Chapter 23: I'd Rather Not Be Friends
True feelings are rare in the world, what is friendship? People gather like each other and benefit each other.
Zhang Ziming is dismissive of friendship and thinks that the world is ruthless.
The inflated jealousy and ambition seemed to drive Zhang Ziming to continue to moths to the fire and carry out conspiracies and tricks in every way.
One wrong step and one wrong step, that is, it has been shot, and it is difficult to recover.
The two are inseparable friends, and they naturally talk freely without intercourse.
Zhang Ziming was old-fashioned, and joked half-truthfully: "As the saying goes, start a family, now that Brother Tai has become famous, should I plan to start a family next?" β
Duxing never wanted to have a warm home to rest and attach, so he chanted a song with feelings: "The fog is lost on the building, where is the face, even if there is a style, who is it to complain to?"
Zhang Ziming tacitly understood the other party's thoughts.
Things seemed to happen logically, and everything was in Zhang Ziming's meticulous plan.
Duxing's encounter with his wife Xu Liying is both accidental and inevitable, and it seems that he has long been destined to experience this life catastrophe.
It didn't seem like a normal day, but it was so extraordinary for a single line.
Zhang Ziming claimed to have obtained a broad and profound ancient chess book for the only line that was addicted to chess, and invited friends to share the collection.
Duxing naturally came to his heart as promised, and he couldn't wait to flip through the ancient chess book after only two or three pages and couldn't put it down, and he couldn't extricate himself from it.
Zhang Ziming humbly asked the other party for advice on the moves he didn't understand, and the only one also taught him unreservedly.
The two would sometimes discuss and debate each other's controversial chess forms, and most of the time they were able to convince each other with their insights.
Perhaps they were too attentive to see that dinner had been brought to them, and it was not until the man spoke that they quieted down a little and looked at each other and laughed.
Yahuan Xu Liying said jokingly: "Playing chess, can you really satisfy your hunger? The friendship between the two sons is really similar to Zhong Ziqi and Yu Boya in the Spring and Autumn Period. β
It seems to be a bit insightful.
Duxing couldn't help but pay attention to a few more glances, and the pretty and clever and generous Xu Liying uncontrollably knocked on his heart.
Her figure is graceful and graceful like a willow, her bright and graceful goose egg face, and her curved and graceful chin contain a slight point, making her look beautiful and gentle, her thick and delicate lying silkworm eyebrows are like a fresh and poetic touch of distant mountains, and her two watery eyes seem to be ready to speak at any time.
Zhang Ziming tacitly understood the other party's mind from the eyes of the only line, and secretly had a plan but talked and laughed quietly.
Zhang Ziming waited for Yahuan, Xu Liying turned to leave, and then asked Duxing intentionally or unintentionally, "How does Brother Tai feel about this beauty?"
Duxing's face was crimson, but he smiled silently and did not say anything.
Zhang Ziming couldn't help laughing and said, "This month, the old man, it seems that the younger brother has made up his mind." He immediately turned around and went to play chess, and according to the usual practice, he had to fight with the only line of candles at night. The moment he turned his back to the other party, Zhang Ziming suddenly revealed a complex expression of pain and contempt, and his dark pupils flashed with a vicious and hateful light.
It is impossible for the only party to see the other side of Zhang Ziming, all he will always see is the gentle and approachable Zhang Ziming.
When the two of them had just entered a state of fierce battle, Xu Liying's shadow like a firework willow shadow came like the wind again: "Zhang Gongzi, the old lady has something to ask you to go to her wing." β
Zhang Ziming asked with a little annoyance, "Do you know what the matter is?"
"It seems that I have asked a famous tailor to make clothes, and I want you to go over and measure the size. β
"Don't go, don't go!" Zhang Ziming waved his hand again and again, "Why do you want to make clothes again?!" β
Xu Liying knew the old lady's temperament, and Yahuan would be reprimanded for not doing things well. She quietly lowered her head slightly, pursed her lips aggrievedly, and stubbornly refused to leave.
Duxing said to Zhang Ziming with compassion: "Brother Zhang, you can go for a trip, how about we fight again another day? β
"How can there be a beginning and no end? This game of chess still has to be played, and I will be back soon after I go for a while." Zhang Ziming said reluctantly, "Xu Liying, you can deal with a few tricks for me for the time being, don't snub my brother." β
"Hey!" The voice was as eloquent as the voice of a warbler, Xu Liying agreed and sat in Zhang Ziming's position without humility, "Who should be the next one?"
The person he liked was so suddenly close at hand like a dream, and a wonderful and happy feeling was like an electric current instantly permeating the whole body of the only line, and he felt a little panicked for a while.
The only line tried to calm himself down as much as possible, and said casually, "You first." In fact, his mind was confused, and he couldn't remember exactly.
It doesn't matter who plays first, to be honest, he doesn't care if this girl's chess skills are superb or not, if the other party can understand a little bit, it will be very good.
"I'm down. Xu Liying's slender fingers grabbed a sunspot and landed crisply and neatly on the chessboard.
The piece was played just right, and it took the lone line by surprise, yes! Maybe it was a coincidence.
Duxing still doesn't believe that a young girl ring will have any profound chess power.
The only one party couldn't help but be surprised after playing a few moves, and the opponent's chess hand was unique and insightful, and the three points were refreshing, and they would not be inferior to Zhang Ziming.
Duxing added a little admiration, and asked with sincere approval and curiosity: "I didn't expect Miss to play such a good chess hand, I don't know which famous teacher she has been instructed by?"
Xu Liying couldn't help but laugh, some charming cheeks rose slightly, like a nimble little fish, revealing a cute playfulness, "How can you talk like a sour crepe nerd? Is my chess really as good as you say? I don't even know. How could a girl of my identity get the guidance of a famous teacher, I just read a few more chess games when others were resting. If there is really progress, then it is also the chess game that Zhang Gongzi has found to break in. The beautiful, intelligent, frank and playful Xu Liying has since been indeliblely imprinted in Duxing's mind.
After two days, Zhang Ziming picked up the topic again and said that he was going to prepare to be a moon old for Duxing, and tentatively asked Duxing's mind.
The only line hesitated for a long time and was silent.
Zhang Ziming asked suspiciously: "Could it be that Xu Liying doesn't fit her brother's mind?" or do you think she is not good enough?"
The eyes of the only line will not deceive, and the bright pupils flashed with the brilliance of love, "On the contrary, the show is good, and the ice and snow are smart." β
"But when I saw my brother Tai, I seemed to hesitate, but I don't know why?"
Duxing hesitated again and again, "I don't want to take away the love of a gentleman, such a naturally beautiful, smart and virtuous girl, I'm afraid Brother Tai already has a heart, right?"
Maybe the words of the only line pierced the other party's heart, Zhang Ziming's pupils were written with a trace of helplessness and melancholy, and said with some bitterness: "Sometimes I really envy the children of ordinary people, who can love me and do what I want." In the house of the eunuch, in fact, there are many last resorts, and what the marriage cannot be independent about is the order of the parents, and the words of the matchmaker are right. I never dared to hope for a positive outcome with my loved ones, nor did I have the courage to try to break through the stereotypes that had been formed for thousands of years. β
Duxing apologized guiltily: "Forgive me for my abrupt words, which caused my brother to be so sad." β
"You don't have to worry about it, as long as Brother Tai lives happily, that is, he has fulfilled his long-cherished wish for Zaixia, or let him be old this month," Zhang Ziming then changed a relaxed and witty tone and said; "On the night of the candles in the cave room, I just wonder if Brother Tai will still remember his good intentions?"
The only line smiled with a smile, and his heart was filled with relaxed happiness.
Zhang Ziming is safe, but there is a kind of sadness in his heart.
Under Zhang Ziming's dedication, the only line that had the experience of sending people under the fence finally tied the knot with Xu Liying.
There is a detail that I noticed but didn't care very much, on the day of marriage, Xu Liying's eyes were red and swollen, as if she had cried very sadly about something. Maybe he was reluctant to leave his mother's house, but he was so inadvertently relieved of his doubts.
They are a very enviable couple in the eyes of outsiders, and they can be called talented women.
With a warm and fragrant life of starting a family and starting a business, the only line is suddenly like a dream, and he has never had extravagant hopes for such a life before.
Therefore, he cherishes the people who live in the moment. He treated Zhang Ziming more than a brother, and let him come and go freely without warning.
Xu Liying seems to be a virtuous wife, who does the daily laundry and cooking chores in an orderly manner, and takes care of the diet and daily life of the only line.
The only line enjoyed the warmth and happiness of home that I had never had.
When I come home after a busy day, I will tell my wife about the joy of what happened in the chess hall or the outside world.
In her spare time, she will also help her wife with household chores, such as drying clothes or sweeping the floor.
The little couple's ears and sideburns look affectionate.
Duxing never thought that there would be great betrayal and shame on him.
Even if sometimes he is not at home and goes home alone, Huo Ran will not be suspicious when he meets Xu Liying and Zhang Ziming alone. He himself acts above board, and does not think easily of the dirty side.
One is a wife who melts the water and a confidant who takes care of each other. If he had even the slightest suspicion of any of them, he would feel that he had been guilty of unfounded guilt.
Over time, there were gradually gossips about confidants and wives in the capital, and when everyone knew, the only line belonged to the one who knew the truth last.
remembers that when Shi Xiangyu first reminded Duxing tactfully, implicitly, and Duxing, Duxing didn't know what to do, and almost turned his face with her.
He didn't dare or want to believe this almost comical and cruel fact unless he saw it with his own eyes.
It seems to be a routine that only has been repeated in the script, but it is very practical.
The only one pretended to go back to his hometown to see his parents, but sneaked back at night.
When it came time to sit down on the truth, Duxing completely collapsed, as if he had been slammed with a hammer, and his heart suddenly burst and shattered, and his heart ached.
The unbearable truth is still vivid in my eyes.
", you are too ruthless, you actually gave me to others, why do you do this? As long as I can stay with you, I am already satisfied, what is there to fear if I have no name and no share?" This is Xu Liying's sobbing voice.
"It's not a long-term solution in the mansion after all, and occasionally Wen Cun is also worried, I always feel that there are eyes watching us at all times, not to mention what kind of skin kiss will happen, how can there be such a convenient way to repair the plank road and secretly cross the Chen Cang. β
It seems that Xu Liying's conscience has not been completely extinguished, "I always feel too sorry for the only line in my heart." β
Zhang Ziming sneered teasingly: "Could it be that you have been in love with him for a long time? He is just a dementia who pretends to be smart, you can wait and see after a long time, all the chess halls will be under my name." β
"If you have chosen, you will not change it, I just have some compassion, he is also a poor person, I only hope you don't kill everything. Xu Liying's tone was infinitely sad.
Zhang Ziming said scoundrelly: "What kind of archway do you want to do a fake place, don't waste this Spring Festival night worth a thousand gold, come and enjoy the joy of swallowing clouds and spitting out fog and fish water, I am almost going to burn myself!"
I only heard Xu Liying's long and worried sigh; "Heyβwrongedβ"
The lights and candles went out, and the room was pitch black.
The beautiful and warm love and friendship disappeared with the candle extinguished, and the soul of the only line died in that moment.
Is all this false? The soul of the only line seems to be asking itself or looking up to the sky and howling.
However, the scenes of the past are so real and beautiful in front of me.
Life has deceived itself in such a cold and merciless way.
The only line wants to cry without tears, who will know that there are no tears when it is truly sad to despair?
Because of anger and shame, the body of the lone line trembles like a leaf in the wind, and the truth and facts are indeed chilling;
In what way should such a life end?
This is an imminent reality that is waiting to be solved alone.
It took almost all the strength of his body to calm himself down, and he finally made a choice that bordered on pathos.
He chose to give up what he had now and leave the sad land of right and wrong in peace and quiet.
It is not a wise choice to give up a mistake to achieve a relationship.
Last night's stars and last night's wind, after the flowers, it became a dream.
Now that you have woken up from your dream, why bother.
The only line vigorously packed up the belongings, and left the capital without knowing it.
Zhang Ziming was as careful as a haircut, and the next day he discovered the flaw of the only line's escape, and all the important objects of the other party disappeared almost overnight.
Zhang Ziming's face was expressionless, his eyes were gloomy, and he knew in his heart that he had other plans, but he didn't say anything.
I didn't see the only line for a day or two, and I didn't make a fuss, and after a long time, everyone realized that the only line in the chess world disappeared from the capital.
This matter was boiling for a while, and it was short-lived.
Duxing returned to his hometown in a hurry, and told his parents about his changes in a concise manner, asking them to follow him to his death.
The mother of the only line couldn't believe that there was such a two-faced person as Zhang Ziming in the world, and she believed that her son would eventually choose to die in a foreign country and start all over again.
However, the father of the only line was reluctant to give up the family business in front of him, and stubbornly insisted on selling his property before he was willing to follow and leave.
In this way, a day was spent in vain, and the whole family of Duxing suffered a catastrophe.
The killer sent by Zhang Ziming quietly appeared around Duxing's new home like a ghost in the early morning of the next day.
It was already early in the morning, the hazy and misty crescent moon gave off a cold glow, only the faint night light shrouded the earth, the cold and humid air made people shiver, and the air was filled with a palpitating tranquility.
A heart-rending and creepy scream suddenly pierced the quiet of the early morning, a mournful scream that could not be imitated from a gloomy and dead grave. (The father of the only line got up to go to the toilet and happened to be killed by the killer)
Duxing, who had never fully slept soundly, immediately sat up from his bed and rushed out of the bedroom. An ominous premonition spread through his body like a cold wave, and he could already hear that this very familiar voice was from his father.
The undesirable things that the only one did not want to happen still unfortunately happened.
This matter is just as Duxing expected in his heart; Zhang Ziming is definitely the most vicious and despicable villain in the world, and he must be killed in everything.
There is no regret medicine in the world, and the immediate thing is to escape.
At the moment of life and death, the only line first thought of the bitter mother's situation.
The mother-son, who were in a state of contact and embarrassment, appeared in the antechamber almost intimately, before they could speak.
A black-clothed killer with a steel knife in his hand almost invariably appeared here, and there was still crimson blood on the cold and silver-white steel blade. You don't have to guess to know that it's the blood of the only father.
Without saying a word, the black-clad killer viciously went straight to Duxing, because Duxing was the ultimate goal of this operation.
However, the mother of the only line who was eager to protect the calf did not hesitate to make a shocking move, she was like a fighter desperate to sacrifice her life and death to hug the black-clothed killer tightly from behind.
She shouted hoarsely at the lone line, "Run, run, leave me aloneβ"
The only act of panic and hesitation read the mother's greatest wish in her pleading and resolute eyes, that she wanted her son to live in peace and health in this world.
With tears in his eyes, he almost bit his lip and turned around and ran away, a stronger and stronger belief supporting him to run wildly: Live, must live! Revenge must be avenged for his mother, who is as kind as a mountain!
However, the slick killer finally drove the panicked only line to the edge of an unfathomable cliff.
Taking a step back will definitely be shattered, no matter what, it will never be recovered, and there is no better choice for a single line.
When he really faced death, Duxing was unexpectedly calm.
He calmly said to the killer: "No matter what, it is already difficult to escape, even if I die today, I have to die to understand, otherwise I will not be blind to death, I just want to know if you are the killer sent by Zhang Ziming? Before I die, I just want to confirm my guess." β
The only one was already a turtle in the urn anyway, and the black-clothed killer agreed with compassion and silence.
Enough, enough.
Since then, he and Zhang Ziming have been incompatible.
Although death cannot be chosen, the only line can choose the way to die, and he must choose a dignified death.
The lone line jumped off the cliff resolutely.
The black-clothed killer looked down at the unfathomable bottom of the misty cliff in awe, estimating that it would be difficult for his prey to survive, so he had to go back to his life in a huff.
Zhang Ziming has since inherited everything from the only line with peace of mind and legitimacy.
He deservedly became the owner of the chess hall and became the number one in the chess world.
He was dignified and frequently went in and out of the mansion of the only one as a friend, and overstepped his responsibilities as a husband.
He coudently ordered the account office to record the income and expenditure of the chess hall in detail, and dupliously claimed to the outside world that he was only temporarily taking care of the chess hall on behalf of the only bank.
This practice of deceiving the world and stealing fame has won Zhang Ziming a reputation of loyalty and benevolence.
After jumping off the cliff, the lone group fell on a pine tree growing outward between the cliff walls, and a cave appeared on the steep cliff wall in surprise. The twists and turns of the bizarre encounter will not be repeated, and the right to leave some space for the imagination of readers and friends.
Maybe the sky doesn't hide treachery, and the only line miraculously survived, and cultivated a strong internal strength.
With irrepressible grief and despair, Duxing returned to the capital in a desperate way.
The remnant sun is like blood, and the shadow of the sun is scorching. It seems to herald the inevitable bloodlight disaster that is about to occur.
Duxing has confirmed through reliable channels that Zhang Ziming is feasting guests at the mansion.
With the belief that the only line will be destroyed, there is no one around and without hesitation goes straight to the mansion, which was once the only line and is now occupied by the dove.
The three tables in the living room were full of friends and laughter, and no one noticed the appearance of the only line for a while.
The lone line stood motionless as a stone sculpture, indifferent and mocking, watching as if the clowns were on the stage.
The sharp and sharp gaze locked on a once familiar and unfamiliar figure like electricity, and did not move away, a cold and cold killing machine quickly permeated the whole body like a cold wave soaked in the bones, and hatred made the only line gradually clench his fists hard, and he didn't feel pain even when his nails dug into the flesh.
A few people inadvertently discovered the ghost-like and murderous single line, and they were so frightened that they quietly left the place of right and wrong.
A gloomy and ominous atmosphere quickly filled the living room like a thick haze.
Zhang Ziming, who was proud of the spring breeze, scanned the living room suspiciously and inexplicably, wanting to find out what was going on.
happened to meet the vicious gaze of Duxing, Zhang Ziming couldn't help but be frightened, his face was like ashes, and his back was sweating.
The gaze of the lone line was creepy, like a viper's pupils flickering with a fierce and cold light.
Zhang Ziming had a premonition that he was in danger, so he turned around and ran away to the room.
Duxing secretly sneered and followed as light as a swallow.
The other party's skills now are really unexpected, and Zhang Ziming didn't have time to close the door at all.
The lone line holding the fish intestine sword is like a high wall, like a giant, just blocking the door of the house.
This precious fish intestine sword was originally a gift from Zhang Ziming to the only party, and it used to be a testimony of heart-to-heart care, but now it has become a murder weapon that kills and chases souls.
Zhang Ziming and Xu Liying trembled, like fish caught in a net, and they couldn't escape.
Duxing's entire body seemed to have erupted as a volcano, and the deep pupils burst out with flames of revenge, and he gritted his teeth and said word by word: "Now, what else do you have to say?!" Why do you want to kill them all?! In fact, I have nothing left. β
Zhang Ziming's face showed an extremely complicated and painful expression, "The sun shines brightly, the stars and the moon sneak forward, how can the sun and the moon shine together? If you are alive, I will be bleak, since there is a brother, why should I have me! I also persuaded myself not to go crazy, but the voice of the ghost finally prevailed. β
The picture of getting along with each other in the past is vivid. Duxing bit his lip with tears in his eyes and was bleeding, and he was so sad and angry that he let out a long roar: "Is the friendship of the past all fake? I don't believe it, I don't believe it!" The fish intestine sword fiercely pierced Zhang Ziming's heart.
Zhang Ziming's pupils rolled up the white eyes like dead fish, stared at Duxing fixedly, and said sadly and melancholy: "I'd rather we weren't friends." Then he used all his dying strength to break free from the fish intestine sword, his body fell to the ground as if a wall had collapsed, his chest was stained red with piercing blood, and his left foot twitched nervously.
Zhang Ziming died. Xu Liying's sky also fell.
She picked up a pair of scissors and stabbed them frantically and indiscriminately on the back of the only line, crying hysterically, "Why come back when you're gone?!"
Duxing is painful and desperate, heartache is worse than physical pain, it turns out that his wife Xu Liying really loves Zhang Ziming.
However, the picture of his wife's meticulous care for him seems so real.
The only pupil looked up at the roof with infinite confusion and pathos, letting the sour tears crisscross his face, letting the frantic scissors prick his back, he seemed to be numb and still motionless.
For Hongchen, he is already ashes, what joy is in life, and what is fear in death.
There will be a way to end everything, just do nothing. The only line simply turned his heart sideways, and stabbed Xu Liying's body with a backhand sword on one side.
Duxing didn't dare to look back for a long time, he didn't have the courage or bear to see his wife's painful expression.
Xu Liying's voice was weak and desolate, "I really want to know, will you shed a tear for me, you only have chess in your heart, have you ever cared about my joys and sorrows?"
Duxing once thought that he would not shed tears in this life, but at this time, he couldn't help but have tears all over his face.
Xu Liying has never seen him cry, which doesn't mean that he won't cry, it's just that she never looked at it with her heart.
After experiencing the hurt of the world, the heart of Duxing has long been like a stream, but Xu Liying has never looked at it with her heart, so she naturally does not know that he will also have emotions of joy and sorrow.
Fate is born and perished, and floating life is like a dream.
The lone line frantically started a fire in the room, crying and laughing as he staggered away with a long roar in the sky, and behind him was thick smoke and flames.
The next day, an earth-shattering news spread in the capital: a famous chess saint was imprisoned overnight for murder and arson.
It turned out that the only party was bent on death, and Yamen surrendered.
This explosive news made countless people sigh.
Duxing seemed to be certain to die, but there was a turning point, and Ma Shiying cherished his talent and gave him the opportunity to make meritorious service and atone for his sins.
Ma Shiying asked Duxing to join Jinyiwei and lurk in the peasant army as an undercover agent.