Chapter 72: Each Went Their Separate Ways

  The time to get the graduation certificate is July 18th. Shan Yong rode an electric bike from Shangmazi Mountain all the way down, and almost saw the teaching building of Luan Institute without adding electricity. The weather was exceptionally clear, and the mood was not bad either. That book really took a lot of effort, whether it's useful or not is another matter, but in any case, it's an exciting thing.

  Riding quickly into the campus, a car suddenly sped up from behind, startling Shan Yong to steer his bike onto the sidewalk. Looking back, he saw Le Dapeng laughing triumphantly in the window of his Honda as he made two sharp turns and honked the horn before speeding away towards the administration building.

  "Sha Lei, are you showing off? Are you trying to get me to let you go?"

  When Dan Yong's car arrived at the office building, he smiled and scolded, "Look at Lei Da Peng wearing a floral shirt, large pants, and a pair of slippers with a character on them. His hair was styled in this year's popular messy look, making him look like a thug from the Hei Sha Hui gang stationed at Lan Yin Institute." Just then, this guy knocked on the car window and said, "Did you hear that, Shu Ge? This is the typical model of a poor and bitter anti-rich person."

  Shan Yongzheng was waiting to make a joke, but unexpectedly got scared by this sentence. He took a look and saw that the passenger door opened, and Wang Huating stretched out her leg. The black and white striped dress was particularly eye-catching, her hair was no longer tied up in pigtails, but instead had a perm, adding a few points of maturity to her youthful appearance. Her usual sports shoes were replaced by white high heels, making her look elegant and refined. Her pale skin with a hint of darkness added a few points of exotic charm.

  Shan Yong's eyes lit up, then froze. Wang Huating didn't even look at him and walked straight into the building, not forgetting to call out to Da Peng. This guy called out to Lei Da Peng until his bones were numb, and he followed closely behind, not forgetting to turn back and scold Shan Yong: "What's with your eyes? Can you look at someone else's girlfriend like that?"

  "Oh, I was wrong. I'd better not watch anymore. You go ahead slowly."

  Shan Yong deliberately said. Making a please gesture, this low posture made Lei Ge say it again, wiping his nose, and proudly followed Wang Huating into the building. Shan Yong was so angry that he wanted to kick this guy twice. When he turned around, he happened to bump into two classmates, Zhao Hui and Li Baochun, said hello, and when he was about to leave, he unexpectedly saw Dong Qingcong hiding behind Simu Xian, whistling loudly and shouting: "Get out!"

  Si Mu Xian came out with a sly smile, seemingly having witnessed the previous scene. Shan Yong lightly kicked him and scolded: "Can't you stop smiling for once? Look at me when I'm talking to you."

  "Big brother, still the same words, you're too unkind. I only watch and never speak, but this has provoked you. Hehe." Si Mu Xian smiled, Dan Yong looked at his younger brother who was still wearing a white shirt and black pants, the pants were still school uniform, and the sandals were also worn for two summers, but they were washed very clean. Smiling, he put his arm around him and asked in a low voice: "What's going on? Why is Lei being friendly with Wang Hua Ting again?"

  "Boss, you can't blame anyone for this. You're the one who personally pushed the branch secretary into someone else's arms... no, onto someone else's car." Si Mu Xian said with a smile.

  "Yes, I admit it." said Dan Yong.

  "Regret it?" Simu Xian asked.

  "What's there to regret?" said Dan Yong.

  "If you really don't have a point, then you're too cold-blooded, haha, but it's good that way, saving me from losing my girlfriend as soon as I graduate. I heard that Shu Shu is going to pursue her master's degree, if I tell you, her grandfather was a retired deputy provincial official and her father was promoted to be the vice mayor of a neighboring city, do you think you'll regret it?" Si Mu Xian asked again. Dan Yong burst out laughing and asked his younger brother: "Do you think I will?"

  "Now it won't work, I just don't know how long you can maintain this heroic and generous spirit in an environment that values utility," said Simu Xian.

  "Just like the stench on your body, how about we make a bet?" Dan Yong said with a smile. This remark made Si Mu Xian choke, and he gave a helpless gesture after muttering to himself.

  Or how long it will last, neither of them knows.

  Upstairs, the proud Lei Dapeng came down, holding his graduation certificate, hugging his younger brother and kissing him, wanting to hug Dan Yong, but was kicked in the foot. This guy didn't get angry, and said "Take this book and ask mom for an Audi", went downstairs shouting Wang Huating to walk together. Wang Huating walked silently downstairs with her head down, like a stranger passing by Dan Yong's side, only to stop at the bottom of the stairs and look up at the upstairs with a melancholy gaze.

  She left, Wang Hua-ting looked out of the car window with a lingering gaze at the campus, where her youth, confusion, and laughter had all been left behind. Although she was leaving with a hint of resentment, a hint of anger, and a hint of loss, there was also a hint of nostalgia.

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  "Your... this is yours, Shanyong, it's not easy, I don't even dare to believe it, you actually got the graduation certificate." Wang Hengbin, the director, unexpectedly made a joke. Ren Qun teacher was also there, smiling and asking Shanyong: "Shan Da Xia, tell me about your psychological feelings at this moment?"

  Shan Yong held his graduation certificate, smiled and spat out a word: "Since it's an unexpected surprise for me, of course I'm thrilled."

  "You can't do this in society, you have to think thrice before acting. You must remember, you're not living for yourself alone, you have to be responsible for all the people who care about you." Director Wang Hengbin said, Ren Qun also chimed in, scolding Dan Yong with a "hate iron for not becoming steel" tone: "I'm not saying this to you Dan Yong, but think about it, how many useless things have you done in your four years of university? I've taught several batches of students, and the total number of bad things they've done doesn't even add up to what you've done alone..."

  "Especially you should change your temper, otherwise you will suffer..."

  "When things happen, think of the good side, and never take extreme thoughts..."

  Director Wang and Teacher Ren took turns lecturing, but at this point it seemed that jumping out of the circle had no more rebellious psychology, on the contrary, listening to it was very interesting and funny. Even when Director Wang listed one thing after another, Shan Yong raised a strange question: Was that me?

  Two people took care of the teacher's emotions and didn't leave, the last education continued until another classmate came to pick up their graduation certificate and bid farewell. After going downstairs, they met familiar people again. Kuan Jie also came with her graduation certificate, looking more radiant after graduation, wearing a shiny gold chain and small bag, shouting "Shan Yong, Shan Yong" from afar. Si Mu Xian tactfully dodged, but Song Siying wouldn't let go, dragging Shan Yong all the way to the Thinker's Plaza, leaning against the sculpture. Shan Yong struggled to break free: "Don't be like this, Kuan Jie, it's already hot, and you're being so affectionate, who can bear it?"

  "Haha, you're so fierce, are you afraid of me teasing you?... Ah, I want to tell you something." Song Siying whispered in Dan Yong's ear, her face flushed with excitement. It turned out that she had started her own business before graduating, and according to her, she had collaborated with Professor Tian Xueshan on a joint project. Song Siying was responsible for recruiting people, finding talent, and then collecting money from them, after which Professor Tian would help them get admitted. The old professor had already gone to various counties to recruit students with the admissions office. It was said that this year they would officially leave Luan Institute to establish an art school for recruitment and training. From what he could gather, it seemed like a lucrative business. Dan Yong stared at Song Siying's smiling eyes in surprise, preparing to ask her a question, but swallowed his words instead. If he didn't use the blackmail video to get some benefits, it wouldn't be like Song Siying.

  "What's up? Come and do it with me?" Song Siying invited, looking at him with a sincere expression that was really hard to persuade. Shan Yong asked in confusion: "Isn't that right, Qian Jie, one person earning is more than two people sharing? Why are you so kind?"

  "No, I'm afraid that old devil will cheat me." Song Siying said, after saying this, she looked at Shan Yong with infinite deep love and whispered: "You're different, you're even more cunning than him."

  This praise made Shanyong suddenly clutched his stomach and asked, "Do you know that ghosts still want to cooperate with me? Aren't you afraid I'll cheat you?"

  "Others are willing, and besides, I think you won't cheat me." Song Siying pouted and slapped Dan Yong on the back, wrapping her arms around his arm and leaning in close. "Are you going to do it or not?" she asked, tugging at him. Dan Yong shook his head and said seriously, "Kuan Jie, it's not that I won't help you, but this doesn't need me at all, why bother? If you make the money, you can just pocket it yourself; if he dares to cheat you..."

  Shan Yong's face turned solemn, his words became bold, and Song Siying was moved, looking at Shan Yong with deep feeling. She thought she would see the heroic spirit of Egg Brother again, but unexpectedly, Shan Yong burst out laughing and said: "Find Old Bao, Stinky Foot, and Ma Gan, put them directly in a sack and beat them up. Hehe..."

  Smiling, Song Siying stomped her feet and shouted two sentences in a bad mood, watching as Shan Yong rode his bike with Simu Xian until they were gone, feeling very regretful.

  As soon as they left the school gate and got on the road, Si Mu Xian said he had something to do and wanted to get off the bus, but Shan Yong inexplicably said, "I'll go with you."

  "Do you know where I'm going?" Simu Xian was taken aback, as if he had something on his mind.

  "I think I should know, brothers once, should have gone to see Uncle long ago." said Dan Yong.

  Xiao Xian in the back seat heard this and her heart slightly stirred, but she didn't make a sound.

  The car turned out of the university road and drove straight to the increasingly desolate western suburbs. Simu Xian secretly felt grateful, Old Big's mind was still as accurate as before, knowing that he wanted to come here...

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  Lei Dapeng, who took the lead, sent Wang Huating away. Although he had a ride, looking at Zhang Suangua's face was really boring. He turned back and drove straight to Hero Road, asking his mother on the phone where the new store was located, wanting to take a look. Now that he has graduated, it is natural to show off in front of his parents. When he arrived at the destination, it was a two-story storefront located in the prosperous area of Hero East Road. Two "brother" signs were familiar to Lei Ge, but when he looked inside, they were all women, and he was puzzled as to where these "brothers" came from?

  He pushed open the door, and his welcoming sister smiled and bowed to invite him in. As soon as he entered, Leigang suddenly took a deep breath of cool air. They were all fresh and beautiful girls in their prime, wearing short shirts and shorts, with crystal-clear sandals on their feet. Each one was more refreshing and charming than the last, making Le Dapeng's heart mutter to himself: "Wow, my mom is even more understanding of this rhythm than my dad!?"

  Dazed, silly, and infatuated, he gazed at each one, the four or five shop assistants were stunned, suddenly they all became unhappy. A tall girl who seemed to be the manager walked up, politely asking him to leave, but before she could take a few steps, Lei Ge suddenly shouted: "Mom!"

  The girls were all stunned by one sentence and looked at Lei Dapeng in surprise.

  Lei Ge shouted loudly: "It's not like I'm calling you... Mom, come out quickly."

  "Hey, hey, here comes... Oh my, my silly son!" said the fat woman as she came out of the rest room. It turned out to be Young Master, and all the shop assistants burst out laughing. Leimama rushed over, while Lei Dapeng chuckled: "Mom, you've got a good eye for talent! How about I become the boss here?"

  "How can you be like your dad, seeing a pretty girl and running away with your tail between your legs? You think you're capable of settling accounts? Come here, let mom take a look." Le Ma shouted. What was she looking at? Of course, it was the graduation certificate! Lei Da Peng proudly handed over his diploma, and Le Ma's face lit up with joy as she stroked her son's head, praising: "Wow, my son is really something! He's finally graduated!"

  "Of course, you're a prodigy of heaven! You're the mother of all prodigies, haha."

  "Alright, I've finally managed to get out of this mess. Let's call your dad at noon and go out for a meal together."

  "Hey mom, what about the thing you promised me?"

  "Anything else?"

  "Oh no, I almost forgot! You said you'd buy me an Audi after graduation!"

  "Oh, this thing."

  Lei's mother smiled and coaxed her son, saying: "Mom just took over a store, and money is tight. Let's talk about it later. You've just graduated and haven't found a job yet. If I buy you a car, you can't even afford to fill up the gas tank. How embarrassing would that be? Just drive your mom's car."

  His mother probably thought that the child's heart was not a big deal, but it made Leida Peng say a lot of angry words, and he had been looking forward to driving a nice car and picking up girls. This is good, all went down the drain. Leida Peng shouted angrily: "Can't be like this?! Mom, you cheat people every day as a swindler, but also cheat your own son!?"

  "Hey, that's enough, is there a way to scold your mom like this? Are you itching for a fight?" Lai Ma was also unhappy, staring with her eyes and pointing outside the door: "Go play by yourself, don't come disturb our business."

  Mom naturally has her own prestige, with a loud roar, even Leiduo Bao can't do anything, let alone her son Lei Dapeng, who was subdued. Lei Ge walked away dispiritedly, but was furious and muttered to himself: "Hmph, what was that? Women are unreliable, including my own mother... Wait until I'm old and send you to a nursing home, see who takes care of you."

  This revenge idea, the shop assistants ate and laughed, Lei Ma was angry and her fat face lost color, she picked up a clothes rack with one hand and "swish" slammed it down, Lei Dapeng saw the opportunity quickly, pulled the sliding door, "bang" slammed it on the door, and the whole person slipped out and ran away.

  This thing is so frustrating, Lei Dapeng walked not far, with no place to vent his anger, and ran back to the store in a huff. At the door, he threw the car key into the store with a "clunk" and shouted: "Take your broken car, who wants it."

  Threw away the key, let out a breath and ran off.

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  Shan Yong carried Sima Xian for a long time before arriving at the destination, which was the Western Suburbs' Xishangzhuang Public Cemetery. Among the dense forest of tombstones and graves, the late folklorist Sima Xiaozhong lay sleeping. The hardships he endured in life did not bring him glory in death; his grave had already been covered with a layer of dust, overgrown with weeds.

  Neither of them spoke, they just pulled out the grass on the grave, burned two pieces of paper money, Shanyong poured a bowl of wine for this uncle he had never met before, Simu Xian took out a whole pack of cigarettes, lit one by one, and choked his eyes with tears, filling up a package of incense sticks.

  "Don't laugh at me, boss. My dad had a habit before he passed away, smoking several packs a day. In the end, it was this that gave him lung cancer. Ah, if only he could see me graduating, if only he knew Professor Song still remembers this, if only he knew Professor Zuo appreciates him and is planning to give his book a second edition... I don't know how happy he would be." Si Mu Xian said gloomily, but with a hint of comfort in his words.

  "It will get better, isn't it much better than before now?" Dan Yong comforted, patting his younger brother's shoulder.

  "Yes, it's much better. If my dad knew I had a brother like you, I think he would be even happier." Si Mu Xian said with tears in his eyes. He didn't have many friends, but among those who could be considered close friends, there was only Lao Da. Even after graduation, when he thought of coming to this place secretly, he hadn't kept it from him. Sighing, Shan Yong comforted him: "Don't be sad, you should be happy instead. I used to keep my family matters hidden and always felt that my heart was more bitter than anyone else's. It wasn't until that time that I realized there were people around me who were even more bitter. Even if it's painful, tears have already flowed enough. Before we both return to this refuge, we should be happy and do what we want to do."

  "Ah, thank you, boss." Simu Xian wiped away his tears and thanked him.

  "Don't be polite to me, come on, let's toast to my old man with a bowl of wine, don't cry." Shanyong poured the wine, two large cups sparkling and clear, mixed with tears, he drank it all in one gulp, spilled two cups along the tomb, Shanyong bowed to the deceased, then waited far away for Simu Xian to kowtow several times at his father's tomb. It took a while to calm down his sorrowful mood. When getting up, Shanyong put his arm around this younger brother who had been with him day and night for years. These comforting words were spoken without knowing what to say or wanting to do something for his younger brother, but feeling so helpless.

  "Boss, what are you going to do after graduation?"

  When leaving, Simu Xian asked with concern.

  "Haven't thought it through, that place is also nothing special, just crowded with people. I'll just do some small business for now," Dan Yong said, turning around to ask casually: "How about you? I heard the teacher team is overstaffed now, not to mention in the city or suburbs, even in rural areas, it's overcrowded. Some people have to wait a few years to get on the payroll, and they still need to pass exams and interviews, who knows how much money they'll have to spend. The three of us, including Da Peng, will definitely have connections; as for me, I'm used to being free and easy, I don't want to be restricted. I'm worried about you... why not come with me to sell meat first? It's definitely better than a salary."

  This sincere concern moved Simu Xian so much that he smiled and asked: "You really don't know?"

  "What does it mean?" Dan Yong was stunned, as if his younger brother had gone somewhere.

  Si Mu Xian didn't say a word, and handed a thing to Shan Yong. After unfolding it, Shan Yong was stunned for a moment, then laughed and patted Si Mu Xian on the back, scolding him with a smile: "Hey, you're such a sourpuss! Such a great thing and you don't even mention it? Our whole class is still stuck at home worrying, but you quietly arranged this good opportunity. Haha, great, this is like a thousand-mile horse paired with a golden saddle, perfect for the big stage!"

  Shan Yong's excitement was overflowing, holding the letter of appointment issued by the Lanzhou Municipal Folk Culture Museum Project Preparation Office, recruiting Simu Xian as a compilation secretary. Simu Xian was embarrassed to say that it was thanks to Professors Song Chengyang and Zuo Nanxia who recommended him to the preparation office, even he himself didn't dare think that such a good thing would happen to him. Shan Yong handed the letter back, but patted Simu Xian's shoulder in a leadership manner, encouraging: "Do well, you will become a famous figure in the cultural circle, and I'll bask in your glory... Come on, let's go home, we must celebrate such good news."

  Si Mu Xian smiled and got into Dan Yong's car, sitting in the back seat. He looked at Lao Da, who seemed even more excited than he was about finding a job. However, he felt a bit uneasy inside. He glanced around and asked Dan Yong, "Lao Da, there's something I've been wondering about..."

  "What's wrong?"

  "It's reasonable to say that Zuo Xiying likes you so much, and Professor Zuo spoils his daughter so much. How could I end up picking up such a big leak... I mean, shouldn't it be easy for you to get a job with just one word from him? Not to mention the preparation team, even if it's Tianji Aluminum Zinc Chemical Industry, many graduates from top schools are fighting to get in, and without connections or a strong background, it's not guaranteed that they can get in either."

  Shan Yong heard Si Mu Xian say this, and he couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh loudly several times. As they walked, he said: "I'll just learn from your sour tone and say it like this... Mr. Lu Xun once said, 'The world originally had no path; where many people have passed, a road has been made...' Is that right?"

  "What does it mean?" Simu Xian didn't follow Dan Yong's train of thought.

  "The point is in the second half of what I said... If there are too many people walking on this road, it can't be called a road anymore. Everyone is thinking about taking the postgraduate entrance exam, taking the civil service exam, entering a company to get a high-paying job, squeezing and fighting for a bowl of rice that can barely fill their stomachs, is it necessary?" said Shanyong.

  "I understand, boss, you want to go your own way," said Simu Xian.

  "Yes, I'd rather be a useless person than a miserable one. I never planned to go to work or be employed by anyone anyway." said Shan Yong, with a flash of thought about the hardships he had endured as an intern at Nasi Buy Monitoring Station in Cuoma Township, which may not have been entirely useless after all, at least it helped him make up his mind.

  "Boss, you're going your own way, and you'll definitely take away many people's paths to walk." Si Mu Xian said with a smile.

  "That's right, the law of the jungle has never changed, it's just a different way of existence." said Shan Yong.

  The two brothers looked at each other and smiled, strolling along slowly, just like the countless nights they had spent talking nonsense in their dormitory. Neither the elusiveness of ideals nor the uncertainty of the future could stop the wings of imagination. Shanyong began to peddle his grand ideas about the "Foodie Empire" again. Simu Xian found it laughable, but even he couldn't help but feel a little envious. If one day they really had such an ideal place where they could eat, drink and have fun without any mundane troubles, that would be great.

  The car drove halfway, didn't go home to get the Audi, and was cheated by a woman again. Feeling extremely disappointed, Lei Dapeng called. Dan Yong still invited him to Songma Village, where they got drunk for the first time after graduation on the rooftop of a farmhouse inn. They slept on the rooftop, accompanied by the clear wind, bright moon, and starry sky, sleeping until dawn...

  End of Volume One