From the first day of her mother's death, Meng Lanting's heart seemed to have lost its support, and she was left at a loss where she could only see the way forward but not the way out.
The uncertainty about his brother's life and death only intensified this difficult mood.
The surroundings of Xi Songzhou's residence were quiet, and few people passed by during the day.
The environment was extremely comfortable, but even though Meng Lanting had settled down, his heart could not rest.
As the New Year is approaching, these days should be the most lively reunion days of the year for every household, rich and poor alike, but all of this has nothing to do with her.
On the third day after moving in, there are only two days left before the end of the year.
At nine o'clock in the morning, Xi Songzhou came and said goodbye to her, saying that he was leaving for Nanjing.
"I'm very sorry, but I can only leave you here alone.
My mother has been ill recently, and I have to go back to visit her.
She will come back after the Chinese New Year.
If you need anything or have any inconvenience, Miss Meng, please feel free to call her while I'm away."
Xi Songzhou took out a business card and handed it to Meng Lanting.
Meng Lanting took it with both hands.
"I was the one who bothered you, Mr.
Xi.
Why are you sorry?
Please come back quickly.
It's a good place here.
I don't need anything."
Xi Songzhou repeatedly told Ma Hu to take good care of Meng Lanting.
His eyes paused on her fresh-looking short hair, nodded with a smile, and left.
Unexpectedly, about an hour later, at around ten o'clock, Meng Lanting Lan Ting received a call from him.
"Ms.
Meng, I have something to do at the moment.
I want to confirm with you whether your father and Mr.
Feng had any old friends in the past."
Probably because he was afraid that Meng Lanting didn't know who "Mr.
Feng" was, he reported his title.
Meng Lanting's heart skipped a beat: "Yes.
What's wrong?"
His tone suddenly became relaxed and he smiled: "That's good.
It's like this.
When I was going to the train station just now, Miss Feng's eighth daughter came to me and said that Mr.
Feng had learned that you had come to Shanghai. , I am very happy, and I must take you to Nanjing to celebrate the New Year.
If you are willing, I will bring Miss Eight here. " Meng Lanting hesitated for a moment.
"Okay.
Please."
After hanging up the phone, Meng Lanting was lost in thought for a moment.
She had only been in Shanghai for a few days, but she had not revealed more than half a sentence to anyone, including Xi Songzhou, about her purpose of coming to Shanghai and her relationship with the Feng family.
How could the Feng family know the news about her so quickly?
Although on the first day she came, she met the Feng family's son.
But she was convinced that it was impossible for the Feng family's son to know her identity.
She felt a little confused.
But soon, she put aside her doubts.
Never mind how the Feng family knew they came to Shanghai.
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Her purpose was to come to them for help.
Because of the Feng family's son, she had some hesitation.
But now, as if God had made the decision for her, the Feng family came to find her on their own.
She decided to take the opportunity to meet him.
No matter whether the final wish can be fulfilled or not, it is not a wasted trip.
At half past ten, Meng Lanting stood in front of the porch and saw the eighth lady of the Feng family getting out of the car.
The eighth lady has red lips, curly hair, trousers, a purple pea coat with a suit collar, a delicate chane leather bag hanging on her arm, and high heels.
She looks like a westernized lady, looking capable but without losing her feminine charm.
His movements were also very smooth, without any restraint or aggressiveness.
As soon as they met, he looked at Meng Lanting for a moment, then he stepped forward with a smile and held her hand affectionately.
"I am Lingmei, the eighth sister of the Feng family.
You can just call me eighth sister.
Now that I have found you, I can pay my respects to my father."
She turned to Xi Songzhou with a smile: "Cousin Xi, please take credit for me being able to find the little sister of the Meng family so quickly.
What I said today, cousin, is that I am convinced."
Xi Songzhou's father was once the governor of the Central Bank, and Feng Xi's family knew each other very well.
They were of the same age, so they spoke naturally and casually.
Xi Songzhou smiled and said nothing.
"Eighth sister, my name is Lanting.
It's really rude for you to come here to find me."
Meng Lanting said with a smile.
"I remember you seemed to have a name when you were young," Feng Lingmei tried hard to remember.
"Yes, Ruoshui.
My younger brother's name is Ruoyu.
Some time later, when my father was reading the preface of Lanting's poem, he was so obsessed with it that he changed my name to Lanting."
Meng Lanting explained.
"The best is as good as water, and the quality is as true as water."
This was the original intention of her father in naming her sister and brother.
Feng Lingmei nodded: "Uncle Meng's family background is admirable, and he is well versed in Chinese and Western things."
Meng Lanting was naturally humbled.
After the greetings, Feng Lingmei said with a smile: "Sister Lanting, it's okay if I didn't know you were coming.
Now I know, no matter what, I can't let you spend this year alone here.
My father heard that you came to Shanghai, When I didn’t know where you were staying, I sent a message asking me to find you.
If there’s nothing else, how about going to Nanjing to celebrate the New Year?”
After speaking, she looked at Meng Lanting.
Xi Songzhou also looked at her.
"I should have taken the initiative to visit Uncle Feng.
When I arrived two days ago, I thought it was the end of the year, so I was afraid of disturbing my uncle, so I planned to make plans after the new year.
Thanks to my uncle's invitation, I want you, eighth sister, to come in person.
I feel ashamed.
Very convenient. " "That's great.
My father is anxious to see you.
Originally, I planned to accompany you to Nanjing today.
Unfortunately, something happened at the company and I couldn't get away for a while.
It happened that cousin Xi was going back to Nanjing, so I Please ask him to send you there for me.”
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"Sister Lanting, don't you blame the eighth sister for being negligent?"
Seeing her looking at him with a smile, Meng Lanting hurriedly shook his head and looked at Xi Songzhou.
"If there is no problem with Miss Meng, I am very willing."
Meng Lanting could only thank you: "I have to trouble you again, Mr.
Xi."
Xi Songzhou looked very happy: "I'm on my way, why bother?"
Feng Lingmei was beside him and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Being able to find the Meng family's daughter so smoothly can only be said to be good luck.
She first learned through the local county magistrate where the Meng family lived that the Meng family's daughter had come to Shanghai to study for Professor Zhou Shanyuan at Zhihua University, and then found Xi Songzhou.
Unexpectedly, when I asked, it was such a coincidence that Xi Songzhou received Meng Lanting when the old professor was away.
So naturally, we met in person.
The reason why he asked Xi Songzhou to send her to Nanjing on his behalf was because of his younger brother's previous attitude, and he did not dare to let him know immediately because it would be inconvenient to travel together.
Now that everything was arranged, Feng Lingmei and Meng Lanting chatted for a few more words.
As the train arrived, he personally took them to the station.
They said goodbye with a smile and went back immediately, anxious to report the progress to Feng Lingyi on the phone.
"Sister, I have found someone and made arrangements.
I deliberately staggered her.
Please help Songzhou send her to your place first."
"How is the Feng family's daughter?"
On the other end, Feng Lingyi asked.
"There's no telling what the talent is.
Sister, you'll know it yourself after seeing it.
I'll take Xiaojiu back later."
The journey from Shanghai to Xiaguan Station in Nanjing takes nearly ten hours.
This journey was as different as Meng Lanting's car ride a few days ago.
As the New Year is approaching, Nanjing has been designated as the capital of the country.
There is a huge flow of people traveling between Shanghai and Nanjing by train, and dignitaries are even gathering together.
Xi Songzhou made a temporary change and couldn't book a private room, but the first-class compartment was also very spacious and luxurious, with a tea table, meals, and coffee bar all available, and the two of them could sit together.
After the train started, Xi Songzhou introduced some of the stops along the way and the scenery of Nanjing to Meng Lanting.
Then he took out an old book from a document bag he carried with him and asked: "Ms.
Meng, is the translator of this book your father-in-law?"
" Meng Lanting took a look and found that it was a translation of Western calculus that his father had completed before his death.
At that time, the family was unable to publish the book, so Professor Zhou finally raised funds to have it printed into a book as a souvenir.
At that time, only a few hundred copies were distributed.
Because the general environment in China, including universities, emphasizes literature and neglects science, especially mathematics, there are very few people who devoted themselves to it.
After the book was written, it fell into silence.
Meng Lanting had this book at home, but he didn't expect that Xi Songzhou would also have it.
He was very surprised and nodded.
Xi Songzhou smiled and said: "It's like this.
There are few students in the Mathematics Department of Zhihua University.
There are only five freshmen applying for admission this year.
There are few students and there are few teachers.
Professor Zhou has to take care of senior students and often has academic differences, so he cannot take care of both. .
When I was studying economics, I also took mathematics.
It's not bad, but sometimes I'm caught in a last-ditch situation and teach it to freshmen.
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There are several translations of Western calculus in China, but this edition of yours is translated in a simple and easy-to-understand way, and with a slight adaptation, it is very suitable for freshmen.
Textbook.
Just ask for the edition fee and I will give it to you.”
Meng Lanting picked up this old book, which may have been lying in the old paper pile in the library, opened it, and looked at the familiar translator's preface on the yellowed title page, feeling a faint sadness in her heart.
"My father has studied mathematics all his life.
It is just a hobby.
If I know how much value it can provide for teaching today, I will be happy.
I don't need any fees.
Mr.
Xi can use it.
On the contrary, I want to thank Mr.
Xi for making my father's old works available.
Opportunity to see the light of day again.”
Xi Songzhou looked at her: "Okay, I'll use it then.
Thank you Miss Meng for your success."
Meng Lanting smiled at him.
The bright sunshine in the winter afternoon shines through the spotlessly polished glass of the car window, reflecting on the young girl's delicate face.
Her teeth are as white as jade, her eyes are like two pools of clear water, and her long eyelashes are one by one, slender.
All is said and done now.
Xi Songzhou was stunned for a moment, and didn't come back to his senses until he met her gaze.
He felt a little embarrassed secretly, stood up hastily, and said with a smile: "You came out in a hurry, you haven't eaten yet, you must be hungry."
You sit down for a moment while I go to the dining car to see if there are any empty seats.”
Meng Lanting watched his back exit the carriage, tilted his head slightly, looked out the window at the scenery along the way that was retreating, and fell into meditation.
That evening, at around nine o'clock, the train arrived at Xiaguan Station in Nanjing.
The Feng family's driver and guard had already driven over and was waiting there, along with a maid.
Meng Lanting said goodbye to Xi Songzhou and thanked him for taking care of him along the way.
Under the gaze of the other party, he got into the car and left the train station.
The car did not go directly to the southern foot of Purple Mountain first, but took her to an official villa at the end of Yihe Road.
The car passed through the gate guarded by guards and stopped in a quiet garden that was as large as several football fields.
Here, Meng Lanting met the famous lady Feng for the first time.
He is in his forties, of medium build, with dignified appearance.
He is wearing a fitted black velvet cheongsam.
He is unadorned, but has an extraordinary demeanor and impressive nobility.
But she seemed a little afraid of the cold.
It was already warm in the room, and she was still wearing a hat and a fur shawl draped over her shoulders.
"Madam, Miss Meng is here."
The guards brought Meng Lanting into the living room, saluted and left.
The hall was brightly lit, and several serious-looking maids in neat uniforms stood in the corner, their eyes falling on Meng Lanting.
Meng Lanting knew that the lady sitting in the chair was also looking at him, so he calmed down, took a few steps forward, bowed slightly, saluted, and said with a smile: "Madam, I am Meng Lanting.
It is an honor to meet you."
The other party smiled, nodded, motioned for her to come to him, asked her to sit down, and first asked her about the situation on the road today, and then asked her how she spent the past few days in Shanghai.
She spoke in an unhurried tone, with a low voice and clear enunciation.
Meng Lanting answered one by one.
"I remember that when my father was dating your father, I was already married.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet my uncle, I often heard my father mention my father in front of me.
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In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed."
She seemed to be feeling a little emotional.
Meng Lanting was silent.
"I heard that your brother has gone abroad to study.
When your mother was still alive, it must have been difficult for you and your daughter to be the only ones at home.
It was my negligence and I didn't take care of you.
Why didn't you send me any news?"
She asked softly.
After asking, her eyes stopped on Meng Lanting's face.
"Although the family fortune has declined, we can still live peacefully.
My wife is tied to the family and the country, and she has no time to warm her bed.
Lanting is not busy and has nothing to do."
Feng Lingyi smiled and patted her hand gently: "How have you and your mother spent the past two years?"
"After I graduated from middle school, I went to teach at the county girls' middle school.
In addition, I still had a few acres of thin farmland at home, so making ends meet was not a problem."
"What subjects do you teach?"
Feng Lingyi seemed quite interested.
"Mathematics, natural history, Chinese, English, drawing, calligraphy, except for gymnastics, there is nothing else that has not been taught."
Meng Lanting smiled.
"My hometown is a small place, and there are only a few students in the girls' middle school.
When there is a shortage of teachers, the principal will ask me to teach.
Fortunately, the middle school textbook is simple, so I have to do it, which is ridiculous."
Feng Lingyi smiled again, nodded, stared at her for a moment, and said, "Are you tired?
You just arrived by car from Shanghai.
It's already late now.
You should have rested first.
But my father knew you would arrive today.
I’m afraid I’m still waiting now.”
"I'm not tired.
I also want to see my uncle earlier."
Meng Lanting stood up immediately.
Feng Lingyi nodded slightly, turned around and ordered others to prepare to go out.
Feng Lingyi and Meng Lanting were in the same car.
Half an hour later, the car stopped at the Nanlu Villa.
She took Meng Lanting to the study room on the second floor.
Lao Feng had an impatient temper, which remained unchanged even when he was old.
I have been waiting for most of the day, and now I am not bored at all.
I finally see the daughter of an old friend.
I am as excited as meeting an old friend.
Unlike when he met Feng Lingyi just now, when he dealt with it cautiously, Meng Lanting completely relaxed in front of the elder with a loud voice.
After some responses, the sound of the chiming bell downstairs was heard.
Old Feng heard this and slapped his forehead.
"Look at me, I'm just happy.
I forgot that you've been riding in the car all day.
You're a kid, I'm afraid you'll be tired by now."
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He told his eldest daughter: "Lingyi, take Lanting to rest.
She will stay here with me.
The room is ready."
As he said this, he called for people.
Meng Lanting stood up.
"Uncle, madam, I'm not tired.
It is indeed a blessing for me to come here empty-handed today and meet these two elders.
To be honest, I came out of home with the intention of visiting.
In addition to visiting my uncle and my wife, , I have something else that I would like to ask my uncle and madam to help me with."
Old Feng was stunned for a moment, and then he seemed to understand something.
His face immediately broke out into a smile, and he promised: "Say it quickly, say it quickly."
Feng Lingyi glanced at his smiling father, then looked at the Meng family's daughter in front of him, thoughtfully, but did not speak.
Meng Lanting explained his purpose of coming.
After finishing his words, he saw the Feng family father and daughter opposite looked at each other, and said: "With the huge crowd, it is almost hopeless to find out the whereabouts of my brother by myself.
I really have no other way.
Then I came over shamelessly and begged my uncle and my wife to help me.
No matter what the final result is, I am extremely grateful."
Old Feng seemed to have finally come to his senses and nodded immediately: "No problem, you should come to uncle earlier.
This matter will be my uncle's business.
You can stay here with peace of mind.
Uncle will ask someone to inquire tomorrow."
Meng Lanting was very grateful, truly grateful, bowed deeply and thanked him again.
Lao Feng lamented: "Good boy, please stop being so open to outsiders.
What is the relationship between the Feng and Meng families over the years?
If it weren't for my negligence, you wouldn't be in this situation."
His self-blame was clearly revealed.
Feng Lingyi glanced at Meng Lanting, smiled and responded to his father, then personally led Meng Lanting to the room prepared for her, told her to rest peacefully, and then returned to the study.
It was already very late, but Lao Feng was still not tired and excited.
He talked about some past events with his eldest daughter and lamented how time flies.
Thinking back then, the Yuxue girl from the Meng family that he fell in love with at first glance has now grown into such a graceful girl.
"Dad, after the New Year, Xiaojiu is one year older.
Although now is different from the early years, even if it is a few years later, we don't have to worry.
But our family's situation is special.
Xiaojiu is still able to get married at this age.
He After returning to China, I considered a few families who were interested.
The family background was fine, and the girls were all good, and Xiao Jiu also knew them."
Feng Lingyi shook his head.
"As soon as I opened my mouth, Xiaojiu jumped up."
"Dad, you also know that he has a stubborn temper.
If you don't nod your head, you can't suppress it at all.
Besides, I always feel that the ladies are a little bit offended, so forget it.
At that time, I also thought of you, dad, in your early years with the Meng family.
But things have changed over time, and times have changed.
I was afraid that the Meng family had not taken this seriously, and maybe their daughter was already betrothed.
Plus, I was having some health problems at that time.
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At that time, I was thinking about sending someone down to inquire about it, and let the matter go completely. .
After a long delay, we are here now.
What a coincidence, Lan Ting came here on his own."
She paused.
"This daughter of the Meng family is quite unexpected.
Although the Meng family is in decline now, it belongs to Tsinghua University.
Since the two families have the same connection as before, I thought, maybe give it another try."
"I am very satisfied with this child of the Meng family, but I am a little worried."
Lao Feng let out a long sigh: "For such a good child to marry your incompetent brother, I'm going to ruin others.
I'm afraid I'll be sorry for Lao Meng and I won't have the face to see him in the future."
Feng Lingyi smiled slightly: "Dad, you are overly worried.
Lanting is now helpless.
Since he came with the marriage certificate, he should be willing to recognize the marriage.
It's just that girls are thin-skinned and it was inconvenient for them to speak just now.
I'm worried about Xiaojiu , I’m afraid he won’t nod.”
"He dared" Old Feng stared.
"Dad, don't worry."
Feng Lingyi pondered for a moment.
"Otherwise, let's not mention the marriage.
Eight sisters said that she and Xiaojiu would be back early in the morning.
Let's arrange a simple meal with just our family members, and tell them that the daughter of an old friend is here, so that they can meet first.
Let’s wait until we meet and see what Xiaojiu wants before deciding.”
"If Xiaojiu is interested, it's best.
If he doesn't like it, there's nothing we can do about it.
We can't let Miss Meng wait any longer.
Let's just take this opportunity to quietly settle the old matter.
This way we won't let anyone The Meng family’s daughter is too embarrassed.”
"Dad, what do you think?"
"Okay, okay."
Old Feng nodded.
"Lanting doesn't even dislike him anymore.
This bastard dares to look down on her.
I'll kill him on the spot to save him from causing trouble again."
Old Feng seemed to have foreseen how his son would shake his head and say no tomorrow.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.
He picked up his cane, banged the table hard, and shouted sharply. gd1806102: