The duration of Worker-Peasant-Soldier University Student programs ranged from two to three years. Ling Yi had graduated in just two years and was recently assigned to work at a publishing house. Since her parents didn’t live in the city, she visited the Fu family every Sunday.
It was at the Fu family’s home that Ling Yi learned Fang Muyang had gotten married—to the woman who had taken care of him in the hospital. When she heard the news, her first thought was that Fang Muyang had been too hasty. They were still young; why tie his future to someone he barely knew so soon? While feeling sorry for Fang Muyang, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for herself too. Conventionally, she ought to congratulate them and even send a gift. But she couldn’t bring herself to wish him well, especially since he had married Fei Ni—the very person who had once invited her to visit Fang Muyang in the hospital. Ling Yi had never gone, and now she wondered what Fei Ni might be saying behind her back, perhaps even exaggerating things. Sooner or later, Fei Ni would ruin all the good impressions Fang Muyang had of her.
Fei Ni wore a beige Vest over her blouse. It was already autumn, and a single layer felt a bit chilly. Both Fei Ni’s attire and her appearance gave off a gentle vibe. Having suffered from being judged by appearances herself, Ling Yi knew better than to equate looks with character.
Ling Yi forced a smile at Fei Ni. She was somewhat afraid of her and didn’t want to offend her. Though she had her reasons for not visiting the hospital, if Fei Ni spread the word, others would only see her as selfish—maybe even Uncle Fu and his wife would think so.
Fei Ni’s mind immediately recalled the address Fang Muyang had given her. This was the right place.
Her first thought was that Fang Muyang and Ling Yi had reconnected. If they rekindled their old flame and Fang Muyang divorced her, moved out of her apartment, and started a new life with someone else, she wouldn’t object. She had considered this possibility even before marrying him.
Whether they were in touch now or not didn’t change her reason for being here.
Ling Yi felt somewhat awkward around Fei Ni, but Fei Ni appeared quite composed.
“Is this President Fu’s home?”
Aunt Fu came to the door and asked, “You are…?”
“I’m Fang Muyang’s wife.”
“So you’re Xiao Fei? Please, come in and sit.”
Fei Ni entered the living room and was invited to sit on the sofa by Aunt Fu. Although it was Sunday, President Fu was still working and wasn’t home.
Aunt Fu was very courteous to Fei Ni, not just because of Fang Muyang, but also because she felt Fei Ni had been through a lot—finally nursing Fang Muyang back to consciousness, only to be separated again so soon after their marriage.
Aunt Fu immediately understood Fei Ni’s reason for visiting and reassured her, “Xiao Fang sent a telegram to the office just the day before yesterday. He’s doing well, so don’t worry.”
“Do you know when he might return?”
“I’m not sure about that. I’ll ask your Uncle Fu for you when he gets back.”
Fei Ni got straight to the point: “I’m not really worried about his safety. It’s just that the weather’s turning cold, and he only brought two thin shirts with him. I was wondering if anyone from the office is still going to the earthquake zone, so they could bring these clothes to him.” She had bought Fang Muyang a knit sweater and a fleece-lined shirt at a clothing store. Though expensive, she had no choice—there wasn’t enough time to make them herself.
“Xiao Fang is truly fortunate to have you.” Aunt Fu picked an apple from the fruit bowl and began peeling it for Fei Ni. After a pause, she added, “But I don’t think the training program will send anyone else there. Still, don’t worry too much. I’m sure he won’t be cold there.”Fei Ni knew she couldn’t deliver the mooncakes to Fang Muyang anymore, so she left the mooncakes and pomegranates as gifts. Picking up the bundle of clothes, she prepared to take her leave.
Aunt Fu pressed down on Fei Ni’s shoulder, urging her to stay seated in the living room, and handed her a peeled apple. "Fei Ni, have an apple first," she said. Then she introduced Ling Yi to Fei Ni, "Ling Yi and Muyang grew up together. You two are about the same age—I’m sure you’ll get along well."
Aunt Fu said to Ling Yi, "You two chat in the living room for a while. I’ll go fetch something."
Neither of them felt inclined to talk, and silence fell between them.
In the short time since Fei Ni had entered, she had noticed that Ling Yi was quite close with the Fu family. She guessed they must have known each other for a long time.
Her eyes drifted to the newspaper on the coffee table, and she began reading the day’s news.
The silence stretched on, elongating the minutes. Only when Aunt Fu returned did the second hand seem to resume its usual pace.
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