never even heard of them.' While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over!
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.'
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket.
Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read. So the second part of the title was a walk-over! Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel!
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!'
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway.
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!' It was Misty's voice calling from the doorway. Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
Then he let me go.
Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute.
Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not. It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light.
Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light. At the heart of each halo was a radiation source. Because the original wavelengths were so long, it was impossible to see their shapes clearly. He lifted his head and saw a sky glowing with a faint red light. Just like that, he was seeing the cosmic microwave background.
Then he too left the room.
Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word!
Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
Then he'll let me off.'
Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name?
Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?'
Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty.
Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.'
Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it!
Then he'll let me off.' 'What was the little fellow's name? Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her.
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer.
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that?
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!"
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
Then one day she told Wang Qiyao in a confessional tone that her cousin had invited them back to the film studio but she had already declined the offer. Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!"
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots.
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen.
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces!
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe?
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.'
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha! I can tell people who I've seen. Just imagine the look on their faces! 'I wonder if Whiskers got out safe? They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning.
Then people began to gather, forming a tight ring around us and urging us to fight. With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
Then she burst into tears.
Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness.
Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother.
Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother!
Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake.
Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea.
Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's.
Then she burst into tears. She felt humiliated; she could sense the perils of her future, knowing she'd spend the rest of her life drowning in a sea of bitterness. Oh, Father, oh, Mother. I have been destroyed by a miserly father and a heartless mother! Grandma's piteous wails made the sorghum quake. The bearers stopped rocking the chair and calmed the raging sea. The musicians lowered the instruments from their rousing lips, so that only Grandma's sobs could be heard, alone with the mournful strains of a single woodwind, whose weeping sounds were more enchanting than any woman's. Grandma stopped crying at the sound of the woodwind, as though commanded from on high.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
Then she checked my back and her diagnosis was the same as mine. So they carried me to the ox cart and sent me to the hospital at the farm headquarters. That night Chen Qingyang accompanied me to the hospital and waited until the x-ray of my lower back was developed. She left after making sure everything was fine. She said she would come back to visit me in a couple of days, but she never did. I was hospitalized for a whole week, and once I could get around, I went straight back to see her. When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
Then she embraced me tightly.
Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields.
Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything. In the foggy dawn, I left her and went down the mountain to herd buffalo. I didn't go to see her that night, instead I went to the hospital, the reason being: when I got to the cattle pen in the morning, a bunch of people couldn't wait for me and had opened the pen and dragged the buffalo out. Everyone was trying to pick out a strong one for plowing the fields. A local youth called Shan Men Er was pulling out a large white one.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death. No, these things wouldn't have bothered her at all. She was not the least bit worried about becoming actual damaged goods, which she much preferred to being damaged goods in name only. What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no!
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no!
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!'
Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no! You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!'
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight.
Then there was this little Buddha of mine, stiff and straight, and that was something I couldn't invent either. I always expected Chen Qingyang to come to see me, but she never came. By the time she finally showed up, I had learned not to expect her. I used to believe that Chen Qingyang would come to see me immediately after I went up the mountain, but I was wrong. I waited for a long time and then decided to give up. I sat in my little hut, listening to the leaves rustling all over the mountain, finally reaching a state where object and subject were both forgotten. I listened to the mighty air currents surging over my head, and just then a wave rose from my soul, as flowers bloom in the midst of the mountains and bamboo husks fall from the shoots and the bamboo stands up straight. When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening.
Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something. The scene made Wang shudder despite the warmth of the spring evening. He was reminded of the giant pendulums in Three Body.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond.
Then two or three women bearing large red lacquer boxes took up their positions on the side nearest the room in which she sat and stood there waiting to be called. A voice in the far room called out,' Serve now, please!' at which, to judge from the noises, most of the women scuttled off, leaving only the few who were waiting at table. A long silence ensued in which not so much as a cheep could be heard; then two women came in bearing a small, low table which they set down on the kang. It was covered with bowls and dishes containing all kinds of meat and fish, only one or two of which appeared to have been touched. At the sight of it Ban-er set up a clamour for some meat and was silenced by Grannie Liu with a resounding slap. Just at that moment Zhou Rui's wife appeared, her face all wreathed in smiles, and advanced towards Grannie Liu beckoning. Grannie Liu slipped off the kang, lifted down Ban-er, and exchanged a few hurried whispers with her in the reception room before waddling into the room beyond. A dark-red patterned curtain hung from brass hooks over the doorway.
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?"
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium.
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs."
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five."
Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone.
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?'
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?'
Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.'
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?'
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?'
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.'
Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?'
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream.
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands.
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment.
Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle. After much hesitation he proceeded to give her a detailed account of his dream. But when he came to the part of it in which he made love to Two-in-one, Aroma threw herself forward with a shriek of laughter and buried her face in her hands. Bao-yu had long been attracted by Aroma's somewhat coquettish charms and tugged at her purposefully, anxious to share with her the lesson he had learned from Disenchantment. Aroma knew that when Grandmother Jia gave her to Bao-yu she had intended her to belong to him in the fullest possible sense, and so, having no good reason for refusing him, she allowed him, after a certain amount of coy resistance, to have his way with her.
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you?
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!'
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid.
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea.
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from.
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her.
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?'
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress!
Then, when Patience shortly afterwards addressed Zhou Rui's wife as 'Mrs Zhou', she knew that this was no mistress but a very high-class maid. So Grannie Liu and Ban-er got up on the kang at one side, while Patience and Zhou Rui's wife sat near the edge of it on the other, and a little maid came in and poured them all some tea. Grannie Liu's attention was distracted by a persistent tock tock tock tock not unlike the sound made by a flour-bolting machine, and she could not forbear glancing round her from time to time to see where it came from. Presently she caught sight of a sort of boxlike object fastened to one of the central pillars of the room, and a thing like the weight of a steelyard hanging down from it, which swung to and fro in ceaseless motion and appeared to be the source of the noise which had distracted her. 'I wonder what that can be,' she thought to herself, 'and what it can be used for?' As she studied the strange box, it suddenly gave forth a loud dong! like the sound of a bronze bell or a copper chime, which so startled the old lady that her eyes nearly popped out of her head. The dong! was followed in rapid succession by eight or nine others, and Grannie Liu was on the point of asking what it meant, when all the maids in the house began scurrying about shouting, 'The mistress! The mistress!
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends.
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes.
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something.
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
There are no tax-collectors in my family and no mandarins among my friends. What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
There are several Mrs Zhous here.
There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?'
There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin.
There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!'
There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
There are several copies of it.
There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me.
There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it?
There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?'
There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.'
There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
There are several copies of it. Just bring them all to me. Got it? Now—what's it called?' 'The Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.' Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
There is no need to tell me.
There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.'
There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?'
There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in.
There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.'
There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'I wonder if Grannie has eaten yet today?' 'We were on our way first thing this morning,' Grannie Liu chimed in. 'There was no time to think about eating.' Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
There is no need to tell me.'
There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages.
There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?'
There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room.
There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself.
There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?' A man's footstep sounded outside and a fresh-faced, willowy youth of seventeen or eighteen in elegant and expensive-looking winter dress came into the room. Grannie Liu, acutely embarrassed in this male presence, did not know whether to sit or stand, and looked round her in vain for somewhere to hide herself. Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.'
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently.
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou?
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here.
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?'
There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here. What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?'
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing. Aroma stared at him curiously and continued to giggle.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
There was a strange frisson attached to that scene; it was the most dramatic moment in Wang Qiyao's quiet life. The moment had come and gone in an instant, but it added a dab of melancholic color to her heart. Occasionally, on her way home from school, something would unexpectedly stir up her memory of the screen test. Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
There was no doubt about it.
There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became.
There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all.
There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me.
There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone.
There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis.
There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care.
There was no doubt about it. But the more certain something was, the more doubtful it became. Maybe the path didn't lead anywhere; maybe Wang Er was not in the mountains; maybe Wang Er didn't exist at all. A couple of days later, Luo Xiaosi brought several people to the hospital to see me. No one in the hospital had ever heard of Wang Er, so nobody knew where he had gone. At the time the hospital was rampant with hepatitis. The uninfected patients all fled to their homes to recuperate, and the doctors went down to the production team to provide medical care. Luo Xiaosi came back to the fourteenth team and found my stuff gone, so he went to ask the team leader whether he had seen me.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away.
There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long. I finished almost right away. After that I was angry and upset.
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go.
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
There's only one thing, though.
There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.'
There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick!
There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married.
There, at each side of the stone lions which flanked the gates of the Rong Mansion, she saw a cluster of horses and palanquins. Not daring to go straight up, she first dusted down her clothes and rehearsed Ban-er's little repertoire of phrases before sidling up to one of the side entrances. A number of important-looking gentlemen sat in the gateway sunning their bellies and discoursing with animated gestures on a wide variety of topics. Grannie Liu waddled up to them and offered a respectful salutation. After looking her up and down for a moment or two, they asked her her business. Grannie Liu smiled ingratiatingly. 'I've come to see Old Zhou that used to be in service with Her Ladyship before she married. Could I trouble one of you gentlemen to fetch him out for me?'
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .'
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like.
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe.
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu.
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air.
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing.
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like!
These people are all eunuchs working for the Emperor. . .' As a boy, Trinket had heard people talk about the Emperor, the Empress, Princes and Princesses, Palace Ladies, Palace Eunuchs, but he hadn't the faintest idea what these grand beings actually looked like. All he knew was that the Emperor wore a Dragon Robe. In Yangzhou he'd seen all sorts of plays, but the eunuchs on stage were never dressed anything like Old Hai, or his new gambling friend Wu. And the stage eunuchs always held those long horsehair fly-whisks, and kept waving them around in the air. And anyway, he had never understood a word of what they were singing. So this was what real Palace Eunuchs were like! 'Cripes!' he cried silently to himself.
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them. We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money.
These were things I didn't want to hear.
These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time.
These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it.
These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it. She told me to return that evening, and we'd try it one more time. Maybe she'd like it. I didn't say anything.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
They arrived back at the lab at one.
They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started.
They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant.
They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood.
They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!"
They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified.
They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction."
They arrived back at the lab at one. As they looked at the terminal, the fluctuation was just getting started. The flat line turned into a wave, the distance between one peak and the next inconstant. The line's color became red, like a snake awakening after hibernation, wriggling as its skin refilled with blood. "It must be a malfunction in COBE!" Sha stared at the waveform, terrified. "It's not a malfunction." Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight.
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer?
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock!
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!'
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life.
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth.
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip.
They began rocking the chair so violently that poor Grandma couldn't keep her seat without holding on tight. 'No answer? Okay, rock! If we can't shake any words loose, we can at least shake the piss out of her!' The sedan chair was like a dinghy tossed about by the waves, and Grandma held on to the wooden seat for dear life. The two eggs she'd eaten for breakfast churned in her stomach, the flies buzzed around her ears; her throat tightened, as the taste of eggs surged up into her mouth. She bit her lip. Don't throw up, don't let yourself throw up! she commanded herself.
They can sit here while they are waiting.'
They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
They can sit here while they are waiting.' Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
They continued to speak for a while.
They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request.
They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
They continued to speak for a while. Sha asked the purpose behind Wang's strange request. Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . .
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.'
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night.
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep.
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
They didn't say anything about someone getting caught when we were gambling . . . Most probably he got away all right.' When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid.
They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten.
They had both been quite carried away by the fighting, and neither of them had mentioned the money, or the bet they had laid. Or to be strictly accurate, Misty didn't mention it, and since he didn't, Trinket was more than happy to pretend to have forgotten. If he had emerged the victor, it would have been a very different story.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts.
They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly. Someone asked the cousin who his guests were and he told him. But when the man asked where they went to school, the cousin was stumped and Wu Peizhen had to answer for herself. The man flashed them a smile, revealing a set of white teeth that shimmered in the darkness of the studio. He was the director, the cousin later told them. He had studied abroad and was also a screenwriter; in fact he had written and directed the scene they had earlier seen being filmed. The cousin told them all this as he led them off to see the special effects shoot, where they saw smoke, fire, even ghosts. Once again the technical people were doing all the work while the actors did virtually nothing.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life. The girls made their way backstage, and as they rubbed their hands against the mysterious machinery that made images come to life, their hearts seemed to undergo a kind of transformation. Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion.
They raised clouds of dust as they tramped along. Impatiently trying to conjure up an image of their firm, muscular chests, Grandma raised the toe of her shoe and leaned forward. She could see the polished purple scholar-tree poles and the bearers' broad shoulders beneath them. Barriers of sorghum stalks lining the path stood erect and solid in unbroken rows, tightly packed, together sizing one another up with the yet unopened clay-green eyes of grain ears, one indistinguishable from the next, as far as she could see, like a vast river. The path was so narrow in places it was barely passable, causing the wormy, sappy leaves to brush noisily against the sedan chair. The men's bodies emitted the sour smell of sweat. Infatuated by the masculine odour, Grandma breathed in deeply – this ancestor of mine must have been nearly bursting with passion. As the bearers carried their load down the path, their feet left a series of V imprints known as 'tramples' in the dirt, for which satisfied clients usually rewarded them, and which fortified the bearers' pride of profession.
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them.
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her?
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse.
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail.
They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail. She opened her mouth and spewed a stream of filth, soiling the curtain, towards which the five flies dashed as though shot from a gun.
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go.
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them.
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they?
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man."
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?"
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands.
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties.
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers.
They walked along the row of antenna dishes, and Sha pointed to them. "Breathtaking, aren't they? It's too bad that they are all like the ears of a deaf man." "Why?" "Ever since construction was completed, interference has been unceasing in the observational bands. First, there were the paging stations during the eighties. Now, it's the scramble to develop mobile communications networks and cell towers. These telescopes are capable of many scientific tasks—surveying the sky, detecting variable radio sources, observing the remains of supernovae—but we can't perform most of them.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject.
They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot.
They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps. It was implicitly understood between them that they should never broach the subject. Actually, just to be chosen by a director for a screen test would already have been a great honor in the eyes of most girls—any hopes of getting a part would be a long shot in a long shot. This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent. Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed.
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with.
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.'
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true. However, since you have come such a long way, and since this is the first time you have ever said a word about needing help, we obviously can't let you go back empty-handed. Fortunately it so happens that I still haven't touched any of the twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me the other day to make clothes for the maids with. If you don't mind it being so little, you are very welcome to take it.' When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something.
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian;
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—'
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?'
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?'
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.'
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there.
They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money. If they try to fob you off, you tell them that I'll report them to the Chief Librarian; I'll tell him they refuse to pay their debts, and ask him to wait for His Majesty to—' 'His Majesty?' 'What?' 'Oh . . . nothing.' 'If they ask you why you want to go to the Upper Library, you say that you're longing for a glimpse of His Majesty, so you just want a chance to perform some little errand there. Of course the Wen brothers won't let you see His Majesty; when they take you, His Majesty won't even be in the Upper Library.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory. When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them.
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was.
Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away. They were hurt, but neither could say where the pain was. At their girls' school, where rumors usually flew rampant, not a soul knew about Wang Qiyao's screen test; they had succeeded in keeping it completely under wraps.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death.
This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either. She got used to it after a while. But it was clear from the start the military deputy just wanted to make trouble for her. Chen Qingyang said that the military deputy would definitely not go easy on me, perhaps I would be kept-in-mind half to death. I said: What can he do to me?
This Dr. Sha must be mental."
This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around.
This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf.
This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife. Grannie Liu could eventually stomach no more of his wife-baiting and intervened on her daughter's behalf. 'Now look here, son-in-law: probably you will think me an interfering old woman; but we country folk have to be grateful for what is in the pot and cut down our appetites to the same measure.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date. Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever.
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
This isn't like home.
This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!'
This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps.
This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something.
This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table.
This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
This isn't like home. They wouldn't miss a little thing like that, or expect me to pay for it!' All of a sudden there was a series of noisy thumps. The new scavenger had started hitting something. His curiosity aroused, Trinket poked his head out from under the table. What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really.
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him.
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either.
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off.
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!'
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
This little fellow Misty,' he began again, out loud, 'he wasn't such a good fighter really. I wouldn't need to learn much to beat him. I don't need you to teach me, either. I had him on the ground today, it's just that he was too strong for me: he managed to buck me off. Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
This naturally drew more curious gazes.
This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
This time I surrender!'
This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free.
This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back.
This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double.
This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet. Misty toppled over, and Trinket punched him in the small of the back. Misty gave a cry of pain and bent double. Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio. Nobody in the house was interested in his stories—nobody, that is, except Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed.
This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent.
This was also what Wang Qiyao thought at first, but once she reached that stage everything changed. Suddenly, a price had been exacted and loss was imminent. Only because Wu Peizhen stepped out of her own shoes and empathized completely with her friend was she able to understand the grief Wang Qiyao was going through.
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share. Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy.
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?"
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech."
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense.
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?"
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much.
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background.
This was the grin he reserved for tourists, as he had grown used to their astounding scientific illiteracy. "Mr. Wang, I take it you're not a specialist in the field?" "I work in nanotech." "Ah, makes sense. But you must have some basic understanding of the cosmic microwave background?" "I don't know much. I know that as the universe cooled after the big bang, the leftover 'embers' became the cosmic microwave background. The radiation fills the entire universe and can be observed in the centimeter wavelength range.
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?"
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium.
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs."
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five."
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone.
This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake.
Thoroughly disoriented, they simply trailed after Wu Peizhen's cousin, but had to watch their heads one second and their feet another, for there were ropes and wires overhead and littering the ground. They moved in and out from illuminated areas into patches of darkness and seemed to have completely forgotten their objective and had no idea where they were—all they did was walk. After what seemed an eternity, Wu Peizhen's cousin finally stopped and had them stand off to one side—he had to go to work. The place where they were left standing was bustling with activity; everyone seemed to be doing something as they moved briskly around the girls. Several times, rushing to get out of one person's way, they bumped into someone else. But they had yet to lay eyes on anyone who looked like a movie star. They were both getting anxious, feeling that the whole trip was a mistake. Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though.
Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me. The wind got under her clothes and flowed all over her body, like caresses and lips. In fact, she didn't really need me, nor did she have to find me. When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden.
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day.
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao.
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her.
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her.
Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts. The sun hung in the western sky above the apartment buildings, glowing ripe and golden. Their hearts were filled with anticipation as if they were about to begin a brand-new day. The director led them into the dressing room and had a makeup artist work on Wang Qiyao. Seeing herself reflected in the mirror, Wang Qiyao could not help feeling that her face was small and her features plain—she realized that a miracle would not occur—and this depressed her. She became completely resigned as the makeup man worked on her. She even closed her eyes for a while to avoid looking in the mirror, uncomfortable and anxious only to get everything over and done with.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum.
Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields. The delicate powder of petals floated above silvery new ears of waving sorghum. The curtain, embroidered on the inside with a dragon and a phoenix, had faded after years of use, and there was a large stain in the middle.
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake.
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself.
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary.
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai."
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio.
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going.
Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland. The director was disappointed, but his disappointment was partly for Wang Qiyao's sake. Her beauty will be buried and lost to the world, he said to himself. Later, in order to make things up to her, he had a photographer friend of his do a photo shoot for her—but this photo shoot turned into something quite extraordinary. One of the photos even made it into the inside front cover of Shanghai Life with the caption, "A Proper Young Lady of Shanghai." And so that is how the screen test ended, just another trifling incident in the life of the film studio. After that, Wang Qiyao stopped going. She wanted to forget the whole affair—that it had ever happened.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
Thunder rumbled off to the northeast. The bearers quickened their pace. She wondered how much farther it was to the Shan household; like a trussed lamb being led to slaughter, she grew calmer with each step. At home she had hidden a pair of scissors in her bodice, perhaps to use on Shan Bianlang, perhaps to use on herself. The holdup of Grandma's sedan chair by a highwayman at Toad Hollow occupies an important place in the saga of my family. Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
Thus an equilibrium of give-and-take was maintained between the two girls and they grew closer by the day. Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning.
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives.
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever.
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
Time spent in a film studio is never humdrum; the experience always hints at life's greater meaning. This is especially true for the young, who cannot yet completely distinguish truth from fiction and the real from the make-believe, and especially during that era—when movies had already become an important part of our everyday lives. Camera Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust.
To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory. She didn't want to make love to me, nor did she want to carry on a love affair with me either. So, without a very important reason, her visiting me would be the act of a woman who was truly damaged goods. Chen Qingyang said that when she decided to head up the mountain to search for me, she didn't have anything on under her white smock. Dressed like this, she crossed a stretch of hills behind the fifteenth team. Those hills were thick with grass, and under the grass lay red soil. In the morning the wind blew down the mountain to the plateau, cold as a mountain spring, and in the afternoon the wind returned, full of heat and dust. Chen Qingyang came riding on a white wind to look for me.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her.
To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement. This compelled Wu Peizhen to try to change Wang Qiyao's mind by exaggerating the glamour of the film studio, combining stories her cousin bragged about with others from her own imagination. Before long, it was more like Wang Qiyao was doing her a favor by going with her. By the time Wang Qiyao finally gave in and agreed to go some other time, Wu Peizhen was acting as if yet another gift that she herself had to be thankful for had been bestowed upon her, and she ecstatically scurried off to find her cousin to change the date.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants.
To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut. For example, others believed that Chen Qingyang had slept with me and that proved my existence. In Luo Xiaosi's words, Wang Er and Chen Qingyang took off their pants and screwed. Actually he didn't see any of it, but the extent of his imagination was that we took off our pants. And there was Chen Qingyang, who said that I hurried down the mountain in my green fatigues.
To play?'
To play?' 'To steal a book.'
To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?'
To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.'
To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more.
To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget.
To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections.
To play?' 'To steal a book.' 'Which book?' 'I... I... can't remember.' 'I'll tell you once more. And this time, don't forget. It's a Sutra, called the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections. It's very old.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble.
To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs. He also arranged for people to trail Chen Qingyang and me, trying to catch us in the act of adultery. Of course, it was not easy to catch me because I walked so fast. No one could successfully track me. However, this got me into a lot more trouble. By then I began to realize that it was really unnecessary for me to prove my existence to others.
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded.
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this.
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about?
To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not. It makes me very happy whenever I think about it.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin.
Toad Hollow is a large marshy stretch in the vast flatland where the soil is especially fertile, the water especially plentiful, and the sorghum especially dense. A blood-red bolt of lightning streaked across the northeastern sky, and screaming fragments of apricot-yellow sunlight tore through the dense clouds above the dirt road, when Grandma's sedan chair reached that point. The panting bearers were drenched with sweat as they entered Toad Hollow, over which the air hung heavily. Sorghum plants lining the road shone like ebony, dense and impenetrable; weeds and wildflowers grew in such profusion they seemed to block the road. Everywhere you looked, narrow stems of cornflowers were bosomed by clumps of rank weeds, their purple, blue, pink, and white flowers waving proudly. From deep in the sorghum came the melancholy croaks of toads, the dreary chirps of grasshoppers, and the plaintive howls of foxes. Grandma, still seated in the carriage, felt a sudden breath of cold air that raised tiny goosebumps on her skin. She didn't know what was happening, even when she heard the shout up ahead:
Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked.
Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked. She could have covered herself with the curtain, but she didn't; she didn't want to, for the open front of the sedan chair afforded her a glimpse of the outside world in all its turbulence and beauty.
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him.
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!'
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean.
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai.
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard.
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—'
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good!
Tomorrow I'll get a proper grip on him. That should fix the little bugger!' He had been trying so hard all day to keep his language clean. 'If you want to stop him bucking you, that's easy!' said Old Hai. 'I didn't think it would be hard. I just get him in a good shoulder grip, then—' 'That's no good! Bucking comes from the lower back.
Tomorrow, I win!'
Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
Tomorrow, if you like.
Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this.
Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right.
Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money.
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well!
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?'
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back. The boy leapt astride him, pinned his head to the floor, and cried: 'Well! Surrender?' Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
Trinket chortled.
Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?'
Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?'
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner.
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied.
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!'
Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages. But alarm quickly turned to delight when he realized that he had found a sparring partner. 'Very well!' he replied. 'On guard!' Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
Trinket didn't follow this at all.
Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed.
Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed. 'What's so alarming about killing?
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem.
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him.
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him. Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him.
Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground. Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?'
Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.'
Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works?
Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work.
Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!'
Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work. It's absolutely foolproof!' Old Hai reached out his hand and pressed lightly on either side of Trinket's neck.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing.
Trinket had meanwhile managed to hook his left foot round the boy's waist, and started to rub it up and down the small of his back. The boy, it transpired, was extremely ticklish, and he couldn't help giggling, and loosened his grasp. Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well?
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed.
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse.
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!'
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried. 'I know plenty more, and they're a lot worse. You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!'
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt.
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no!
Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back. The answer's no! A hundred times no!
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket.
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room.
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man!
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word!
Trinket helped himself to a big handful of cakes and stuffed them inside his jacket. Then he too left the room. As he went, he found himself thinking of Whiskers' heroic stand at Victory Hill: now there was a man! Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?'
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.'
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works?
Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.' 'Works? Of course it will work.
Trinket hurried over to him.
Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced).
Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?'
Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket.
Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—'
Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch.
Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.'
Trinket hurried over to him. Old Hai was sitting at a table (the broken one had been replaced). ''How much did you win?' 'I won a dozen taels,' replied Trinket. 'But I—' 'You what?' snapped the eunuch. 'I lent them to Wu.' In actual fact he'd won twenty and lent twelve to Wu: the remaining eight he wished to hang on to.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
Trinket kicked frantically with his right foot, but then the boy loosed his hands and gave him a terrific shove which sent him rolling across the room like a puppy chasing its own tail. Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands.
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground.
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?'
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt.
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones.
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath.
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?'
Trinket leapt on him from behind and gripped him tightly round the throat with both his hands. Misty lost consciousness for an instant, and fell flat on the ground. Trinket held on and demanded triumphantly: 'Surrender?' Misty gave a little grunt. Then suddenly he drove his elbows hard into Trinket's ribs, and Trinket went reeling over on to the floor, screaming with pain, certain that he must have several broken bones. Misty spun round and sat astride his chest, once more the victor, though this time a winded and exhausted one, panting for breath. 'Do . . . you . . . give in?' 'Give in my arse!' panted Trinket back.
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance.
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again.
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty.
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel!
Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'. The table was piled high again with good things to eat, and this time Trinket tucked in with a vengeance. Then he heard the flip-ploy of cloth boots again. He ducked under the table, just in case it turned out to be someone other than Misty. 'Laurel! Laurel!'
Trinket let out a gasp of pain.
Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe.
Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.'
Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch.
Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then!
Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!'
Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
Trinket let out a gasp of pain. He had a choking sensation in his chest, and could hardly breathe. 'Get him on these two points,' said Hai, 'and he'll have no strength to fight with.' Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair!
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!'
Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back. 'Hey!' screamed Trinket, 'that's not fair! Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
Trinket lunged after him, the boy leant a little to one side, put out a leg, and brought him tumbling to the floor. Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand.
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?'
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No!
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket,
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
Trinket lunged back, but it was a feint: Misty stepped aside, let Trinket surge on, and chopped him on the back with the side of his hand. Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it!
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait!
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself.
Trinket peeped out from behind the table-cloth. From the size of his footwear, the new arrival seemed to be a boy like himself. He heaved a sigh of relief, and put the pancake in his mouth. He didn't dare to take a bite out of it, but softened it with his saliva, and then swallowed it silently down. Meanwhile he could hear noisy munching coming from the table above him. The new boy was clearly tucking in. 'Why, he's just another scavenger like me!' thought Trinket to himself. 'I'll jump out and scare him off, then I can carry on eating to my heart's content.'
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together.
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other.
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing.
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny.
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go.
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face.
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?'
Trinket reached out frantically as he fell, clutching at the boy's legs, and the two of them went down together. They struggled for a while, each one gaining the upper hand for a moment, then going under, ringing the changes more than a dozen times, until finally they were in a complete deadlock, panting and staring fixedly at each other. And then suddenly, at exactly the same moment, they both burst out laughing. There was something about the clinch they were in that struck them both as terribly funny. Slowly they let go. The boy reached out a hand and began removing the bandages from Trinket's face. 'What did you want to wrap your face up for?' Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.'
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist.
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely.
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain.
Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling.' The boy said nothing, but feinted with his left fist. Trinket fell for it and dodged, and as he did so, the boy's elbow came crashing across into his midriff and winded him completely. He crumpled up and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The boy now came at Trinket from behind, slipped both hands under his arms and laced his hands together around his throat, throttling him, and pressing him harder and harder down on to the ground.
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat.
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force.
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light.
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing.
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well?
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough?
Trinket seized his chance, leapt up, and pinned his opponent down by the throat. The boy now used a standard wrestling ploy, gripping Trinket by the back of the neck and pulling him to the ground with considerable force. Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?'
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself.
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch.
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.'
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk.
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle.
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read.
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles.
Trinket sounded very pleased with himself. 'What are you so happy about?' snapped the old eunuch. 'I'm just happy about. . . about remembering it the minute you mentioned it again.' In actual fact, when Old Hai had spoken of stealing a book, Trinket's heart had sunk. The 'stealing' part was no problem; it was the 'book' part that presented what seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle. The trouble was that Trinket could barely read. He couldn't decipher more than a word or two, let alone book titles. Then he heard the eunuch say that the book was the Sutra in Forty-Two Sections, and his heart leapt: what the word Sutra looked like he had not the foggiest notion, but numbers were something he could read.
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor.
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered.
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!'
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg.
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air.
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek.
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes.
Trinket sprang forward and seized the boy's arms, intending to give him a sharp twist, but the boy turned smartly, and hooked him with his right foot, sending Trinket crashing to the floor. 'You're hopeless!' he jeered. 'You obviously don't know the first thing about wrestling!' 'Who says I don't!' protested Trinket, leaping to his feet again and reaching for the boy's left leg. The boy made a grab for his back, but this time Trinket dodged in time and the boy seized a handful of air. Trinket recalled Whiskers' fight with the seven wrestlers at the inn, and shot out a quick left that caught the boy hard, fair and square, on the lower cheek. The boy stood there stunned for a few seconds, and a momentary look of anger came into his eyes. 'You're hopeless!' cried Trinket with a grin.
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!'
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room.
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous.
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself.
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait!
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
Trinket sprang out, and with a big grin on his face, called back: 'Live or die!' 'I live, you die!' laughed Misty, striding into the room. Trinket noticed at once that he was wearing a completely new outfit, and couldn't help feeling jealous. 'Huh!' he muttered to himself. 'Just you wait! You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed.
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!'
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts!
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid.
Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose! If you've got the guts, come again tomorrow!' 'You're probably the one who's not got the guts! I'm not afraid. Live or die!
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet.
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed.
Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!' Misty laughed. 'If we fight a hundred times, you'll. . . you'll always lose!
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent.
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed.
Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope. He'd just been improvising and thrashing around, and somehow or other had managed to outwit his opponent. He was pretty chuffed. 'The Antelope is nothing!' he cried.
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly.
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer!
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern. He wished he could remember the details more clearly. 'If only I'd taken old Whiskers up on his offer! With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it!
Trinket walked a few steps closer.
Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more.
Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.'
Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!'
Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers.
Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better.
Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library.
Trinket walked a few steps closer. 'I'm going to repeat it for you once more. Forget this time, and I shall kill you.' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' piped Trinket, thinking to himself, 'Just say it once, and I'll never forget it, not in a hundred years!' 'Listen: you're to win money from the Wen brothers. Then you're to lend them money, the more the better. Then, after a few days you're to ask them to take you to the Upper Library. They'll have to say yes, if they owe you money.
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating?
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!'
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry.
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.'
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched. 'Goong-goong, aren't you eating? Let me serve you!' 'I'm not hungry. You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from?
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing.
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.'
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up.
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?'
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket.
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him.
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy.
Trinket was about to snatch the bandages back, when he reflected that the boy had already seen most of his face and that it would achieve nothing. 'I didn't want anyone to recognize me taking the cake.' 'I see,' said the boy, chuckling and standing up. 'So you make a habit of coming here and taking food, do you?' 'No, I don't,' said Trinket. As he rose to his feet, he stole a closer glance at his opponent: there was something at once impressive and attractive about the boy's features, a clearness of brow, a noble look in the eyes, an expression in the face, that drew Trinket towards him. 'What's your name?' asked the boy. 'Laurel,' replied Trinket.
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from?
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look.
Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look. Then one day when I'm back at home, ha ha!
Trinket was furious.
Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might.
Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him.
Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground.
Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down.
Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again.
Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside.
Trinket was furious. He came tumbling back, wrapped both arms round the boy's legs, and tugged at him with all his might. The boy crashed down right on top of him. He was quite a bit bigger than Trinket, and had soon succeeded in throttling him again and pinning him to the ground. Trinket began to choke, thrashed out with his feet to extricate himself, and finally managed to wriggle on top of the boy and hold him down. He was too light to maintain the upper hand for long, however, and soon the boy was back on top of him again. Ever a crafty fighter, Trinket now let go of the boy's legs, got behind him, and landed him a good kick on the backside. The boy quickly grabbed his right leg and tugged at it, sending Trinket crashing down on his back.
Trinket was not going to be outdone.
Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same!
Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time.
Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty. 'But you're a quick mover all the same! You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
Trinket was not having this.
Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right.
Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money.
Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake.
Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.'
Trinket was pleased as punch.
Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then!
Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!'
Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
Trinket was pleased as punch. 'Well, that's it then! Tomorrow, I win!' Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground.
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back.
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?'
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No!
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket,
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it!
Trinket was unable to rein himself in, and went crashing to the ground. Misty gave a great cry of delight, leapt forwards, and planted himself astride Trinket's back. 'Surrender?' 'No! Never!' protested Trinket, but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon!
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
Trinket went back to bed, and fell asleep dreaming of Misty surrendering to the Little White Dragon! Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head.
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today!
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like.
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!'
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this.
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money!
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
Trinket went for him again, but this time Misty shook his head. 'No more for today! Tomorrow, if you like. But I don't see the point: you'll never be able to beat me!' Trinket was not having this. He pulled a piece of silver from his pocket, about three taels' worth: 'Tomorrow we fight for money! You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
Trinket went out like a light.
Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing.
Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well?
Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough?
Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?'
Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet.
Trinket went out like a light. When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
Trust me."
Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.
Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!"
Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?"
Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible!
Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!"
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us. Why don't you try your luck with her?
Twisting my arm like that!'
Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty.
Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!'
Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack.
Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could.
Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground.
Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!'
Twisting my arm like that!' That's what wresding's all about!' laughed Misty. 'Who says it's not fair!' Trinket took advantage of the fact that Misty was busy speaking and momentarily off his guard, to launch a counter-attack. He brought his head down with all his might on to Misty's back, shot his right hand under his armpit, and flung him up into the air as hard as he could. Misty went flying over his head and landed widi a crash on the ground. He leapt to his feet again, crying: 'So you know the Bucking Antelope too!' Trinket had never even heard of the Antelope.
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth.
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours.
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice.
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it.
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
Two teardrops as transparently pink as immature grains of sorghum wetted Grandma's eyelashes and slipped down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth. As she was gripped by sadness, the image of a learned and refined husband, handsome in his high-topped hat and wide sash, like a player on the stage, blurred and finally vanished, replaced by the horrifying picture of Shan Bianlang's face, his leprous mouth covered with rotting tumours. Her heart turned to ice. Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming.
Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time. Even through the maze of gullies, she didn't make a single wrong turn. Later she emerged from the gully, walked into a valley facing the sun, and saw a thatched hut that seemed newly built. If there had been no Wang Er to tell her the route, she wouldn't have been able to find such a tiny hut in the vast, wild mountains. But as she entered the hut and saw Wang Er sitting on the bed, his little Buddha stiff, she was frightened into screaming. Later Chen Qingyang said she just couldn't believe everything she had experienced was real, because something real needs to have a cause.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away.
Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified. But I had only stayed in the hospital for a week and then run away. To her, I was the precise image of someone seen from behind, hurrying down the mountain, a man in her memory.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance.
Until my twenty-first birthday I was a virgin, but that night I lured Chen Qingyang up the mountain with me. At first there was moonlight, then the moon set and a sky full of stars came out, as numerous as dewdrops in the morning. There was no wind that night either; the mountain was very still. Having made love to Chen Qingyang, I was no longer a virgin. However, I wasn't feeling happy at all. That was because when I was doing it, she didn't make a sound; she simply put her arms under her head and looked at me in a very thoughtful way. So from beginning to end it was just my solo performance. In fact, I didn't last too long.
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though.
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.'
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick!
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er.
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them.
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land.
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living.
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter.
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made.
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper.
Wang Cheng in his turn had died leaving a son called Gou-er, who had married a girl from a family called Liu and now had two children, a son called Ban-er and a daughter called Qing-er. The four of them depended on agriculture for their living, and since, with Gou-er himself busy most of the day on the land and his wife busy about the farm drawing water, pounding grain, and the like, there was no one to look after Qing-er and her little brother, Gou-er invited his mother-in-law, old Grannie Liu, to come and live with them. This Grannie Liu was an ancient widow-woman, rich in experience of the world, who, having no son or daughter-in-law to cherish her, eked out her solitary existence by scratching a livelihood from a miserable half-acre of land. She therefore embraced her son-in-law's invitation with alacrity and threw herself enthusiastically into the business of helping the young couple to make a living. The season was now at the turn between autumn and winter. The cold weather was beginning, but none of the preparations for winter had yet been made. By drinking to allay his anxiety, Gou-er merely put himself more out of temper. He returned home to vent some of his spleen on his long-suffering wife.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County. From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County. From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County. From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County. From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County. From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County. From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009.
Wang Miao drove along Jingmi Road until he was in Miyun County. From there he headed to Heilongtan, climbed up the mountain along a winding road, and arrived at the radio astronomy observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Center. He saw a line of twenty-eight parabolic antenna dishes, each with a diameter of nine meters, like a row of spectacular steel plants. At the end were two tall radio telescopes with dishes fifty meters in diameter, built in 2006. As he drove closer, Wang could not help but think of the background in the picture of Ye and her daughter. But the work of Sha Ruishan, Ye's student, had nothing to do with these radio telescopes. Dr. Sha's lab was mainly responsible for receiving the data transmitted from three satellites: the Cosmic Background Explorer, COBE, launched in November of 1989 and about to be retired; the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, WMAP, launched in 2003; and Planck, the space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in 2009. Cosmic microwave background radiation very precisely matched the thermal black body spectrum at a temperature of 2.7255 K and was highly isotropic—meaning nearly uniform in every direction—with only tiny temperature fluctuations at the parts per million range.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
Wang Qiyao did not sleep well the night before; her face appeared thinner than usual and she had dark rings around her eyes. Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back.
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free?
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
Wang Qiyao did not, in fact, have any prior engagement, nor was she as reluctant as she appeared; this was simply the way she conducted herself—the more interested she was in something, the more she held back. This was her means of protecting herself—or then again, was it part of a strategy of disarming an antagonist by pretending to set her free? Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!"
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera."
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward?
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever.
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax.
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray.
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light.
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world.
Wang Qiyao had learned that the most critical moment in making a film came the second that the director calls, "Camera." Everything up to that point boils down to preparation and foreshadowing, but what happens afterward? It ends forever. She came to understand the significance of the word "Camera": it announced a kind of climax. Sometimes the director let them look through the camera and what they saw through its lens was always gorgeous; the camera had the power to filter out all of the chaos and disarray. It had the power to make what was dark and dismal glimmer with light. Inside the camera was a different world. After editing and postproduction, only the pure essence would remain.
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots.
Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly.
Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness. In that instant her heart began pounding like a drum. She understood that her moment had come and fear welled up inside her as her knees began to tremble faintly. The set lights came on, transforming the darkness into a thick crimson hue.
Wang Qiyao rounded on her.
Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that?
Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!"
Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!"
Wang Qiyao rounded on her. "How could you do that? He is trying to be nice to us!" Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark.
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time.
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!"
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit. To get to the studio they had to take the trolley and make a transfer. Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
Wang Qiyao was sixteen years old at the time, but that one day's experience left her with the feeling that she had already been through a lot—she felt much older than sixteen. She started to avoid Wu Peizhen, as if the latter had stolen some secret from her. Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room.
Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide. The strange thing was that this scene did not appear terrifying or foreboding, only annoyingly familiar. She could not make out the woman's features; all she could see was her head of disheveled hair strewn out along the foot of the bed. The woman's feet faced the headboard and her head lay propped against the foot of the bed, her slippers scattered on opposite sides of the room. The film studio was a hubbub of activity, like a busy dockyard.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head.
Wang Qiyao was to play a bride in a traditional wedding ceremony. She would be wearing a crimson bridal veil over her head when the groom entered and he would pull it away, slowly revealing her face. The director explained that her character had to be bashful and charming, filled with longing and uncertainty; he unloaded these adjectives on her all at once, expecting her to capture them all with a single expression. Wang Qiyao nodded, but deep down she was completely lost and had no idea where to begin. But having decided to let everything ride, she was actually quite calm and composed. She was aware of everything going on around her, down to the shouts of "Camera" coming from the adjacent set. The next thing she knew, a crimson bridal veil came down over her head. Suddenly everything was swathed in darkness.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
Wang Qiyao's breathing stopped. She could not catch her breath. She could hear the film running through the camera, a mechanical sound that seemed to override everything. Her mind just went blank. When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it.
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots.
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it.
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone.
Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily? She could not believe it, neither did she dare not to believe it. Deep down her heart was in knots. At first she did not want to tell Wu Peizhen about it. She planned to sneak off alone and return before anyone noticed that she was gone. In case nothing came of the screen test, it would be her own little secret and she could pretend that nothing had ever happened.
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets!
Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set. He told them to wait a little while, and then he would take them to watch a special effects shoot that was going on at one of the other sets! They had no choice but to stand off to one side and wait idly.
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau.
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders.
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up.
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer.
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray.
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
Wang Xi-feng had on a little cap of red sable, which she wore about the house for warmth, fastened on with a pearl-studded bandeau. She was dressed in a sprigged peach-pink gown, with an ermine-lined skirt of dark-red foreign crepe underneath it, and a cloak of slate-blue silk with woven coloured insets and lining of grey squirrel around her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely made-up. She was sitting on the edge of the kang, her back straight as a ramrod, with a diminutive pair of tongs in her hand, removing the spent charcoal from a portable hand-warmer. Patience stood beside her carrying a covered teacup on a tiny inlaid lacquer tray. Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols.
Wang avoided giving a straight answer, and Sha didn't press. The dignity of a specialist did not allow Sha to express too much interest in a request that clearly went against his professional knowledge. Then they went to an all-night bar for tourists and sat for two hours. As Sha finished one beer after another, his tongue loosened even more. But Wang became anxious, and his mind kept returning to that green line on the terminal in Sha's office. It was only at ten to one in the morning that Sha finally gave in to Wang's repeated pleas to go back to the lab. The spotlights that had lit up the row of radio antennas had been turned off, and the antennas now formed a simple two-dimensional picture against the night sky like a series of abstract symbols. All of them gazed up at the sky at the same angle, as though waiting expectantly for something.
Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print." Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded.
Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory. He didn't explain to Wang what he was doing, his eyes locked onto the browser window on the notebook. Wang could hear his rapid breathing. A few minutes later, a red waveform appeared in the browser window, moving in step with the other three. The three satellites and the ground-based observatory confirmed one fact: The universe was flickering. "Can you print out the waveform?" Wang asked. Sha wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead and nodded. He moved his mouse and clicked "Print."
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium.
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty.
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go.
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened.
Wang ducked back into the car and left the planetarium. Just before dawn, the roads were relatively empty. But he didn't dare to drive too fast, feeling that the faster the car moved, the faster the countdown would go. When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
Wang ducked into the car.
Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further.
Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?"
Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least."
Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine.
Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
Wang ducked into the car. He didn't want to discuss the subject any further. "Is it our turn?" "It's my turn, at least." Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket.
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
Wang grabbed the first page as soon as it came out of the laser printer, and, with a pencil, began to match the distance between the peaks with the Morse code chart he took out of his pocket. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
Wang nodded.
Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this.
Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about?
Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters. That's five orders of magnitude longer than the wavelength of visible light.
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand.
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...."
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes."
Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand. Strange things have been happening to scientists lately...." "Yes." Wang ducked into the car.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved.
Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on. The city turned into many hazy glowing halos. Most were fixed, but a few flickered or moved. He realized that these were sources of radiation in the centimeter range, all now converted to visible light.
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning."
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!"
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?"
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible!
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth?
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms. As he stared at the sequence of numbers, he said, "Maybe the three satellites and the observatory are all malfunctioning." "You know that's impossible!" "What if it's sabotage?" "Also impossible! To simultaneously alter the data from three satellites and an observatory on Earth? You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded.
Wang started the engine.
Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car.
Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure.
Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
Wang started the engine. An hour later, Wang arrived at the new planetarium and got out of the car. The bright lights of the city penetrated the translucent walls of the immense glass building and dimly revealed its internal structure. Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success:
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed.
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked.
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became.
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang.
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged.
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on.
Wang thought that if the architect had intended to express a feeling about the universe, the design was a success: The more transparent something was, the more mysterious it seemed. The universe itself was transparent; as long as you were sufficiently sharp-eyed, you could see as far as you liked. But the farther you looked, the more mysterious it became. The sleepy-eyed planetarium staffer was waiting by the door for Wang. He handed him a small suitcase and said, "There are five pairs of 3K glasses in here, all fully charged. The left button switches it on. The right dial is for adjusting brightness.
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car.
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light.
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights.
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights.
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly.
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight.
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly....
Wang took off the 3K glasses and sat down weakly on the ground, leaning against the wheel of his car. The city at night gradually recovered the reality of visible light. But his eyes roamed, trying to capture other sights. By the entrance of the zoo across the street, there was a row of neon lights. One of the lights was about to burn out and flickered irregularly. Nearby, a small tree's leaves trembled in the night breeze, twinkling without pattern as they reflected streetlight. In the distance, the red star atop the Beijing Exhibition Center's Russian-style spire reflected the light from the cars passing below, also twinkling randomly.... Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away.
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia.
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked.
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know."
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up.
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be?
Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number. She picked up right away. Perhaps she was also suffering from insomnia. "What happens at the end of the countdown?" Wang asked. "I don't know." She hung up. What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase.
Wang tried to interpret the flickers as Morse code. He even felt that the wrinkles in the flags flapping next to him and the ripples in the puddle on the side of the road might be sending him messages. He struggled to understand all the messages, and felt the passing of the countdown, second by second. He didn't know how long he stayed there. The planetarium staffer finally emerged and asked him whether he was done. But when he saw Wang's face, sleep disappeared from the staffer's eyes and was replaced by fear. He packed up the 3K glasses, stared at Wang for a few seconds, and quickly left with the suitcase. Wang took out his mobile and dialed Shen Yufei's number.
Wang was stunned.
Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—"
Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true.
Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year.
Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book.
Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive."
Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend."
Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—" "Most turned out to be true. One of the researchers who developed the deciphering system for the Red Coast Project emigrated to Europe and wrote a book last year. Most of the rumors you hear came out of that book. Many who participated in Red Coast are still alive." "That is ... a fantastical legend." "Especially for it to happen during those years—absolutely incredible."
Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter.
Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!"
Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around.
Wang's cries were interrupted by laughter. "Hahaha, another one bites the dust!" He turned around. Captain Shi Qiang stood there, blowing out a mouthful of white smoke.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone.
Wang's tone was exceedingly calm. He had learned to control himself when faced with such sights. "We'll know soon enough," Sha said. He went to the other two terminals and typed rapidly to bring up the data gathered by the other two satellites, WMAP and Planck. Now three waveforms moved in sync across the three terminals, exactly alike. Sha took out a notebook computer and rushed to turn it on. He plugged in a network cable and picked up the phone. Wang could tell from the one-sided conversation that he was trying to get in touch with the Ürümqi radio astronomy observatory.
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased?
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful.
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead.
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.'
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket.
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!'
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh.
Wasn't that sufficient reason to be pleased? 'Now,' went on Old Hai, 'if you go stealing books from the Upper Library, you've got to be very smart, very careful. If anyone spots you, you're as good as dead. A hundred times over.' 'I know,' said Trinket. He suddenly thought of something, and added: 'If I did get caught, I'd never dream of dragging you into it, Goong-goong!' Old Hai heaved a strangely unconcerned sigh. 'Drag me in or drag me out, it's all the same to me . . .'
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us!
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to?
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really.
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
We aren't some criminals in exile.
We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander?
We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly.
We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport!
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!'
We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating. Come on, Auntie, be a sport! Just for my sake!' Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
We can't afford to visit.
We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!'
We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us!
We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to?
We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really.
We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
We can't afford to visit. We are afraid that if we came to see you looking the way we are, you would disown us; and even the people at the gate might think we were tramps!' 'Now you are really being too hard on us! What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued.
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic.
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too.
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?"
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely.
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing.
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't!
We didn't have a stitch on while we argued. My little Buddha still stuck out, glittering in the moonlight as if wrapped in plastic. I was a little offended by what she said and she realized that too. So to make peace, she softened her tone and said, "Anyway, he is breathtakingly ugly—don't you agree?" Standing there like an angry cobra, the thing was indeed homely. I said, since you don't even want to look at him, let's just forget the whole thing. I began to put on my pants, but again she said, Don't! So I started smoking.
We fight for money.
We fight for money. I'll bring my stake.
We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.'
We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die!
We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu!
We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing.
We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!'
We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu! My word is my wand!' cried Trinket, and Misty burst out laughing. 'It certainly is!' And with that he left the room.
We had better come back some other time.
We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!"
We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley.
We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin.
We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted.
We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red. On the ride home, neither was in the mood to talk and they sat silently, listening to the ringing bells of the trolley. The trolley was half empty; the after-work rush hour was over and Shanghai's nightlife had yet to begin. The girls' experience at the film studio was not exactly as expected; it was difficult to say whether it was disappointing or whether they had had the time of their lives—the one thing for sure was that they were both exhausted. Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
We made more than twenty pairs."
We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five."
We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone.
We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while.
We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour.
We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you.
We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five." Sha picked up the phone. The other side picked up only after a long while. Sha had to expend a lot of energy to convince the person awakened in the middle of the night to go to the planetarium and wait for Wang's arrival in an hour. As Wang left, Sha said, "I won't go with you. What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
We must try and catch her then.
We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents.
We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded.
We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard. First ascertaining that Wang Xi-feng had not yet left Lady Jia's, she sought out Xi-feng's chambermaid and principal confidante, Patience, and primed her with a full account of Grannie Liu's antecedents. 'She has come all this way today to pay her respects,' she concluded. 'At one time Her Ladyship used to see quite a lot of her, which is why I thought it would be in order for me to bring her in.
We're here to build up our country's borderland.
We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile.
We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander?
We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly.
We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results.
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom?
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money.
We've complained to the State Regulatory Radio Commission many times, never with any results. How can we get more attention than China Mobile, China Unicom, China Netcom? Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week!
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean.
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though.
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.'
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed.
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's.
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.'
Well, if it ever comes to a slanging match, she can talk down ten grown men any day of the week! Wait till you meet her, and you'll see what I mean. There's only one thing, though. She's a bit too strict with those beneath her.' As she was speaking, the little maid came back, her errand completed. 'They've finished serving lunch at Her Old Ladyship's. Mrs Lian is still there.' Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field."
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie.
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life.
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement.
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base."
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned.
Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field." So the topic of conversation turned to Ye Wenjie. And from her student, Wang finally learned about her life. He listened as Sha told of how she witnessed the death of her father during the Cultural Revolution, how she was falsely accused at the Production and Construction Corps, how she then seemed to disappear until her return to Beijing at the beginning of the nineties, when she began teaching astrophysics at Tsinghua, where her father had also taught, until her retirement. "It was only recently revealed that she had spent more than twenty years at Red Coast Base." Wang was stunned. "You mean, those rumors—"
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper?
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it.
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood:
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –.
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music.
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques.
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected.
Were these tapered golden lotuses, a face as fresh as peaches and apricots, gentility of a thousand kinds, and ten thousand varieties of elegance all reserved for the pleasure of a leper? Better to die and be done with it. The disconsolate weeping in the sorghum field was dotted with words, like knots in a piece of wood: A blue sky yo – a sapphire sky yo – a painted sky yo – a mighty cudgel yo – dear elder brother yo – death has claimed you – you have brought down little sister's sky yo –. I must tell you that the weeping of women from Northeast Gaomi Township makes beautiful music. During 1912, the first year of the Republic, professional mourners known as 'wailers' came from Qufu, the home of Confucius, to study local weeping techniques. Meeting up with a woman lamenting the death of her husband seemed to Grandma to be a stroke of bad luck on her wedding day, and she grew even more dejected. Just then one of the bearers spoke up: 'You there, little bride in the chair, say something!
Were they suspicious?'
Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled.
Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?'
Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!' Trinket walked across to the dining-table, where bowls and chopsticks had been laid, four dishes and a soup, all untouched.
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation.
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right.
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you."
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning.
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this.
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere."
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded.
What I've seen is enough, and I don't need any more confirmation. But I hope that you will explain the truth to me when you feel the time is right. If this phenomenon should lead to some research result, I won't forget you." Wang opened the car door and said, "The flickering will stop at five in the morning. I'd suggest you not pursue it after this. Believe me, you won't get anywhere." Sha stared at Wang for a long time and then nodded. "I understand.
What can it be?
What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's.
What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research.
What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns?
What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility?
What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world.
What can it be? Maybe my own death, like Yang Dong's. Or maybe it will be a disaster like the great tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean more than a decade ago. No one will connect it to my nanotech research. Could it be that every previous great disaster, including the two World Wars, was also the result of reaching the end of ghostly countdowns? Could it be that every time there was someone like me, who no one thought of, who bore the ultimate responsibility? Or maybe it signals the end of the whole world. In this perverse world, that would be a relief.
What did the others think?
What did the others think? Were they suspicious?'
What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled.
What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?'
What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it.
What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing.
What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!'
What did the others think? Were they suspicious?' Trinket chortled. 'Oh no, why should they be?' He was about to boast, but thought better of it. 'Well then, don't sit around doing nothing. Eat your lunch, and if you've no jobs to do, go and practise with the dice!' 'Yes, Goong-goong!'
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods.
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
What disgusted her was the act that made her damaged goods. When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
What does it all amount to?
What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really.
What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am.
What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.'
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er.
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from?
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me.
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me.
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life.
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it.
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods.
What everyone thinks exists must not exist, because everything before our eyes is illusion; what everyone doesn't think exists must exist, like Wang Er. If he didn't exist, where did his name come from? Unable to overcome her curiosity, Chen Qingyang finally dropped everything and went up the mountain to look for me. After the vixen knocked me out with a stool, Chen Qingyang ran all the way down the mountain to see me. She even cried in public and declared that if I didn't recover, she would take care of me all her life. It turned out not only did I live, but I wasn't even paralyzed, which was a good thing for me though she wasn't crazy about it. It was almost as if she'd confessed publicly that she was damaged goods. If I'd died, or become paralyzed, it would have then been morally justified.
What happened later all started there.
What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs.
What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth.
What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth.
What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word.
What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that?
What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words.
What happened later all started there. That morning, right at dawn, I went down the mountain to feed the pigs. As I passed the village well, I saw the military deputy at the well stand brushing his teeth. He took the brush out of his mouth and talked to me with a mouth full of froth. I thought he was very disgusting, so I left without a word. Shortly afterward, he ran to the pigpen and shouted at me: How dare you walk away from me like that? I kept silent as I heard the words. Even when he accused me of playing dumb, I still said nothing.
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam.
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs.
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground.
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day.
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table.
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried.
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?'
What he saw was a boy of fourteen or fifteen, in a short gown, punching at one of the bags that hung from the beam. After a while, the boy moved across and started attacking one of the oxhide cut-outs. He struck the figure first on the chest with one fist, then reached forward with both hands and grappled it by the waist, forcing it to the ground. It was very much the same sort of technique as the one used by the Manchu wrestlers in the inn the previous day. Trinket chuckled to himself and darted out from beneath the table. 'Why fight a dummy!' he cried. 'Why not try me?' The other boy's first reaction was one of alarm, at the sight of this strange apparition with its head swathed in bandages.
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment?
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to?
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really.
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
What if Grandfather did make a little bit of a name for himself and we do hold some miserable little appointment? What does it all amount to? It's all empty show, really. You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am.
What sort of creature do you take me for?
What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do.
What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er. 'I'll tell you what to do. You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for?
What was it he sent us for?
What was it he sent us for? Look at you!
What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!'
What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile.
What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right.
What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me.
What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.'
What was it he sent us for? Look at you! All you can do is sit there eating sweets!' It was abundantly clear to Xi-feng that the old lady was too embarrassed to go on, and she put her out of her misery with a gracious smile. 'It's quite all right. There is no need to tell me. I quite understand.' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
What was she feeling?
What was she feeling? Sadness?
What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy?
What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes!
What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones.
What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside.
What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'.
What was she feeling? Sadness? Joy? My God, she thought, it's a man who eats fistcakes! Northeast Gaomi Township was aswarm with bandits who operated in the sorghum fields like fish in water, forming gangs to rob, pillage, and kidnap, yet balancing their evil deeds with charitable ones. If they were hungry, they snatched two people, keeping one and sending the other into the village to demand flatbreads with eggs and green onions rolled inside. Since they stuffed the rolled flatbreads into their mouths with both fists, they were called 'fistcakes'. 'Nobody passes without paying a toll!' the man bellowed.
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money?
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.'
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu.
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes.
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something.
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not.
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
What way could there be of laying my hands on some money? Even if I did have rich friends or relations, I'm not so sure they would want to be bothered with the likes of us.' 'I wouldn't say that,' said Grannie Liu. 'Man proposes, God disposes. It's up to us to think of something. We must leave it to the good Lord to decide whether He'll help us or not. Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
What's her job?'
What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.'
What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin.
What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!'
What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard.
What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall.
What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!'
What's her job?' 'She's the Mrs Zhou that came here with Her Ladyship when she was married.' 'That's easy,' said the urchin. 'Follow me!' He led Grannie Liu into a rear courtyard. 'That's where she lives,' he said, pointing in the direction of a side wall. Then, bawling over the wall, 'Mrs Zhou, there's an old woman come to see you!' Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?'
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way?
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.'
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically.
What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu. 'But can't we all sit down peaceably and think of a way? Because if we don't, the money isn't going to come walking in the door of its own accord.' Gou-er snorted sarcastically. 'If there were a way, do you suppose I should have waited till now before trying it out?
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute.
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it.
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession.
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang.
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me.
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship.
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair.
Whatever brought him to our team, I made up my mind to stay mute. He couldn't do anything about it. The military deputy had a talk with me, asking me to write a confession. He said that the masses were very angry about my love affair with Chen Qingyang. If I didn't confess, he would mobilize the masses to deal with me. He also said my behavior met the criteria for my classification as one of "the bad elements," and I should be punished by the proletarian dictatorship. I could have defended myself by saying I didn't have a love affair. Who could prove I did?
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen.
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation.
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side.
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family.
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain.
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations.
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement.
Whatever the reason behind her action, it was impenetrable to Wu Peizhen. On her way to her cousin's place, she was consumed with gratitude for Wang Qiyao; all she could think about was how much face Wang Qiyao had given her by agreeing to the invitation. The cousin was the son of Wu Peizhen's uncle on her mother's side. This uncle was the black sheep of the family. He had driven a silk shop in Hangzhou into the ground and Wu Peizhen's mother had dreaded his visits because all he ever wanted from her was money or grain. After she gave him some heavy doses of harsh words and turned him away empty-handed several times, he gradually stopped coming around and eventually broke off all relations. Then one day his son had showed up at her door wearing that khaki uniform with copper buttons and carrying two boxes of vegetarian dim sum as if they represented some kind of announcement. Ever since then he would come by once every two months or so and tell them stories about the film studio.
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling.
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place?
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you.
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone.
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away.
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut.
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything.
When Chen Qingyang heard this she couldn't help smiling. How do you get to that place? Maybe I'll go there to visit you. I gave her directions and even made a map for her, and then went into the mountains alone. After I got to the desolate mountainside, Chen Qingyang didn't come to see me right away. The strong wind of the dry season blew endlessly, shaking the thatched hut. Sitting in a chair and listening to the sound of the wind, Chen Qingyang would look back at what happened and begin to have doubts about everything. It was hard for her to believe that she had come to these backwoods in a haze, had begun to be called damaged goods for no reason, and then turned into real damaged goods.
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope.
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined.
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse."
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!'
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop.
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it.
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu.
When Grannie Liu heard Xi-feng talk about 'difficulties' she concluded that there was no hope. Her delight and the way in which her face lit up with pleasure when she heard that she was, after all, to be given twenty taels of silver can be imagined. 'We knew you had your troubles,' she said, 'but as the saying goes, "A starved camel is bigger than a fat horse." Say what you like, a hair plucked from your arm is thicker than a man's waist to folks like us!' Horrified by the crudity of these expressions, Zhou Rui's wife, who was standing by, was meanwhile signalling frantically to the old lady to stop. But Xi-feng laughed quite unconcernedly and told Patience to wrap up the silver and also to fetch a string of cash to go with it. The money was set down in front of Grannie Liu. 'Here is the twenty taels of silver,' said Xi-feng.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting.
When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover. I also told him that I would get some people together for a gang fight. The team leader said he didn't want to give me a hard time; it was Shan Men Er's mother who was giving him a hard time. The woman was a widow, a real bitch. He said that's the way it goes around here. Later he said he was not going to arrange a denouncing meeting but a helping meeting. I could just stand in front of people and do a self-criticism.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then.
When I fed the pigs for the production team, every day I had to carry buckets of water. It was really a tiring job, and impossible to slack off. The pigs would squeal if they didn't get enough food. I had to chop tons of vegetables and cut piles of wood. Originally there had been three women to do the job, but now the team leader assigned it all to me. I found that I could not manage three women's work, especially when my back hurt. I really wanted to prove that I didn't exist then. At night Chen Qingyang and I would make love in my small hut.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages.
When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away. I saw only two people before my trip, one of whom was Chen Qingyang, who hadn't mentioned it; the other one was our team leader, who also hadn't said anything other than telling me to take a good rest at the thermal springs. I told him that I didn't have anything (food, utensils, etc.), so I couldn't go to the thermal springs. He said he could lend me some things. I told him that I might not be able to return them. He said it didn't matter. So I borrowed plenty of homemade smoked meat and sausages. Chen Qingyang didn't give me the information because she didn't care about it—she was not one of the city students.
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently.
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door.
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room.
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body.
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot!
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core.
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later.
When I made love to Chen Qingyang, a lizard crawled out of a crack in the wall and crossed the ground in the middle of the room, moving intermittently. Then suddenly startled, it fled quickly, disappearing into the sunshine outside the door. Just at that moment Chen Qingyang's moans flooded out, filling the entire room. I was scared and stopped, leaning over her body. But she pinched my leg and said: Hurry, you idiot! I sped up and waves of vibration passed through me as if from the earth's core. Afterward, she said she had fallen deep into sin and karma would catch up with her sooner or later. When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing.
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month.
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff?
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
When I walked into Chen Qingyang's clinic, I carried so many things on my back that my pack was overflowing. In addition to a wok, bowls, a basin, and ladle, there was enough food for two of us to eat for an entire month. When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen!
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
When a glimmer of light appeared in the eastern sky, he parked and walked around aimlessly. His mind was empty of thoughts: Only the countdown pulsed against the dim red background of cosmic radiation. He seemed to have turned into nothing but a simple timer, a bell that tolled for he knew not whom. The sky brightened. He was tired, so he sat down on a bench. When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around.
When a hand pulled away her wedding veil, she was so startled that she shrank back with fright. "Cut," the director yelled. The set lights went dim, the crimson veil went back over her head, and they took it once more from the top. As they redid the scene, everything grew fuzzy. Things faded off into the distance, never to reappear, as if they had been an illusion. Then Wang Qiyao snapped out of her daze, her shivering ceased, and her heart rate returned to normal. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness once more and through the wedding veil she could make out silhouettes of people moving around. The set lights came up and this time the shouts of "OK" sounded perfunctory.
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table.
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy.
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night.
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep.
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper.
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed.
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!'
When he had finished eating, he went through the motions of practising with the dice so as not to arouse the old eunuch's suspicions, throwing them noisily across the table. After a while his eyelids began to feel heavy. He hadn't slept all night. In minutes he was sound asleep. He slept till evening, when a junior eunuch brought in their supper. Trinket waited on Old Hai as he ate a bowl of rice, and then helped him to bed. Afterwards he went to lie down on the smaller bed, thinking to himself: 'Tomorrow, whatever else happens, I must win my fight with Misty!' He lay there, trying to remember Whiskers' fight with the wrestlers in the tavern.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all.
When he heard this, Luo Xiaosi couldn't help crying. I felt very strange after I heard her words. I shouldn't come into existence simply because a vixen hit me, nor should I stop existing because she hit me. Actually, my existence was an indisputable fact. So I became obsessed. To prove the indisputable fact, I went down the mountain the day the relief delegation arrived and took part in the delegation's hearing. After the hearing, the team leader said, You don't look sick at all. I think you'd better come back to feed the pigs.
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered.
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing.
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him.
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music.
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal.
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove."
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church.
When he lifted his head to see where his subconscious had brought him, he shivered. He sat in front of St. Joseph's Church at Wangfujing. In the pale white light of dawn, the church's Romanesque vaults appeared as three giant fingers pointing out something in space for him. As Wang got up to leave, he was held back by a snippet of hymnal music. It wasn't Sunday, so it was likely a choir rehearsal. The song was "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove." As he listened to the solemn, sacred music, Wang Miao once again felt that the universe had shrunk until it was the size of an empty church. The domed ceiling was hidden by the flashing red light of the background radiation, and he was an ant crawling through the cracks in the floor.
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized.
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing.
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well?
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough?
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?'
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet.
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff.
When he regained consciousness, he found that he was temporarily immobilized. The boy burst out laughing. 'Well? Had enough? Give in?' But Trinket was not finished yet. He eventually succeeded in jumping up and landing a head-butt right in the boy's midriff. The boy groaned and staggered back a few steps.
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest.
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into.
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!'
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly.
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask.
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again.
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?'
When he was properly dressed, they went to rejoin Grandmother Jia and the rest. There they bolted a hurried supper and then slipped back to the other house, where Aroma profited from the absence of the nurses and the other maids to take out a clean undergarment for Bao-yu to change into. 'Please, Aroma,' Bao-yu shamefacedly entreated as she helped him change, 'please don't tell anyone!' Equally ill at ease, Aroma giggled softly. 'Why did you...?' she began to ask. Then, after glancing cautiously around, began again. 'Where did that stuff come from?' Bao-yu blushed furiously and said nothing.
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day.
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though.
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi).
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it.
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me.
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me.
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either.
When people said she was damaged goods and I was her lover, she came to see me every day. It seemed necessary back then, though. Ever since she admitted in public she was damaged goods, and I was her lover, no one said she was damaged goods anymore, let alone mentioned my name in front of her (except for Luo Xiaosi). People were so afraid of this kind of damaged-goods behavior in broad daylight that they didn't even dare talk about it. As for the Beijing relief delegation sent to investigate the city students' situation, everyone in the local area knew about it except for me. That was because lately I had been off herding buffalo, which required going out early in the morning and coming back late at night; besides that, I had a bad reputation and no one bothered to tell me. Later, when I was in the hospital, nobody came to see me either. When I left the hospital, I went deep into the mountains almost right away.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them.
When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks. Amid this sea of indifference, Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen were animated and alive. Though neither said a word, centuries of anticipation and excitement were brewing inside them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Shanghai boulevards were suffused with weariness, preparing to sign out and change shifts.
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day.
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her.
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison.
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear.
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed?
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded.
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway.
When she had a husband before, he did this to her every day. All the time she kept the question to herself, waiting for the day when he felt ashamed of himself and would explain why he did this to her. But he never apologized, and then he went to prison. These were things I didn't want to hear. So I asked her if she hadn't felt like doing it, why had she agreed? She said she didn't want to be considered small-minded. I said, You're a small-minded person anyway. Then she said, Never mind, let's not fight about it.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life.
When she opened her eyes once again and looked, she saw the awkward expression of someone who had no desire to be there. The harsh, unmodulated light of the dressing room made everything appear commonplace. Losing all confidence in herself, Wang Qiyao decided to simply let everything ride; she focused on watching the makeup man gradually transform her into someone else—a stranger she did not recognize. It was then that she began to calm down and her tensions eased. By the time the makeup man finished his job, she had even started to regain her sense of humor and joked around a bit with Wu Peizhen, who remarked that Wang Qiyao looked like the Lady in the Moon descending into the secular world, whereupon Wang Qiyao quipped that if she were a Lady in the Moon, she was the kind whose image was found on boxes of mooncakes. The two of them had a good laugh. Once this happened, Wang Qiyao's expression relaxed, her powdered face lit up, and she came to life. As she returned the gaze of the beauty in the mirror, the image she saw no longer seemed quite as distant and unrecognizable.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang.
When she said that, the band of flush was fading from her chest. At the time we hadn't finished our business yet. So she made it sound like she would only be punished for what she had just done. Suddenly a shudder traveled from the top of my head to my tailbone and I began to ejaculate wildly. Since this had nothing to do with her, perhaps I would be the only one punished for it. Later Chen Qingyang told me that Luo Xiaosi had looked for me everywhere. He went to the hospital, and people there told him that I didn't exist; then he went to our team leader, who also said that I didn't exist; finally, he went to Chen Qingyang. Chen Qingyang told him that since everyone said he didn't exist, maybe he didn't.
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered?
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff?
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
When she saw me come into her clinic, she gave me a faint smile and said, Are you completely recovered? Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path.
When she walked, swinging her arms freely, her body swayed like a willow in the wind. Shan Tingxiu, the groom's father, was walking around Great-Granddad's village, dung basket in hand, when he spotted Grandma among the other local flowers. Three months later, a bridal sedan chair would come to carry her away. Grandma was lightheaded and dizzy inside the stuffy sedan chair, her view blocked by a red curtain that gave off a pungent mildewy odour. She reached out to lift it a crack – Great-Granddad had told her not to remove her red veil. A heavy bracelet of twisted silver slid down to her wrist, and as she looked at the coiled-snake design her thoughts grew chaotic and disoriented. A warm wind rustled the emerald-green stalks of sorghum lining the narrow dirt path. Doves cooed in the fields.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough.
When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street. Wang Qiyao warned her several times to get hold of herself. Finally she had to stop in her tracks and declare she wasn't going any further—they had not even set foot in the studio and Wu Peizhen had already embarrassed her enough. Only then did Wu Peizhen cool down a bit.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before.
When the lights came back on, everything seemed different. During the previous few takes the light had been marked by an unbridled brilliance. This time they seemed to be using a specialized lighting, the kind that illuminates a room during a pitch-black night. The bedroom set seemed to be further away, but the scene became even more alive. Wang Qiyao was taking in everything. She noticed the glow emitting from the electric lamp and the rippling shadows of the lotus-shaped lampshade projecting onto the three walls of the set. A powerful sense of déjà vu gripped her, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember where she had seen this scene before. Only after shifting her gaze to the woman under the lamplight did she suddenly realize that the actress was pretending to be dead—but she could not tell if the woman was meant to have been murdered or to have committed suicide.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger.
When the sedan chair reached the plains, the bearers began to get a little sloppy, both to make up time and to torment their passenger. Some brides were bounced around so violently they vomited from motion sickness, soiling their clothing and slippers; the retching sounds from inside the carriage pleased the bearers as though they were giving vent to their own miseries. The sacrifices these strong young men made to carry their cargo into bridal chambers must have embittered them, which was why it seemed so natural to torment the brides. One of the four men bearing Grandma's sedan chair that day would eventually become my granddad – it was Commander Yu Zhan'ao. At the time he was a beefy twenty-year-old, a pallbearer and sedan bearer at the peak of his trade. The young men of his generation were as sturdy as Northeast Gaomi sorghum, which is more than can be said about us weaklings who succeeded them. It was a custom back then for sedan bearers to tease the bride while trundling her along: like distillery workers, who drink the wine they make, since it is their due, these men torment all who ride in their sedan chairs – even the wife of the Lord of Heaven if she should be a passenger. Sorghum leaves scraped the sedan chair mercilessly when, all of a sudden, the deadening monotony of the trip was broken by the plaintive sounds of weeping – remarkably like the musicians' tunes – coming from deep in the field.
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak.
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed.
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect.
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed.
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows:
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me.
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains.
When the wave receded, I would rest calmly, but I wanted to dance while the wave was at its peak. Chen Qingyang arrived at my thatched hut precisely at that moment and caught sight of me sitting naked on the bamboo bed. My penis was like a skinned rabbit, red, shiny, and a foot long, frankly erect. Panicked, Chen Qingyang immediately screamed. Chen Qingyang's search for me could be summed up as follows: Two weeks after I went into the mountains, she went up the mountains to look for me. It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but she took off her underwear, like women who sneak out for sex at midnight, and wore only a white smock, walking barefoot in the mountains. She crossed a sunlit meadow, entered a dry gully, and walked for a long time.
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth.
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway?
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself.
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to.
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm.
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure.
When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up. Her feelings for Wang Qiyao were a bit like the puppy love that a teenage boy feels for a girl for whom he is willing to go to the edge of the earth. She opened her eyes in the pitch-dark bedroom and wondered: Just what kind of place is this film studio anyway? When the day finally arrived, Wu Peizhen's excitement far surpassed that of Wang Qiyao; she could barely contain herself. A classmate asked them where they were off to. "Nowhere," Wu Peizhen casually responded, as she gave Wang Qiyao a knowing pinch on the arm. Then she pulled Wang Qiyao aside and told her to hurry up, as though afraid that that their classmate would catch up and force them to let her in on their pleasure. The whole way there Wu Peizhen couldn't stop jabbering, attracting curious glances from people on the street.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows.
When the word "Camera" was called out, it too seemed little more than a formality—but this formality still carried with it an air of authority, of unwavering power. She began to prepare the emotions the director wanted to see on her face; the only problem was that she had no inkling of how to act bashful or charming, or what it meant to be filled with longing and uncertainty. Human emotions are not simple symbols that can be called up at will. The crimson wedding veil was lifted to reveal a rigid expression; even the bit of natural charm that she normally had about her was frozen. As soon as he saw her through the eye of the camera, the director sensed that he had made a mistake; Wang Qiyao's was not an artistic beauty, but quite ordinary. It was the kind of beauty to be admired in by close friends and relatives in her own living room, like the shifting moods of everyday life; a retrained beauty, it was not the kind that made waves. It was real, not dramatic—the kind of beauty that people noticed on the street and photo studios displayed in their front windows. Through the camera's lens, it was simply too bland.
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea.
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit.
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?'
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship.
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.'
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant.
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one.
When they were indoors, Zhou Rui's wife ordered her little hired help to pour out some tea. 'And hasn't Ban-er grown a big boy!' said Zhou Rui's wife; then, after a few inquiries about the various things that had happened since they last met, she asked Grannie Liu about her visit. 'Were you just passing by, or have you come specially?' 'Well, of course, first and foremost we came to see you,' replied Grannie Liu mendaciously, 'but we were also hoping to pay our respects to Her Ladyship. If you could take us to see her, that would be very nice; but if that's not possible, perhaps we could trouble you just to give her our regards.' From the tone of this reply Zhou Rui's wife was already able to make a pretty good guess as to the real purpose of the old woman's visit; but because some years previously her husband had received a lot of help from Gou-er's father in a dispute over the purchase of some land, she could not very well reject Grannie Liu now, when she came to her as a suppliant. She was, in any case, anxious to demonstrate her own importance in the Jia household; and so the answer she gave her was a gracious one. 'Don't you worry, Grannie!
When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery.
When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up!
When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine.
When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults.
When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all.
When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods. Since she couldn't prove she wasn't damaged goods, she consented to becoming damaged goods, like the women caught in the act and summoned on stage to confess the details of their adultery. The confessions would reach a point when the audience, unable to restrain themselves, their faces twisted into hundreds of masks of lust, would shout, Tie her up! Then someone would rush onto the stage and bind her into the loops of a five-petal knot with thin hemp twine. She stood like this in front of the crowd, submitting herself to all the shame and insults. That didn't bother her at all. She wouldn't have been afraid of being stripped naked, strapped to a millstone, and thrown into a pond; nor would she have feared being forced to dress up, like the wives and concubines of wealthy men, their faces covered with water-soaked yellow paper, sitting upright until they smothered to death.
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss.
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ?
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say.
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up.
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?'
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do?
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?'
When you were little your Ma and Pa could afford to indulge you; so now you're grown-up you spend all your money as soon as you've got any, without stopping to count the cost; then, when it's all gone, you start making a fuss. But what sort of way is that for a grown man to behave ? 'Now where we live may be out in the country, but it's still "in the Emperor's shadow", as they say. Over there in the city the streets are paved with money just waiting for someone to go and pick it up. What's the sense in rampaging around here at home when you could go out and help yourself?' 'It's easy for you to sit on your backside and talk,' said Gou-er rudely, 'but what do you expect me to do? Go out and rob?' 'No one's asking you to rob,' said Grannie Liu.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
Whenever Wu Peizhen invited her out after school, Wang Qiyao would almost always find some excuse not to go. Several times Wu Peizhen even went to Wang Qiyao's apartment to look for her, but each time Wang Qiyao had the maidservant say that she was not home. Sensing that she was being avoided, Wu Peizhen felt heartbroken, but she held on to the hope that Wang Qiyao would eventually come back to her. Her friendship changed into a kind of pious waiting; she did not even look for any new girlfriends, afraid that they might take Wang Qiyao's place. Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
Where are you going with all that stuff?
Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe.
Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea.
Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury.
Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs.
Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days.
Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain.
Where are you going with all that stuff? I said I was going to the Qingping thermal springs to bathe. She leaned back languidly in her chair and said, That's a great idea. The thermal springs might cure your old injury. I said I wasn't really going to the thermal springs. I just wanted to stay on the back slope of the mountain for a few days. She said there is nothing on the back of the mountain. Better go to the thermal springs.
Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!'
Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.'
Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while.
Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything.
Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion.
Where she would come by a nephew like this one, I just do not know!' 'My dear,' replied Grannie Liu with a laugh, 'when I saw the pretty little darling sitting there, I took such a liking to her that my heart was too full to speak.' Back in Zhou Rui's quarters the two women sat talking for a while. Grannie Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy something for the Zhou children with, but Zhou Rui's wife said she wouldn't hear of it and refused absolutely to accept anything. And so, with many expressions of gratitude, the old lady took her leave and set out once more through the back gate of the mansion. And if you want to know what happened after she had left, you will have to read the next chapter.
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest.
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I.
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence.
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you!
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind.
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind.
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
Whether it was the classical missionary position, or man-from-behind position, man-from-side position, or woman-on-top position, I performed them in sober earnest. Chen Qingyang was very satisfied with my performance, and so was I. At those moments, I felt it was unnecessary to prove my existence. I drew a conclusion from these experiences: never let other people pay attention to you! Beijingers say: Better a thief should steal from you than keep you in mind. You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?'
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.'
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow.
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake.
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone.
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he.
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth.
Which of the Goong-goongs do you work for?' 'I'm with Hai Goong-goong.' Misty nodded, and used Trinket's bandages to mop the sweat from his brow. He helped himself to a cake. Trinket was not going to be outdone. If this young fellow could continue calmly scavenging, so could he. He popped another slice of layer cake nonchalantly into his mouth. 'I can see you've never done any wrestling,' laughed Misty.
Which part of the Palace was he from?'
Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty.
Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.'
Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.'
Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it!
Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow!
Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.'
Which part of the Palace was he from?' 'He's called Misty. I don't know where he's from.' 'You must have been acting too pleased with yourself after your win—that's probably what annoyed him.' 'I won't let him get away with it! I'm going to fight him tomorrow! But I just wonder if I can beat him.' Old Hai humphed.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties.
While they were talking, Grannie Liu came back from the other room having already finished eating, smacking her lips and sucking her teeth appreciatively, and voicing her thanks for the repast. 'Sit down,' said Xi-feng with a smile. 'I have something to say to you. I quite understand what you were trying to tell me just now. As we are relations, we ought by rights not to wait for you to come to our door before helping you when you are in trouble; but there are so many things to attend to in this family, and now that Her Ladyship is getting on a bit she doesn't always remember them all. And since I took over the management of the household, I find there are quite a lot of relations that I don't even know about. And then again, of course, though we may look thriving enough from the outside, people don't realize that being a big establishment like ours carries its own difficulties. They won't believe it if you tell them, but it's true.
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds.
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True!
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back!
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word!
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being.
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening.
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters.
Whiskers had pledged his word to fight, and nothing could have stood between him and the fulfilment of that pledge, not the walls of his prison cell, not even his own wounds. How many times Trinket had sat listening to the storytellers' tales, and how many times he'd dreamed of one day being a hero himself—Trinket the Brave Man and True! Now, he'd said he would fight, and there could be no going back! He had pledged his word! And if he was to be a man of his word, he would have to forget about escape—at least for the time being. He would have to go back to the old eunuch that evening. He therefore decided to retrace his steps to the room where they had been gambling earlier in the day — and from there he took a direction opposite to the one he had taken earlier (which had led him deeper and deeper into the mansion), followed two covered walkways, vaguely remembered one or two shrubs he had passed by in the courtyards on the way, and somehow, by hook or by crook, navigated his way back to the old eunuch's quarters. As he drew near the entrance, he heard the old fellow coughing.
Who could prove I did?
Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare.
Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go.
Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me.
Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not.
Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute.
Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word.
Who could prove I did? But I just stared at him, like a wild boar, like an idiot, like a male cat staring at a female one, until his anger vanished under my stare. Then he let me go. In the end, he still couldn't get anything out of me. He wasn't even sure whether I was a mute or not. People told him that I wasn't a mute. He couldn't be sure since he had never heard me speak a single word. To this day, whenever he thinks of me, he still can't figure out if I am mute or not.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
Who knows, He might give us the opportunity we are looking for. 'Now I can think of a chance you might try. Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
Who knows?
Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy.
Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test. Wang Qiyao's heart raced and her hands grew clammy. She was unsure if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She wondered: Could my big chance really come this easily?
Who stole your chickens and dogs?
Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act?
Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland.
Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile.
Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander?
Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
Who stole your chickens and dogs? Did you catch us in the act? We're here to build up our country's borderland. We aren't some criminals in exile. Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly.
Who's Wang Er?
Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him.
Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless.
Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless.
Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not.
Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave.
Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not.
Who's Wang Er? Never heard of him. For those like Luo Xiaosi, it would have been a great advantage to find me—I could prove that the city students in the area were treated badly, often beaten senseless. For our team leader, my nonexistence was very convenient, because then no one could prove any of the city students had been beaten senseless. To me, it didn't really matter whether I existed or not. If no one came to look for me, I could grow some corn around the place and never leave. So I didn't really care whether I existed or not. I also thought about the problem of whether I existed or not in my little thatched hut.
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu.
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea."
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for?
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.'
Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?' 'Bless us and save us!' said Grannie Liu. 'You know what they say: "A prince's door is like the deep sea." What sort of creature do you take me for? The servants there don't know me; it would be a journey wasted.' 'That's no problem,' said Gou-er.
Why don't you try your luck with her?
Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
Why don't you try your luck with her? You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
Why should we put up with casual slander?
Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names.
Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury.
Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly.
Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen.
Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life.
Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them.
Why should we put up with casual slander? Standing in front of the crowd, I didn't do self-criticism but called them names. I didn't expect Shan Men Er's mother to sneak up from behind, pick up a heavy stool, and slam my lower back, right on my old injury. I passed out instantly. By the time I came around, Luo Xiaosi had gathered a group of city students and was threatening to burn the cattle pen. He also said he'd make Shan Men Er's mother pay with her life. The team leader took a bunch of locals to stop them. Meanwhile, the vice team leader told someone to take me to the hospital on an ox cart.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard.
With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it. The highwayman's stomach gurgled and his body, racked by spasms, grew deathly still; he lay spread-eagled on the ground, a mixture of white and yellow liquid seeping slowly out of the fissure in his skull. 'Is he dead?' asked the musician, who was examining the bent mouth of his trumpet. 'He's gone, the poor bastard. He didn't put up much of a fight!'
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.'
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang.
With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng. 'I lent it yesterday to someone else.' Jia Rong flashed a winning smile at her and half-knelt on the side of the kang. 'If you won't lend it, my father will say that I didn't ask properly and I shall get a beating.
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
With all the cries of "Camera" and "OK" rising and falling amid the clamor, the woman was the only thing that did not move, as if she had fallen into an eternal slumber. Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon.
With growing excitement, Grandma stared fearlessly at the green waves raised by the black winds. The first truculent raindrops made the plants shudder. The rain beat a loud tattoo on the sedan chair and fell on Grandma's embroidered slippers; it fell on Yu Zhan'ao's head, then slanted in on Grandma's face. The bearers ran like scared jackrabbits, but couldn't escape the prenoon deluge. Sorghum crumpled under the wild rain. Toads took refuge under the stalks, their white pouches popping in and out noisily; foxes hid in their darkened dens to watch tiny drops of water splashing down from the sorghum plants. The rainwater washed Yu Zhan'ao's head so clean and shiny it looked to Grandma like a new moon. Her clothes, too, were soaked.
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am.
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame!
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it!
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!'
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him.
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?'
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.'
With him as my teacher I could have learnt a thing or two on the way up here, and then I could have put Misty in his place—even though he is stronger than I am. If he gets me on the ground again tomorrow, I'll die of shame! Little White Dragon—forget it! I'd never dare show my face among the Brothers!' Suddenly a thought occurred to him. 'The wrestlers were no match for Whiskers; but Whiskers was no match for Old Turtle-head—why don't I get him to teach me a few moves?' He asked the old eunuch at once: 'Goong-goong, if you want me to go stealing books from the Upper Library, there's just one problem.' 'What's that?'
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!'
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers.
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians.
With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!' She rose from the seat, stepped grandly onto the pole, and alit in a tuft of cornflowers. Her gaze travelled from the man to the bearers and musicians. 'Into the sorghum field!' the highwayman said, his hand still resting on the red-bundled object at his belt.
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses.
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light.
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own.
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker."
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?"
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium.
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs."
With our current level of technology, we could take the six-meter horn antenna used by Penzias and Wilson almost half a century ago to discover the cosmic microwave background and miniaturize it to the size of a pair of glasses. Then we added a converter in the glasses to compress the detected radiation by five orders of magnitude so that seven-centimeter waves are turned into visible red light. This way, visitors can put on the glasses at night and observe the cosmic microwave background on their own. And now, we can use it to see the universe flicker." "Where can I find these glasses?" "At the Capital Planetarium. We made more than twenty pairs." "I must get my hands on a pair before five."
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt.
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle.
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me.
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath.
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him.
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning.
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me.
With the students from Beijing on one side and the country boys on the other, everyone chose a weapon, either a wooden stick or a leather belt. They argued for a while, then decided not to fight but to make Shan Men Er and I wrestle. Unable to beat me at wrestling, Shan Men Er began to punch me. I kicked him into a manure pit right in front of the cattle pen for a shit bath. He got up, grabbed a pitchfork, and tried to stab me, but somebody stopped him. That was what happened in the morning. When I came back from herding buffalo in the evening, the team leader accused me of beating peasants, saying that he was going to call a meeting to denounce me. I told him that he could take his chances and give me trouble, but I was no pushover.
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit.
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'"
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics.
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?"
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money.
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference.
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here.
Without money, the secrets of the universe are worth shit. At least my project only depends on satellite data and has nothing to do with these 'tourist attractions.'" "In recent years, commercial operation of basic research has been fairly successful, like in high-energy physics. Maybe it would be better if the observatories were built in places farther away from cities?" "It all comes down to money. Right now, our only choice is to find technical means to shield against interference. Well, it would be much better if Professor Ye were here. She accomplished a lot in this field."
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie.
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested.
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over.
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark.
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time.
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!"
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director.
Wu Peizhen caught her cousin in a lie. "Didn't you tell us that you are always running into all these big name stars at the studio every day?" she protested. Wang Qiyao took pity on the cousin and tried to smooth things over. "It's getting dark. We had better come back some other time. Our parents will be worried!" As the cousin led them toward the exit they once again ran into the director. Not only did he remember them, he addressed them jocularly as "the girls from So-and-so middle school"—Wang Qiyao and Wu Peizhen turned a bright red.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets.
Wu Peizhen could hardly bring herself to look Wang Qiyao in the eye. All of a sudden, the lights in the room lit up like a dozen rising suns, blinding them. After their eyes adjusted they made out a portion of the warehouse-like room that had been arranged to look like one half of a bedroom. That three-walled bedroom seemed to be the set, but everything inside was peculiarly familiar. The comforter showed signs of wear, old cigarette butts were left in the ashtray, even the handkerchief on the nightstand beside the bed had been used, crumpled up into a ball—as if someone had removed a wall in a home where real people were living to display what went on within. Standing there watching they were quite excited, but at the same time irritated because they were too far away to hear what was being said on set. All they could see was a woman in a sheer nightgown lying on a bed with wrinkled sheets. She tried to lie in several different positions; on her side one moment, on her back the next, and for a while even in a strange position where half her body extended off the bed onto the floor.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
Wu Peizhen had a cousin who did lighting at the film studio. Occasionally he would come over to see her. In that khaki uniform of his, with its copper buttons, he came across as a bit flashy. Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin.
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat.
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way.
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence.
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them.
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame."
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity.
Wu Peizhen had a faint notion that the reason Wang Qiyao was avoiding her had something to do with that failed screen test, so she too stopped going to the film studio, even breaking off contact with her cousin. The screen test became a source of sorrow for both of them, leaving them with a deep sense of defeat. Things gradually got to the point where they were no longer on speaking terms: running into one another at school, each would make haste to awkwardly get out of the other's way. They sat on opposite sides of the classroom, but, though their eyes never met, they could always feel one another's' presence. A wall of pity grew between them. The incident at the film studio ended with the word "camera," and the result was what they call in the industry a "freeze frame." Gone, never to return, but the memory hangs on for all eternity. Their after-school lives gradually returned to normal; but things were not really the same—something had been snatched away.
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio.
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip.
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out.
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated.
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp?
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out.
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved.
Wu Peizhen had never had her sights set on the studio. Her reason for going rested entirely in making Wang Qiyao happy, so naturally she had hoped it would be a wonderful trip. Just what was so wonderful about the film studio, however, Wu Peizhen had not the slightest clue—she had to wait for Wang Qiyao's reaction to find out. The impression the film studio left on Wang Qiyao, on the other hand, was much more complicated. It was not nearly as magical a place as she had imagined, yet because it appeared so ordinary it gave her the impression that it was within her grasp—but just what was it that she could grasp? She had yet to figure that out. Her initial hopes may have been dampened, but the anxiety that came with anticipation had been relieved. In the days following their visit to the film studio, Wang Qiyao did not utter a single word about their trip, and this left Wu Peizhen quite depressed.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them.
Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting. She said that it was a serious film, unlike this one, which was pure buffoonery, no better than a circus sideshow. The two returned to the first set only to discover that everyone had gone. Even the bed had been taken away, leaving only a few workers behind to straighten up the remaining items on set. The girls wondered if they had gone to the wrong place and were about to go look elsewhere when Wu Peizhen's cousin suddenly called out to them. As it happened, he was one of the workers breaking down the set.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them.
Wu Peizhen naturally jumped for joy as all kinds of wild ideas went flying through her head. In no time she was talking about organizing press conferences for Wang Qiyao, who regretted telling her friend about the screen test. Neither of them paid attention during their classes that afternoon. When school finally let out the two rushed out of the gate and hopped onto the trolley car. Most of the passengers at that time of the day were housewives with cloth bags in hand, wearing wrinkled cheongsams, the seams of their stockings running crookedly up the back of their legs. They either had messy, disheveled hair or, if they had just walked out of the beauty salon, hair that look like a helmet. Their faces were rigid, as if nothing in the world concerned them. Even the trolley seemed to be afflicted with an air of apathy as it rattled along the tracks.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao.
Wu Peizhen really could not have cared less about him; the only reason she kept him around was for Wang Qiyao. The film studio was the stuff of girls' dreams—a place where romance is created, the kind that appears on the silver screen in movies that everyone knows as well as the off-screen type that one hears about in the enchanting gossip and rumors surrounding the lives of film stars. The former is fake but appears real; the latter is real but seems fake. To live in the world of the film studio is to lead a dual life. Girls like Wu Peizhen who had all of their needs taken care of seldom wallowed in dreams; moreover, as the only girl in a house full of boys, she grew up playing boys' games and never learned the social skills and canniness most girls picked up. However, after making friends with Wang Qiyao, she became more thoughtful. She came to see the film studio as a gift that she could offer to Wang Qiyao. She arranged everything carefully, only informing Wang Qiyao after she had already set a date, and was surprised when Wang Qiyao greeted the news with apparent indifference, claiming a prior engagement.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props.
Wu Peizhen thought to herself. At that moment, her feeling for Wang Qiyao approached maternal love—a love that encompassed all. From then on the film studio became a place for frequent visits. They learned quite a few inside secrets about filmmaking. They learned that movies are never shot in sequence, but are made one scene at a time and only edited together in the final stages. The set locations may have been dilapidated and in disrepair, but the images captured by the camera were always perfectly beautiful. On one or two occasions they actually saw some of those famous movie stars, who sat in front of the camera doing nothing, like a collection of idle props. Films scripts were revised at random, and in the blink of an eye even the dead could come back to life.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps.
Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside. This naturally drew more curious gazes. It was not until dusk that her cousin finally staggered in with a greasy paper bag holding a pig's head or some other cheap meat he had bought over at the butcher's shop. By the time Wu Peizhen got home, her family was already at the dinner table and she had to fib about where she had been. But she didn't have an ounce of regret; even when later that evening she saw the blisters on the soles of her feet from all that walking, she still felt that it was all worth it. That night she even had a dream about the film studio. She dreamed of an elegantly dressed woman under the mercury-vapor lamps. When the woman turned to her and smiled, Wu Peizhen saw that she was none other than Wang Qiyao; she was so excited that she woke up.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen.
Wu Peizhen was a rather careless girl. Under normal circumstances, she would have suffered from low self-esteem because of her homeliness, but because Peizhen came from a well-to-do family and people always doted on her, she had developed unaffected into an outgoing young lady. What would have been poor self-esteem was replaced by a kind of modesty—modesty ruled by a practical spirit. In her modesty, she tended to exaggerate other people's strengths, place them on a pedestal, and offer them her devotion. Wang Qiyao never had to worry about Wu Peizhen being jealous of her—and she certainly had no reason to be jealous of Wu Peizhen. On the contrary, she even felt a bit bad for Wu Peizhen—because she was so ugly. This compassion predisposed Wang Qiyao to be generous, but naturally this generosity did not extend any further than Wu Peizhen. Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was.
Wu Peizhen was the first to lose her patience; after all, she was the more brazen one. She pulled Wang Qiyao away so they could go look around other parts of the studio. Their next stop was a three-walled hotel lobby where a fight scene was being shot. All of the actors, in suits and leather dress shoes, were standing around when suddenly a poor fellow in tattered clothes walked onto the set and slapped the hotel manager across the face. The way the action was carried out looked a bit ridiculous; the actor produced the slapping sound with his left hand as he slapped the restaurant owner with his right, but his timing was impeccable and one could hardly tell it was fake. Wu Peizhen liked this scene much more than the first. She watched them do take after take without getting bored, the whole time exclaiming how much fun it was. Wang Qiyao, however, grew impatient and said that the first one was much more interesting.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes.
Wu Peizhen went to the address in Qijiabing in search of her cousin. All around were thatch-covered shacks surrounded by small unmarked trails that extended in different directions, making it virtually impossible to find one's way. People stared at her. One glance told them that she was an outsider, but just as she was getting ready to ask directions they would immediately look away. She finally found her cousin's place, only to discover that he was not home. The young man who shared the shack with her cousin asked her in. He was wearing a pair of glasses and a set of coarse cotton clothes. Wu Peizhen was a bit shy and waited outside.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind.
Wu Peizhen's carelessness was the function of an uncalculating mind. She appreciated Wang Qiyao's magnanimity and tried even harder to please her as though repaying her kindness. Basking in each other's company, they became the best of friends. But Wang Qiyao's decision to befriend Wu Peizhen meant, in some way, that she was pushing a heavy load onto Wu Peizhen's shoulders. Her beauty highlighted Wu Peizhen's unattractive appearance; her meticulousness highlighted Wu Peizhen's lack of care; her magnanimity highlighted Wu Peizhen's indebtedness. It was a good thing that Wu Peizhen could take it; after all, the weight of everyday living did not rest as heavily on her. This was partly because she had plenty of psychic capital to draw on, but also because she simply did not mind. Things came easy to her and she was willing to bear more than her share.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent.
Wu Peizhen's cousin was waiting for them at the entrance; he gave each of them an ID tag to clip on her chest so that they would look like employees: that way they could wander around wherever their hearts desired. Once inside, they walked through an empty lot littered with wooden planks, discarded cloth scraps, and chunks of broken bricks and tiles—it looked like a cross between a dump and a construction site. Everyone approaching went at a hurried pace with their heads down. The cousin also moved briskly, as if he had something urgent to take care of. The two girls were left straggling behind, holding hands, trying their best to keep up. It was three or four o'clock, the sunlight was waning and the wind picked up, rustling their skirts. Both of them felt a bit gloomy and Wu Peizhen fell silent. After going a few hundred steps, their journey began to feel interminable, and the girls began to lose patience with the cousin, who slowed down to regale them with some of the rumors floating around the studio; his comments, however, seemed to be neither here nor there.
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief.
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare.
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect.
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!"
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao.
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart.
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child!
Wu Peizhen's eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Qiyao felt a bit uncomfortable under her stare. Turning her face away, she said, "What I mean is, you should show the guy some respect. After all, he's your cousin!" This was one occasion when even Wu Peizhen saw through Wang Qiyao. But far from belittling her friend for being phony, Wu Peizhen felt a tenderness well up in her heart. Although on the outside she looks like a grownup, deep down she is still a child! Wu Peizhen thought to herself.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty.
Wu came to fetch him again the following morning. It was the Wen brothers' turn to be bankers. Trinket had soon managed to win over twenty taels off them. It was a bad day for the bank altogether. In less than an hour they had to pay out fifty taels, which was all they had. Trinket lent them another twenty, and by the end of the day's play that was all gone too. All Trinket could think about was his appointment with Misty. As soon as the gambling was over, he hurried to the 'cake room'.
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer.
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?'
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her.
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?'
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'.
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm.
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that,
Xi-feng appeared not to have noticed her, for she neither reached out for the cup nor raised her head, but continued picking ab-sorbedly at her hand-warmer. At last she spoke: 'Why not ask them in, then?' As she did so, she raised her head and saw Zhou Rui's wife with her two charges already standing in front of her. She made a confused movement as if to rise to her feet, welcomed the old lady with a look of unutterable benevolence, and almost in the same breath said rather crossly to Zhou Rui's wife, 'Why didn't you tell me?' By this time Grannie Liu was already down on her knees and had touched her head several times to the floor in reverence to her 'Aunt Feng'. 'Stop her, Zhou dear !' said Xi-feng in alarm. 'She mustn't do that, I am much too young!
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal.
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat?
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.'
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?'
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office.
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed.
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately.
Xi-feng gave orders for a meal to be brought in, and Zhou Rui's wife went out and presently reappeared with a guest's portion of various choice dishes on a little table, which she set down in the east wing, and to which she then conducted Grannie Liu and Ban-er for their meal. 'Zhou, dear,' said Xi-feng, 'will you keep them company and see that they have enough to eat? I shan't be able to sit with them myself.' Then calling her aside for a moment she asked, 'What did Her Ladyship say when you went to report about them just now?' 'She said they don't really belong to the family but were adopted into the clan years ago when your grandfather and theirs were working in the same office. She said they haven't been round much of late years, but in the old days when they used to visit us we never sent them back empty-handed. She said it was nice of them to come and see us today and we should be careful to treat them considerately. And she said if they appear to want anything, she would leave it to you to decide what we should do for them.'
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture.
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are!
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.'
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang.
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion.
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there.
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.'
Xi-feng laughed at her discomfiture. 'Don't mind him; just stay where you are! It's only my nephew.' With a good deal of girlish simpering Grannie Liu sat down again, perching herself obliquely on the extreme edge of the kang. Jia Rong saluted his aunt Manchu fashion. 'My father is entertaining an important visitor tomorrow and he wondered if he might borrow the little glass screen that your Uncle Wang's wife gave you, to put on our kang while he is there. We can let you have it back again as soon as he has gone.' 'You are too late,' said Xi-feng.
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang.
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'.
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably.
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody.
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.'
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view.
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away.
Xi-feng nodded, and Grannie Liu sat herself down on the edge of the kang. Ban-er at once hid himself behind her back and neither threats nor blandishments would induce him to come out and make a bow to his 'Auntie'. 'Relations don't come to see us much nowadays,' said Xi-feng affably. 'We are getting to be quite strangers with everybody. People who know us realize that it is because you are tired of us that you don't visit us oftener; but some spiteful people who don't know us so well think it's our fault, because we have grown too proud.' Grannie Liu invoked the Lord Buddha in pious disavowal of so shocking a view. 'It's hard times that keeps us away. We can't afford to visit.
Xi-feng nodded.
Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming.
Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.'
Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu.
Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress.
Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself. She says please thank them very much for coming. And she says if it's just an ordinary visit she has nothing more to add; but if they have anything particular to say, she says tell them that they can say it to you instead.' 'I hadn't anything particular in mind,' said Grannie Liu. 'Only to look in on Her Ladyship and your mistress. Just a visit to relations.'
Xi-feng smiled maliciously.
Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things.
Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.'
Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again.
Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie!
Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!'
Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!'
Xi-feng smiled maliciously. 'I don't know what's so special about my family's things. Heaven knows, you have enough stuff of your own over there; yet you have only to set eyes on anything of ours, and you want it for yourselves.' Jia Rong's smile flashed again. 'Please, Auntie! Be merciful!' 'If it's the tiniest bit chipped,' said Xi-feng, 'I'll have the hide off you!' She ordered Patience to take the key of the upstairs room and get some reliable servants to carry it over.
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!'
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!'
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly.
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper.
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
Xi-feng suddenly seemed to remember something, and called to him through the window, 'Rong, come back!' Servants in the yard outside dutifully took up the cry, 'Master Rong, you're wanted back again!' Jia Rong came hurrying back, wreathed in smiles, and looked at Xi-feng with eyebrows arched inquiringly. Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening.
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded.
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng. 'Her Ladyship says she isn't free today, but that if you will entertain them for her, it will be just the same as if she were to receive them herself.
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing.
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter.
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper.
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.'
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room.
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again:
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...'
Xi-feng, however, sipped very intently from her teacup and mused for a while, saying nothing. Suddenly her face flushed and she gave a little laugh: 'It doesn't matter. Come back again after supper. I've got company now, and besides, I don't feel in the mood to tell you.' 'Yes, Aunt,' said Jia Rong, and pursing his lips up in a complacent smile he sauntered slowly out of the room. Having all this while had time to collect herself, Grannie Liu began her speech again: 'The real reason I have brought your little nephew here today is because his Pa and Ma haven't anything in the house to eat, and the weather is getting colder, and – and – I thought I'd bring him here to see you...' She gave Ban-er a despairing push.
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai.
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her.
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose.
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows?
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen.
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise.
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu.
Yao Yao he described as a proper miss who acted the part of a rich official's daughter, like the tragic lover Zhu Yingtai. He treated Wu Peizhen as if she were a child; he loved to tease her and play little jokes on her. He promised to put Wang Qiyao in a scene in one of his movies as soon as the opportunity arose. Who knows? Because her coquettish eyes resembled Ruan Lingyu's, they might even be able to capitalize on the audience's nostalgia for the dead movie star and make Wang Qiyao into a new diva of the screen. Although he seemed to be kidding, this was the director's reserved and humorous way of making a promise. Wang Qiyao naturally did not take him too seriously, but she did kind of like being compared to Ruan Lingyu. Then one day the director telephoned Wang Qiyao at home to have her come down to the studio for a screen test.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me.
Yet at the time she just took off her white smock, sat beside me, and stared at my little Buddha, thinking he was the color of a burn scar. Just then my thatched hut began to shake in the wind, streams of sunlight leaked through the roof and spattered her body, like stars. I reached out my hand and touched her nipples, until her face flushed and her nipples turned hard. Suddenly she woke from her trance, her face blushing with embarrassment. Then she embraced me tightly. It was the second time that I made love to Chen Qingyang. When we first made love, many details puzzled me. Not until much later did I finally figure out how much she had really taken to heart being called damaged goods.
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something.
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right.
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.'
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages.
Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.' She turned to the pages. 'Where is Master Rong, then?'
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes.
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time.
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not.
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her.
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up.
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day.
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man.
Yet, when she shared her anxieties with her parents, Great-Granddad hemmed and hawed, while Great-Grandma scolded the girlfriends, accusing them of sour grapes. Later on, Great-Granddad told her that the well-educated Shan boy had the fair complexion of a young scholar from staying home all the time. Grandma was confused, not knowing if this was true or not. After all, she thought, her own parents wouldn't lie to her. Maybe her girlfriends had made it all up. Once again she looked forward to her wedding day. Grandma longed to lose her anxieties and loneliness in the arms of a strong and noble young man. Finally, to her relief, her wedding day arrived, and as she was placed inside the sedan chair, carried by four bearers, the horns and woodwinds fore and aft struck up a melancholy tune that brought tears to her eyes.
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there.
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental."
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium.
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses.
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit.
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around.
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer.
You can look as much as you like, but I'm going to take a nap now in the room over there. This Dr. Sha must be mental." He went into the dim interior of the planetarium. Wang opened the suitcase on the backseat of his car and took out a pair of 3K glasses. It resembled the display inside the panoramic viewing helmet of the V-suit. He put the glasses on and looked around. The city looked the same as before, only dimmer. Then he remembered that he had to switch them on.
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!'
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all.
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.'
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one.
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?'
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind.
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.'
You could at least have lent to one of the Wen brothers!' Trinket didn't follow this at all. 'But they didn't ask me for a loan.' 'Then you should have found a way to offer one. Have you forgotten everything I ever told you?' 'It's just that. . . what with killing that boy yesterday, I can't seem to think straight, it must have gone clean out of my mind. I ought to have lent the money to one of the Wen brothers, that's right, I remember now, you told me.' Old Hai humphed.
You go ahead.'
You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat.
You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious.
You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from?
You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time.
You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs.
You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like?
You go ahead.' Trinket was delighted, and without bothering to fill his bowl with rice, he attacked a dish of stewed meat. The food was cold, but he was hungry, and to him it was indescribably delicious. 'I wonder where they get the food from? Oh well, I'd better not ask too many questions, just keep my eyes open and pick things up one at a time. If this really is the Forbidden City, then old Wu and the Wen brothers and little Misty must all of them be eunuchs. I wonder what the actual Emperor and Empress look like? I must try and get a look.
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back.
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.'
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice.
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly.
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp.
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?'
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow.
You have to knee him on the vital point in the small of his back. Come over here and I'll show you.' Trinket hopped out of bed and was at Old Hai's bedside in a trice. The old eunuch felt around in the small of his back and pressed lightly. Trinket felt his whole body go limp. 'Can you remember that?' 'Yes, I'll try it out tomorrow. Let's hope it works.'
You haven't seen anything yet!'
You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight.
You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!'
You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me.
You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem.
You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them.
You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.'
You haven't seen anything yet!' 'Perfect!' cried Misty in delight. 'Go to!' Trinket engaged in a quick moment's reflection: 'Misty has obviously had lessons—that's why he keeps getting the better of me. But that's no problem. All I have to do is watch his moves and copy them. He can throw me a few times— I'll soon get the hang of it.' Misty started coming at him.
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations."
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!'
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife.
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?'
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am.
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.'
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then.
You know what they say: "Even the Emperor has poor relations." It would be strange indeed if we didn't have a few!' She turned to Zhou Rui's wife. 'Have you told Her Ladyship yet?' 'No, ma'am. I was waiting for your instructions.' 'Go and have a look, then. If she has anyone with her, you had better leave it; but if she is free, tell her about their visit and see what she says.'
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words.
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.'
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet.
You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.' So saying, she instructed the little maid to slip quietly round to the back of old Lady Jia's quarters and ask if they were serving lunch yet. The little maid departed on her errand and the two women resumed their conversation.
You managed to get away that time.
You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—'
You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket.
You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—'
You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!'
You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again.
You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two.
You managed to get away that time. A few more goes and I'd have had you, though—' 'Is that right?' protested Trinket. 'Come on then: let's see—' 'At you!' The two of them set to again. Misty clearly knew a few wrestling moves, and was the older and stronger of the two. But Trinket had the benefit of years of experience in the streets of Yangzhou, where he'd had to deal with all manner of bullies and thugs, big and small, and in this respect he was definitely Misty's superior.
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian.
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . .
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse.
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids.
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . .
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!'
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip.
You mustn't let yourself throw up, Fenglian. They say throwing up in the bridal chair means a lifetime of bad luck. . . . The bearers' banter turned coarse. One of them reviled my great-granddad for being a money-grabber, another said something about a pretty flower stuck into a pile of cowshit, a third called Shan Bianlang a scruffy leper who oozed pus and excreted yellow fluids. He said the stench of rotten flesh drifted beyond the Shan compound, which swarmed with horseflies. . . . 'Little bride, if you let Shan Bianlang touch you, your skin will rot away!' As the horns and woodwinds blared and tooted, the taste of eggs grew stronger, forcing Grandma to bite down hard on her lip. But to no avail.
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times.
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!'
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us!
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them?
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there.
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?'
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's.
You never know, she might do something for you for the sake of old times. She only has to feel well disposed and a hair off her arm would be thicker than a man's waist to poor folks like us!' 'That's all very well, Mother,' put in Gou-er's wife, 'but just take a look at us! What sort of state are we in to go calling on great folks like them? I doubt the people at the door would bother to tell them we were there. Who's going to all that trouble just to make a fool of themselves?' Gou-er's cupidity, however, had been aroused by the words of his mother-in-law, and his reaction to them was less discouraging than his wife's. 'Well, if it's as you say, Grannie, and being as you've already seen this lady, why not go there yourself and spy out the land for us?'
You see, we each have our own jobs here.
You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits.
You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does.
You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out.
You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message.
You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though.
You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago.
You see, we each have our own jobs here. My man's is collecting the half-yearly rents in the spring and autumn; and when he's not doing that, he takes the young masters out when they go on visits. That's all he ever does. Now my job is to attend to their ladyships and the young mistresses when they go out. But being as how you are a relation of Her ladyship, and since you've put your confidence in me and turned to me to help you, I don't mind breaking the rules for once and taking in a message. 'There's only one thing, though. I don't expect you know, but things here are very different from what they were five years ago. Nowadays Her Ladyship doesn't run things here any longer.
You should never let other people keep you in mind.
You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school.
You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs.
You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind.
You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm.
You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk.
You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor.
You should never let other people keep you in mind. After a while, the city students in our team were all transferred to other positions; the men landed work at the candy factory, and the women got to teach at the agricultural middle school. I was the only one left feeding those pigs. According to them that was because I was not reeducated enough, but Chen Qingyang said it was because someone kept me in mind. This "someone" might have been the military deputy on our farm. She also said the military deputy was a jerk. She used to work in the hospital, but when the military deputy tried to grope her, she gave him a big slap, and afterward, she was sent down to the fifteenth production team to work as a team doctor. The fifteenth team's water was bitter, and there wasn't much to eat either.
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married.
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit.
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father.
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.'
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu.
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years.
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever.
You take young Ban-er with you and ask for Old Zhou that stayed in service with your lady after she married. If you tell them you've come to see him, it will give you an excuse for the visit. Old Zhou once entrusted a bit of business to my father. He used to be very friendly with us at one time.' 'I knew all about that,' said Grannie Liu. 'But it's a long time since you had anything to do with him and hard to say how he may prove after all these years. Howsomever. Being a man, you naturally can't go in your present pickle; and a young married woman like my daughter can't go gallivanting around the countryside showing herself to everybody.
You were lucky just now, that's all!'
You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!'
You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail.
You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again.
You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet.
You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion.
You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room.
You were lucky just now, that's all!' 'Then get up ... and fight!' Trinket stretched and heaved with all his might (what little of it he had left), but his opponent was still astride his aching ribs, and his efforts were to no avail. After several more minutes of futile struggle, he surrendered yet again. Misty rose to his feet. His arms were sore and limp with exhaustion. Trinket staggered to his feet and took a few tottering steps across the room. 'Tomorrow . . . tomorrow I'll take you on again . . . and I'll beat you for sure!'
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!'
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack.
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot.
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him.
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor.
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back.
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt.
You won't be so pleased when I've made a big rip in that smart gown of yours!' He let out a great war cry and threw himself straight into the attack. 'Excellent kungfu!' cried his opponent, grappling him with both arms, and delivering a swinging kick with his left foot. Trinket lost his balance, tottered and fell, bringing Misty down with him. As Trinket rolled and spun round, he managed to pin Misty face down on the floor. He remembered Old Hai's little demonstration, and felt for the vital point in the small of Misty's back. But he had never done this sort of thing before, and it was hard to find the point at his very first attempt. Misty meanwhile had spun round, gripped Trinket's left arm, and twisted it back.
You'd better bring three taels yourself!'
You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred.
You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right.
You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money.
You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake.
You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.'
You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die!
You'd better bring three taels yourself!' Misty seemed somewhat taken aback by this but then concurred. 'All right. We fight for money. I'll bring my stake. See you here at noon tomorrow.' 'Live or die! Excellent kungfu!
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.'
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance.
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children.
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her.
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?'
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently.
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou?
You'll have to go from here round to the back gate in the other street and ask for her there.' Grannie Liu thanked him and trotted off with little Ban-er all the way round to the rear entrance. There she found a number of sweetmeat vendors and toy-sellers who had set their wares down outside the gate and were being beseiged by a crowd of some twenty or thirty noisy, yelling children. She grabbed a small urchin from their midst and drew him towards her. 'Tell me, sonny, is there a Mrs Zhou living here?' The urchin stared back at her impudently. 'Which Mrs Zhou? There are several Mrs Zhous here.
You'll never guess who that is:
You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng.
You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.'
You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu.
You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely.
You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself."
You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words.
You'll never guess who that is: Her Ladyship's niece Wang Xi-feng. You know, Her Ladyship's eldest brother's daughter, that we used to call "Feng-ge" when she was a child.' 'Bless you, my dear, for being such a help!' said Grannie Liu. 'Oh Grannie, how can you say such a thing?' said Zhou Rui's wife demurely. 'You know what the old saying is, "He who helps others helps himself." It's only a question of saying a few words. No trouble at all.'
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur."
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded.
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur.
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope.
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this.
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes."
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about?
You're talking about a supernatural saboteur." Wang nodded. Compared to the idea of the universe flickering, he would prefer a supernatural saboteur. But Sha then deprived him of this last glimmer of hope. "It's easy to confirm this. If the cosmic microwave background is fluctuating this much, we should be able to see it with our own eyes." "What are you talking about? The wavelength of the cosmic microwave background is seven centimeters.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl.
Your family used to be connected with the Wang clan of Nanking. Twenty years ago the Nanking Wangs used to be very good to you folk. It's only because of late years you have been too stiff-necked to approach them that they have become more distant with you. 'I can remember going to their house once with my daughter. The elder Miss Wang was a very straightforward young lady, very easy to get on with, and not at all high and mighty. She's now the wife of the younger of the two Sir Jias in the Rong mansion. They say that now she's getting on in years she's grown even more charitable and given to good works than she was as a girl. Her brother has been promoted; but I shouldn't be surprised if she at least didn't still remember us.
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other.
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly.
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!'
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
Yu Zhan'ao approached the highwayman, his thin lips curled resolutely, up at one end and down at the other. 'Hold it right there!' the highwayman commanded feebly. 'I'll shoot if you take another step!' Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps.
Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma. The bearers streaked down the road, yet the sedan chair was as steady as a skiff skimming across whitecaps. Frogs and toads croaked in loud welcome to the oncoming summer rainstorm.
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living.
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly.
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair.
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.'
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat.
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist.
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe.
Yu Zhan'ao looked wordlessly first at the dead, then at the living. With a handful of leaves from a sorghum stalk, he cleaned up Grandma's mess in the carriage, then held up the tree knot, wrapped it in the piece of red cloth, and tossed the bundle as far as he could; the gnarled knot broke free in flight and separated from the piece of cloth, which fluttered to the ground in the field like a big red butterfly. Yu Zhan'ao lifted Grandma into the sedan chair. 'It's starting to rain,' he said, 'so let's get going.' Grandma ripped the curtain from the front of the carriage and stuffed it behind the seat. As she breathed the free air she studied Yu Zhan'ao's broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was so near she could have touched the pale, taut skin of his shaved head with her toe. The winds were picking up, bending the sorghum stalks in ever deeper waves, those on the roadside stretching out to bow their respects to Grandma.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face.
Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement. The bandit crawled to his knees, knocking his head on the ground and pleading for his life. 'Every highwayman says he's got an eighty-year-old mother at home,' Yu Zhan'ao said as he stepped aside and glanced at his comrades, like the leader of a pack sizing up the other dogs. With a flurry of shouts, the bearers and musicians fell upon the highwayman, fists and feet flying. The initial onslaught was met by screams and shrill cries, which soon died out. Grandma stood beside the road listening to the dull cacophony of fists and feet on flesh; she glanced at Yu Zhan'ao, then looked up at the lightning-streaked sky, the radiant, golden, noble smile still frozen on her face. One of the musicians raised his trumpet and brought it down hard on the highwayman's skull, burying the curved edge so deeply he had to strain to free it.
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up.
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face.
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran.
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen!
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
Yu Zhan'ao walked calmly up to the man, who began backing up. Green flames seemed to shoot from his eyes, and crystalline beads of sweat scurried down his terrified face. When Yu Zhan'ao had drawn to within three paces of him, a shameful sound burst from his mouth, and he turned and ran. Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance.
Yu Zhan'ao walked up, leaned over, and gently – very gently – held Grandma's foot in his hand, as though it were a fledgling whose feathers weren't yet dry, then eased it back inside the carriage. She was so moved by the gentleness of the deed she could barely keep from throwing back the curtain to see what sort of man this bearer was, with his large, warm, youthful hand. I've always believed that marriages are made in heaven and that people fated to be together are connected by an invisible thread. The act of grasping Grandma's foot triggered a powerful drive in Yu Zhan'ao to forge a new life for himself, and constituted the turning point in his life – and the turning point in hers as well. The sedan chair set out again as a trumpet blast rent the air, then drifted off into obscurity. The wind had risen – a northeaster – and clouds were gathering in the sky, blotting out the sun and throwing the carriage into darkness. Grandma could hear the shh-shh of rustling sorghum, one wave close upon another, carrying the sound off into the distance. Thunder rumbled off to the northeast.
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear.
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field.
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen!
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.'
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth.
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose.
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree.
Yu Zhan'ao was on his tail in a flash, kicking him expertly in the rear. He sailed through the air over the cornflowers, thrashing his arms and legs like an innocent babe, until he landed in the sorghum field. 'Spare me, gentlemen! I've got an eighty-year-old mother at home, and this is the only way I can make a living.' The highwayman skilfully pleaded his case to Yu Zhan'ao, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, dragged him back to the sedan chair, threw him roughly to the ground, and kicked him in his noisy mouth. The man shrieked in pain; blood trickled from his nose. Yu Zhan'ao reached down, took the thing from the man's belt, and shook off the red cloth covering, to reveal the gnarled knot of a tree. The men all gasped in amazement.
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared.
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly.
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!'
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot.
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded.
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her.
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face.
Yu Zhan'ao, bringing up the rear, spun around and glared. A change came over the highwayman's face, and he gripped the object at his belt tightly. 'Eyes straight ahead if you want to keep breathing!' With his hand resting on his belt, he shuffled up to the sedan chair, reached out, and pinched Grandma's foot. A smile creased her face, and the man pulled his hand away as though it had been scalded. 'Climb down and come with me!' he ordered her. Grandma sat without moving, the smile frozen on her face. 'Climb down, I said!'
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was.
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile.
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you?
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!'
Zhou Rui's wife came hurrying out and asked who it was. 'How are you, my dear?' said Grannie Liu, advancing with a smile. Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this.
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face.
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit?
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something.
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...'
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop.
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right.
Zhou Rui's wife darted a meaningful look at Grannie Liu as she said this. Grannie Liu perfectly well understood the significance of this look, and a blush of shame overspread her face. Yet if she did not speak up now, what would have been the purpose of her visit? She forced herself to say something. 'By rights I ought not to mention it today, seeing that this is our first meeting: but as I have come such a long way to see you, it seems silly not to speak...' She had got no further when the pages from the outer gate announced the arrival of 'the young master from the Ning mansion' and Xi-feng gestured to her to stop. 'It's all right. There is no need to tell me.'
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand.
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties.
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival.
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening.
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.'
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away.
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded.
Zhou Rui's wife departed on her errand. Xi-feng told one of the servants to give Ban-er a handful of sweets, and had just begun a desultory conversation with Grannie Liu when a number of domestics and underlings of either sex arrived to report on their duties. 'I am entertaining a guest,' said Xi-feng to Patience when she came in to announce their arrival. 'Let them leave it until this evening. But if anyone has important business, bring them in and I will deal with it now.' Patience went out and returned a minute later to say that she had asked them and no one had any business of special importance, so she had sent them all away. Xi-feng nodded. At this point Zhou Rui's wife returned with a message for Xi-feng.
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise.
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick!
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal.
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then.
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her.
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!'
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters.
Zhou Rui's wife hurriedly rose to her feet and urged Grannie Liu to do likewise. 'Quick! After she comes out from there she'll be free for a few minutes while she has her meal. We must try and catch her then. If we delay a moment longer, people will start coming in with messages and we shan't have a chance to speak to her. And once she goes off for her afternoon nap, we've really lost her!' Grannie Liu got off the kang, adjusted her clothing, conducted Ban-er through a rapid revision of his little stock of phrases and followed Zhou Rui's wife through various twists and turns to Jia Lian's quarters. Just before they reached them, Zhou Rui's wife planted them both in a covered passage-way while she went on ahead round the screen wall and into the gate of the courtyard.
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her.
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu!
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you?
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you!
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!'
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling.
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories."
Zhou Rui's wife scrutinized her questioningly for some moments before finally recognizing her. 'Why, it's Grannie Liu! How are you? It's so many years since I saw you last, I'd forgotten all about you! Come in and sit down!' Grannie Liu followed her cackling. 'You know what they say: "Important people have short memories." I wouldn't expect you to remember the likes of us!'
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges.
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter.
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises.
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room.
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations.
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept.
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated.
Zhou Rui's wife went off again to fetch her charges. As they ascended the steps to the main reception room, a little maid lifted up the red carpet which served as a portiere for them to enter. A strange, delicious fragrance seemed to reach forward and enfold them as they entered, producing in Grannie Liu the momentary sensation that she had been transported bodily to one of the celestial paradises. Their eyes, too, were dazzled by the bright and glittering things that filled the room. Temporarily speechless with wonder, Grannie Liu stood wagging her head, alternating clicks of admiration with pious ejaculations. From the glittering reception room they passed to a room on the east side of it in which Jia Lian's baby daughter slept. Patience, who was standing by the edge of the kang, made a rapid assessment of Grannie Liu and judged it sufficient to greet her with a civil 'how-do-you-do' and an invitation to be seated. Grannie Liu looked at the silks and satins in which Patience was dressed, the gold and silver ornaments in her hair, her beauty of feature which in every respect corresponded with what she had been told of Wang Xi-feng, and taking the maid for the mistress, was on the point of greeting her as 'Gou-er's aunt', when Zhou Rui's wife introduced her as' Miss Patience'.
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back.
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it!
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening.
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up.
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried.
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!'
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free.
but when he tried to straighten himself up and get to his feet, he felt a sudden numbness in the small of his back. Misty had beaten him to it! He had pressed on exactly the spot Old Hai had been trying to teach him the previous evening. After struggling futilely for a moment longer, he finally gave up. 'All right!' he cried. This time I surrender!' Misty laughed and set him free. As Trinket got up, he suddenly shot out one of his feet.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-long-short-short-short. That's 1108:21:37, Wang thought. short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha.
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me."
short-long-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-long-long-long, short-long-long-long-long, long-long-long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long-long, long-short-short-short-short—that's 1108:21:36. The countdown continued at the scale of the universe. Ninety-two hours had already elapsed, and only 1,108 hours remained. Sha paced back and forth anxiously, pausing from time to time to look at the sequence of numbers Wang was writing down. "Can't you tell me what's going on?" he shouted. "I can't possibly explain this to you, Dr. Sha. Trust me." Wang pushed away the pile of papers filled with waveforms.