Whispers of Youth: Not Liking It. Let's Just Pass By.

Author: Xiao Luo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Thus, the parents' departure made the atmosphere even more strange, and Dong's expression grew darker. Xiao Ni felt somewhat awkward, unsure whether to advance or retreat. Dong glanced at the nervous Xiao Ni and asked coldly, "Don't you have a boyfriend?"
"Um?" Xiao Ni was taken aback by the question. Facing Dong's condescending attitude, she began to regret attending such a blind date. Dong snorted contemptuously and ate his toast.
"Don't you have anyone you like?"
"I don't understand you—"
"Which hotel do you want to go to tonight?" Dong ignored Xiao Ni's confusion. Xiao Ni put down her utensils and looked up at Dong, who showed disdain toward both her and her family, remaining silent. She had nothing to argue with Dong about.
Dong narrowed his eyes. After a moment, he suddenly threw down his utensils in anger and stood up.
"Stupid." He had no patience left to maintain this foolish scene. Whom he married didn't matter—any woman who married into his family was just a production tool. If women were willing, he didn't care either.
Xiao Ni was overwhelmed by the sudden humiliation. She sat stiffly in her chair for a long time before coming to her senses. Looking around, she saw an unfamiliar environment and strangers. Dong had already left her behind. Suddenly, she felt as if everyone was staring at her with disdain. She couldn't sit still any longer and fled in a hurry. Yet in the moment she turned, she knocked over a glass wine cup. The cup traced a graceful yet fragile arc in the air before crashing onto the marble floor, splattering juice and blooming in a beauty.
The sound startled the people around, creating an oppressive silence, a deathly silence. The scattered red shook like a ritual from the ancient times, sacrificing human blood to honor totems symbolizing matriarchal society. She was merely a woman existing as a means of production—a mere production tool.
Xiao Ni trembled slightly. She didn't know why she suddenly thought of this forgotten myth from the depths of her memory. Yet strangely, she felt as if she were moving closer to such a life.
When she inhaled the fresh air outside the window, Xiao Ni's heart felt heavy, and she couldn't find the words to speak. She flagged down a taxi. The only person she could think of was Yue.
"Hey, Ni." Just as Xiao Ni got out of the car, she surprisingly saw Jie with a playful smile. Yet in that instant, she felt an unprecedented closeness. She stared blankly at Jie, not speaking or blinking, utterly lost.
Jie froze for a few seconds, then snapped back to reality and moved closer to Xiao Ni.
"Did you cry?"
Xiao Ni finally came to her senses. He was shouting loudly on the street—it was embarrassing. She quickly averted her gaze and planned to go into the store to find Yue.
Jie followed, as always full of chatter.
"Wearing so prettily, going on a blind date?"
"None of your business." Xiao Ni frowned. She disliked Jie's bluntness, which always cut deep into her heart.
Jie shrugged and then hurried into the store ahead of Xiao Ni.
It was late, and there weren't many people in the store. Yue was talking behind the counter.
"Hey, girl, go home alone after work. Let me borrow your car for a ride."
"What are you talking about? Then what am I supposed to do?"
"Even Superman doesn't know what to do?" Jie said confidently.
Yue finally noticed Xiao Ni following behind. She shot Jie a sideways glance and smiled at Xiao Ni.
P152-153