"Black-hearted"

Author: Xu Da Hui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: "Where to?" Hai Jianer was puzzled. "Look at you, too much pressure," said Vice Mayor Chen, taking the wine bottle from his secretary and pouring a drink for Hai Jianer. "That's why you need to de-stress." The words "de-stress" reminded Hai Jianer of an activity they had planned with Vice Mayor Chen before coming to the provincial capital: a follow-up visit to Changling City. Recently, the mayor of Changling City had led a delegation to Panshan to learn from their experience—after cracking down hard on illegal coal mines, they invited Vice Mayor Chen and Hai Jianer to visit Changling City at their convenience. "It’s a perfect opportunity. As soon as the provincial meeting ends, we can head straight to Changling," Hai Jianer said. He wouldn’t forget what they had agreed to, especially since he had proposed it. Their visit to Changling was the main theme, with a sub-theme: a reunion with an old classmate from Panshan named "Tufei" (Bandit). Tufei had invited the old classmates to get together, and back then, Vice Mayor Chen had often sent love letters to her. Tufei’s nickname was given by Hai Jianer, and the reason behind it had a story. The female classmate resembled a female bandit from a novel. Despite decades passing, Vice Mayor Chen hadn’t forgotten Tufei, and seeing her made him unable to help but feel emotional—even though he was long past the age of such feelings. Was it nostalgia? Or lingering affection? Their friendship often transcended official ranks, and they frequently made jokes that went beyond the boundaries of their positions. On the way to the provincial capital, they rode in the same car. Hai Jianer offered to drive the mayor’s (Red Flag) car, while their driver and the mayor’s secretary sat in the back. It was easier to talk and joke that way: "She’s just a butterfly chaser, at most a bandit. Being loyal to the end is too exaggerated?" Vice Mayor Chen grew emotional: "Old classmate, do you really understand what it means to have a heartbreak? You don’t!" Seeing him emotional, Hai Jianer wanted to laugh but held back. "It’s just old wine in an old bottle," he said. Old wine in an old bottle, old wine in a new bottle, new wine in an old bottle, or new wine in a new bottle—it’s all the same. Men and women’s matters are largely similar; the form may change, but the content remains constant. "We’ll stay in Changling for two days. Hope you have some 'content'," Hai Jianer said. Content—Vice Mayor Chen understood what his old classmate meant by it. At 50, was content really that important? Maybe it was better to have regrets throughout life. Leaving a little room for regrets to be savored in old age might make it more flavorful. "Come, let’s drink to the content!" Hai Jianer was clever and proactively raised his glass to Vice Mayor Chen. Content? The mayor’s secretary was baffled. Just then, Director Ding from the Provincial Safety Production Supervision Bureau came around the table to give a toast. "Comrades, let me give you a drink," he said. Everyone raised their glasses and cheered, "Cheers!" "Vice Mayor Chen, Hai Jianer," Director Ding didn’t leave. "I’d like to specially toast the two of you. Panshan City is at the junction of three provinces and has long been a major area for illegal mining. Your task is more challenging than others. The bureau firmly believes that with the strong leadership of the Panshan Municipal Party Committee and Government, and with our heroes on the supervision front in Panshan, the 'Earth Fire Action' will surely succeed!" Director Ding’s words were deeply moving and inspiring. Someone at the next table shouted, "Cheers to the Earth Fire Action!" The banquet reached its climax. As they left the restaurant, on the steps, Hai Jianer said, "I can’t go with you to Changling." "Why?" Vice Mayor Chen was surprised. "There’s something urgent at the bureau. I must return immediately." Hai Jianer emphasized the word "must." Vice Mayor Chen stared at Hai Jianer, saying, "Alright, then I’ll go alone." After saying that, he called his secretary and headed to Changling. Back in the rear seat, Hai Jianer leaned back and closed his eyes, pretending to rest. The driver watched their boss in the rearview mirror and drove as smoothly as possible to avoid disturbing him.