City life

Author: Li Zhaozheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: In the cities where we live, Li Zhaozheng is truly a unique and irreplaceable narrator of the lives of the common people at the grassroots. For Li Zhaozheng, the life of the common people at the grassroots is an internalized life experience. He never observes life from the outside or from above; he is immersed in it every day. He and the ordinary people at the bottom of society in his works share a natural blood connection, making him the spokesperson of the common people.
The Industrial and Commercial Bureau often caused trouble for Ajuan. Ajuan had just bought an electronic scale and couldn’t bear to throw it, so she broke a few wooden boxes instead, but it was useless. The Industrial and Commercial Bureau then sent a truck to load most of her belongings. Ajuan imported Xinjiang pears and American sweet oranges, which are very expensive fruits. Ajuan was in pain, rolling on the ground, but the Industrial and Commercial Bureau enforced the law strictly. Ajuan learned about Mr. Zhang’s words and was so angry that she pounded her chest, vowing, "Whoever doesn’t let me eat, I’ll make sure they can’t poop!" Ajuan went crazy, stepping on each of the accumulated fruits one by one. Ajuan’s husband said, "Good, step on them well! A person fights for their breath, and a tree fights for its skin!" Afang felt that she had dragged Ajuan into this mess and tried to comfort her, but it only made her even more agitated. Ajuan said, "Afang, you must take half of your husband’s property!" Afang said, "Yes, act like a person!" Ajuan said, "You should also be a boss, even bigger than Mr. Zhang." Afang said, "Yes, we can’t lose to him." Ajuan said, "Go catch him red-handed! If we catch him, the court won’t help him either." Afang said, "Yes, the Women’s Federation said that if there’s a third party involved, they will definitely protect women’s legal rights." Ajuan said, "I have an idea." Afang said, "If there’s a way, I won’t care about anything else!"
As soon as it got dark, Ajuan took her husband’s phone and left. Ajuan started enjoying detective movies. Ajuan acted like a private detective, wearing sunglasses and tight clothing, almost like she could fly. Ajuan lingered near the entrance of Mr. Zhang’s company like a ghost. Ajuan saw Mr. Zhang coming out with a young woman on his arm, glancing sideways with the corner of his eye. Mr. Zhang and the young woman got into a taxi, and Ajuan immediately waved for one. Ajuan followed them to Mr. Zhang’s "villa." Ajuan watched as they bit their lips and walked inside. Ajuan took out her phone to call Afang, but when she saw the lights flickering in the window, she hesitated. Watching the dim, flickering lights, Ajuan felt sorry for Afang. Afang was sitting alone every day, while he came here every day to have fun—what was there for this woman to do? Ajuan looked at her watch; it was twelve o’clock, and the lights had dimmed. Ajuan dialed the phone and said, "It’s time!" Afang said in a trembling voice, "I’m coming right away." Ajuan said, "Hurry, they must have gone to bed!"
As soon as Afang arrived, Ajuan handed her the phone and told her to dial 110. Afang hesitated. Ajuan said, "You, aren’t you a woman?" Ajuan fiercely dialed 110 and reported that someone was engaging in prostitution, giving the address. A short while later, police cars arrived. A few police officers climbed over the low wall and knocked on the door. Mr. Zhang opened the door in a panic, and the police rushed in. Ajuan and Afang followed them in. The young woman hid under the blanket. The police asked Mr. Zhang, "Are you married?" Mr. Zhang stammered. The police said, "Show us your marriage certificate!" Ajuan pushed Afang forward, who held the marriage certificate in her hands. The police asked, "Who are you?" Afang said, "I’m the wife of that man." The police ignored her and told Mr. Zhang and the young woman to go to the police station. Mr. Zhang and the young woman hastily got dressed and left. Mr. Zhang glared maliciously at Afang as he passed by. The 110 could prove that Mr. Zhang had a third party. The Women’s Federation said that Afang was the victim, and the law would definitely protect women’s legal rights. If the court made an unfavorable judgment for Afang, the Women’s Federation would step in to ensure justice. Afang was listless, but Ajuan was extremely excited. Ajuan seemed to think Afang was already a millionaire, helping her every day with ideas for what business to start and how much capital to invest. Afang seemed to listen but didn’t really. Afang suddenly said, "Mr. Zhang’s money is so easy to get?" Ajuan said, "You don’t care about him! Is Mr. Zhang bigger than the law? The law says it’s yours, so if you don’t take it, you’re breaking the law." Afang suddenly said, "Mr. Zhang’s money is earned through hard work—can I take half of it?" Ajuan said, "Afang, it seems I’ll have to wash your brain for you."
For more than eight years of marriage, everything in the house, including a needle, was joint property. When it came to money, there was no shame in asking; as long as it was yours, take as much as you can. Afang suddenly said, "Mr. Zhang was already in enough trouble last night because of us." Ajuan cursed, "Afang! It’s you who’s in trouble, do you really not know?" Afang fell silent, just lost in thought.