Chapter 81
Even though we all went our separate ways after graduation and rarely had the opportunity to get together, our friendship didn't end there. The chat atmosphere in the class group is still active, and there are constant messages every day. No matter how busy or tired I am at work, I will always take the time to go in and have a look, and from time to time join in the joy of noisy and laughing. What puzzles me is that in the dead of night, I often think of not these college friends who are so close to me, but of my high school classmates who have long since cut off contact with me. Maybe it's because I have always had unwillingness and regret in my heart, and I am sure that if I can do it all over again, I can be calmer, more witty, and stronger. I hate myself for not holding back my tears, as if I was admitting defeat to them, and even more so for myself who humbly endured everything and didn't have the courage to fight back. Just as I couldn't agree with my reckless efforts to preserve my dignity, I can't agree with my former self for fear of offending others. Actually, it would be unfair to make such a harsh request on me in the past, but you need to know that the reason why I can analyze that unbearable experience from the perspective of a bystander is because my job and new home have given me a great sense of security, so that I can relax and lick my wounds. Not only did I not want to admit that I had misjudged my past abilities and endurance, but I also wishfully assumed that those old high school acquaintances had become passers-by in my life. Ironically, it didn't take long for them to reappear in front of my eyes one by one.
Years ago, I got my first year-end bonus. It's not a lot of money, but it's an unexpected income, and it's enough to make me happy. After a night of tossing and turning, I finally decided to use it to fulfill one of my New Year's resolutions: to go on a trip. After learning about my idea and budget, Tang Xin immediately decided to go with me.
"I've wanted to visit Dali again for a long time. Walking around the ancient city, seeing Erhai Lake, eating wild mushrooms, the days are really wonderful......" Tang Xin sighed in a lazy voice.
I had no clue about traveling, and I was immediately attracted by Tang Xin's proposal. In this way, we not only decided on the destination and itinerary in one go, but also booked the plane ticket and hotel along the way. At that time, I was immersed in joy and anticipation, and I was complacent about my high efficiency, but I naturally did not expect that the smooth journey would only stop at the beginning. With the arrival of an uninvited guest, our entire plan was completely disrupted.
Years later, Tang Xin's symphony orchestra welcomed a guest pianist. In less than a week, Tang Xin already had a deep affection for this talented musician, and was always full of praise whenever he talked about him.
"He has good piano skills, he has a good temper, he is good-looking, and his fingers are good-looking...... Anyway, it's just how good it is......" As soon as the words fell, Tang Xin's shy laughter came from the mobile phone.
"Look at the ...... that makes you happy. So when are you going to confess to someone? I teased with a grin.
"Do you want me to confess? That's not good......" Tang Xin replied hesitantly.
"If he's really as good as you say, he must be popular...... Aren't you afraid that others will be the first to get ahead? ”
"But...... Wouldn't it be embarrassing if he refused? I can't afford to lose this person......" Tang Xin replied wryly.
"When does his contract expire?"
"I remember it was the end of March......"
"Then tell him before he leaves, anyway, even if he refuses, it won't be embarrassing for long."
"But...... The end of March is still more than a month...... What if he gets a girlfriend during this time? Tang Xin sounded a little anxious.
"Then you can only think that you have no fate, want to open a little......" I persuaded seriously.
The next afternoon, I received an express email from Tang Xin, containing a ticket for a musical performance by the Municipal Symphony Orchestra, dated this Saturday evening. Recalling the emoji that Tang Xin sent me early in the morning, I couldn't help but smile. It seems that this pianist is indeed very charming, and even Tang Xin, who has always been reserved, can't hold his breath......
In order not to embarrass Tang Xin, I deliberately put on a newly bought dress on Saturday and arrived at the venue more than an hour early. As an unrelated person, I naturally didn't see anyone in the symphony orchestra before the performance. After standing outside the door for a long time, I finally waited for the ticket checker. Following the guidance of the hostess, I found my seat. To my displeasure, Tang Xin arranged a seat for me at a considerable distance from the stage, and although it did not affect my enjoyment of the music in the slightest, I could not see the pianist clearly at all. Being in the midst of the melodious melody gave me an inexplicable sense of reassurance, and with the cover of darkness in the audience, I fell asleep unconsciously. Fortunately, Tang Xin, who was focused on playing, did not notice my gaffe. When the lights came on again, we woke up from our sweet dream, and then rushed to the backstage to meet Tang Xin. What made me even more dissatisfied was that Tang Xin did not show up at the appointed time, causing me to be stopped by the serious-looking security uncle outside the lounge door. Just as I was worrying about how to prove to my uncle that I was not a suspicious person, a girl wearing a black dress and a long skirt walked out of the lounge.
"You...... Is it Yin Ran? ”
I stared at the girl who knew my name and was familiar for a few moments, and finally recognized her. “…… Mei Fangxun? ”
"Long time no see......" Mei Fangxun took my hand, a kind smile appeared on her face.
"Uh...... It's been almost six years......" I replied in a panic.
"yes...... You've become pretty, I almost didn't recognize you just now......" Mei Fangxun looked at me with gentle eyes, which made me very embarrassed.
"People rely on clothes......
"I'm relieved to see you so energetic...... In fact...... I've never dared to ask you how you're doing...... I'm sorry......" Mei Fangxun pursed her lips, her eyes filled with tears.
"Don't be cranky, you didn't do anything wrong......" I patted Mei Fangxun on the shoulder and comforted awkwardly.
"Then I'll assume that you have forgiven me......" Mei Fangxun gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and then asked, "By the way, why are you here?" ”
"I'm here to see my friend, who works in the orchestra."
"What's her name?" After saying that, Mei Fangxun pulled me into the lounge.
Mei Fangxun took me to Tang Xin and told me that when she was in college, she studied finance according to her parents' wishes, and originally did not meet the recruitment requirements of the orchestra. Thanks to a letter of recommendation from the teacher in charge of the high school band, she was unusually hired as a trainee musician.
"Life is too short, so you have to give yourself some time to do what you want to do...... I promised my parents that I would quit if I didn't get a regular job within three years...... In fact, as long as you can do the job you like, what does it matter if the salary is less? Mei Fangxun turned around gracefully and smiled indifferently.
I smiled and didn't reply. I doubt that her parents, who love Mei Fangxun, are really willing to let her live a hard life.
In the innermost part of the lounge, I finally met Tang Xin, who was surrounded by the crowd. It turned out that just now, the humble and shy pianist presented Tang Xin with a bouquet of roses and made a request for a relationship.
"Yin Ran, you're here!" Tang Xin had a sweet smile on his face and walked quickly to greet him.
"Hello, my name is Ruan Siyu, and I am Tang Xin's...... Colleague. The pianist straightened the bow tie around his neck with his hands, looking a little cramped.
At this time, Tang Xin glanced at me several times at an inopportune time, and motioned for me to look at her boyfriend's slender fingers. I glanced at her helplessly, playfully asked her to return to the pianist to accept everyone's blessings, and then left the lounge with the help of Mei Fangxun.
A week later, Tang Xin sent me countless messages of apology, saying that if I refused to forgive her, then she would never have the face to see me again. Unable to withstand my repeated questioning, she finally explained the reason for her apology. In short, she had to withdraw from our travel plans for the sake of her pianist......