A Sand Sculpture in the Red Dust - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 – Li Xiangfu Sharpens the Knife

　　Fortunately, Li Shasha is not tall, otherwise he would have put the business card in the other person’s face with this posture.

　　Qin Jin didn’t reach out to take it, and the atmosphere instantly became tense and stiff.

　　The spectators who were originally waiting for a good show to begin were also sweating. Watching the verbal battle is exciting, but the strong smell of gunpowder is another matter.

　　At this critical moment, Li Xiangfu suddenly picked up Li Shasha and put him back on the chair: “The child is ignorant and mischievous, don’t bother with him.”

　　After staring at him for a moment, Qin Jin raised the corner of his mouth in an ambiguous manner and left the table.

　　There was no disturbance for some time afterwards.

　　After the formal banquet was wrapped, some people went to take pictures with the bride and groom, while others got up and left. The venue, which was filled with an atmosphere of happiness just now, suddenly looked a bit deserted and tired because of the leftovers on the table and the guests who had left with their bags.

　　The waiter came to clear the table, and Mr. Li went to chat with his business partners. Li Xiangfu hesitated for a moment, then somehow picked up the business card and put it in his pocket.

　　Li Shasha was the only witness.

　　“It turns out that lack of interest doesn’t mean no interest.”

　　Li Xiangfu sighed, “Don’t worry.”

　　Li Shasha had no expression on his face: “As long as you are happy.”

　　“…”

　　The two of them were talking loudly. Mr. Li glanced over and Li Xiangfu changed the subject and asked, “Should I call the driver now and ask him to pick us up?”

　　The old man nodded.

　　When he walked downstairs and passed by the trash can, Li Xiangfu paused. The business card in his pocket seemed to be getting hot, making him want to throw it into the trash can.

　　Li Shasha had been his partner for many years and could see the hesitation: “What’s so special about Qin Jin?

　　”Eyes.” Li Xiangfu did not evade this time and said bluntly: “His eyes are very beautiful.”

　　They are very similar to the stars he saw in the land of female supremacy, half-hidden in the clouds, making people want to uncover them to see the truth and hope.

　　But that’s all.

　　He didn’t say the real reason. He was brainwashed by the happy wedding scene in the banquet hall. When Li Shasha said that he had a crush on him, Li Xiangfu didn’t have too many doubts. When he left the banquet hall and felt the breeze, he sobered up instantly. Qin Jin didn’t look like someone who would fall in love at first sight.

　　Giving a business card may have other purposes.

　　•=|=•

　　As they entered the community, a familiar car entered the garage in front of them. Not long after, Li Huaichen walked out: “The banquet ended so quickly?”

　　Mr. Li nodded.

　　As soon as the door opened, the smell of food wafted out.

　　Mr. Li asked Aunt Zhang what she was busy with and said that they had all eaten at the wedding.

　　Aunt Zhang smiled and said, “Xiao Chun is back.”

　　Li Xiangfu, who was changing his shoes at the back, froze slightly. The Xiao Chun that Aunt Zhang mentioned was his elder sister, Li Xichun. The last time they met before Li Xiangfu went abroad was not very pleasant because of Li Xichun’s boyfriend.

　　Because Mr. Li opposed her relationship, the father and daughter started arguing in the ward. At that time, Li Xichun suddenly asked him if he agreed with the old man.

　　Li Xiangfu remained silent, and finally nodded after being repeatedly questioned.

　　Li Xichun stayed with him for two days while he was in the hospital. During that time, her boyfriend didn’t call her once. Li Xichun did take the initiative to call him once, suggesting that he should come over to take a look, but for some reason the call turned into an argument and ended with one side hanging up.

　　At that time, Li Xiangfu felt that her sister might not be important to her boyfriend, otherwise they would not have argued at the critical moment when their relatives were in trouble. In addition, his father was stubborn, but he had a good eye for people, and there must be a deeper reason for his repeated obstruction.

　　Li Xichun was a hot-tempered person. After he nodded, she slammed the door and left immediately.

　　The memories were interrupted by a sneer.

　　Mr. Li said in a bad tone: “She must have had another fight with her boyfriend. Otherwise, why would she want to come back?”

　　Li Xichun had just changed into home clothes and walked down from upstairs. When she saw Li Xiangfu, she deliberately looked away and did not speak to him. Instead, she handed Li Shasha a red envelope.

　　There was a lot of commotion outside, and she obviously knew about the child’s existence.

　　”I’ll give you a red envelope when you break up.” Mr. Li said unhappily.

　　Li Xichun’s anger suddenly rose, but she finally held it back.

　　Over the years, Mr. Li has gradually mastered a way to deal with his troublesome children. Rather than forcing them, he uses a combination of hard and soft tactics. He personally took out a cup from the cabinet, filled it with water and handed it to her: “I saw it on the street last time. I remember you liked this brown bear pattern the most when you were a child.”

　　After saying that, his face tensed again: “Did that kid bully you? I’ll go and take care of him!”

　　Li Xichun felt a little sad and took the initiative to tell the truth: “I asked him when he planned to take his annual leave so that I could book tickets for traveling in advance, and he got very impatient.”

　　Sitting on the sofa with a cup in hand, she said dejectedly, “He also said that it’s easy for me to run a studio. He doesn’t understand how hard it is for me to deal with clients… There is no such thing as a truly easy job in the world, and I don’t know how this got brought up.”

　　Mr. Li did not scold the man, but just said: “Stay at home for two days and calm down.”

　　Then without any advice, he went straight upstairs.

　　Seeing this, Li Xichun felt even more uncomfortable.

　　As a bystander, Li Xiangfu couldn’t help but sigh that the older you are, the wiser you get.

　　Li Huaichen, who had been silent, glanced over and said, “Some people hide their ambitions, and some hide their fangs. Dad stopped you not just because Gao Xun was Qin Jin’s right-hand man.”

　　Qin Jin?

　　Li Xiangfu raised his eyebrows, not expecting this to be involved.

　　Like Mr. Li, Li Huaichen didn’t try to persuade him much. He was a typical workaholic and went to the study to get a document and prepared to go back to the company to work overtime.

　　After the meal was served, Aunt Zhang went to the supermarket to buy something, and the living room became eerily quiet.

　　Li Xichun was the first to break the silence: “You are indeed a heartless young man. You have changed a lot over the years.”

　　His skin is so tender that it is almost better than that of the little girl.

　　Li Xiangfu: “I am keeping myself healthy.”

　　Li Xichun walked to the dining table, picked up the chopsticks and said nothing.

　　The relationship between siblings couldn’t remain awkward forever, so Li Xiangfu asked tentatively, “Starting tomorrow, shall we maintain our health together?”

　　Li Xichun was so angry that he laughed: “Sure, remember to call me.”

　　•=|=•

　　Li Xiangfu really did what he said.

　　The next day, Li Xichun personally experienced what it meant to not speak carelessly. At dawn, Li Xiangfu stood outside her room holding a guqin and knocked on the door.

　　Some strands of Li Xichun’s hair stood up, and it was unclear whether it was because of anger or static electricity.

　　Outside the door, Li Xiangfu calmly said: “Waking up early will make you feel that you have more time in the day.”

　　Li Xichun, with dishevelled hair and dirty face, followed him to the courtyard like a ghost, and her beautiful eyes almost spit fire on the way.

　　She did not explode immediately, but was prepared to take advantage of the moment and attack right when the devil’s sound would fill her ears.

　　In the courtyard, Li Shasha was waiting for them with a cup of warm water early in the morning.

　　After Li Xiangfu sat down, he played a meditation piece.

　　Just like the title, the song is very quiet, and the rhythm makes people unconsciously abandon worldly distractions. Several trees planted in the yard rustle with the wind, and Li Xiangfu’s long hair is lifted by the wind, as if he is a handsome man from another era.

　　Li Xichun closed her eyes at some point and listened quietly. She came back to her senses long after the lingering sound faded away.

　　Li Shasha commented: “Dad, your heart…is still not at peace.”

　　After saying that, he turned his head and said, “Aunt, your heart is also in a mess.”

　　”Is it because of love?” He looked through the trembling leaves at the post sparrows cuddling each other on the branches: “What is love in this world? It makes people pledge to be together for life and death.”

　　Li Xichun was choked by her saliva and kept coughing to the side.

　　Li Shasha left shaking his head. Before entering the house, he turned back and said, “Dad, I’m waiting for the day when you can play real meditation music.”

　　After his figure disappeared, Li Xichun took a long while to find her voice: “Do you think this child…”

　　”Very smart, huh?” Li Xiangfu smiled slightly. “There was once a child prodigy who could recite Tang and Song poems at the age of three. His talent is nothing compared to Shasha.”

　　Li Xichun had a complicated expression when she heard this. She silently stood up and went straight to the second floor and knocked on Li Huaichen’s door.

　　Without waiting for her to speak, Li Huaichen nodded slightly heavily: “Dad has already said it himself. The issue of re-education cannot be delayed any longer.”

　　No one spoke at the dinner table this morning.

　　Mr. Li and Li Huaichen both had things to do, so they went out one after another after dinner.

　　Li Xichun had an appointment to discuss an art exhibition, and left in a hurry wearing a smart business suit and carrying a branded bag.

　　As the most idle person in the family, Li Xiangfu began to tidy up his room. He first pulled out a large box from under the bed, glimpsed a few books from high school, flipped through them reflexively, and found that he had actually taken notes seriously in the past.

　　Li Shasha suddenly leaned over and took out a crumpled booklet from inside. “Exploring the Limits?”

　　The book mainly introduces mysterious attractions, ranging from jungle wetlands to snow-capped mountains and glaciers, with many sticky notes in between to record route arrangements.

　　”Dad, you played really wild when you were young.”

　　Li Xiangfu took out a book and looked at it, but had no impression of it at all. After hesitating for a moment, he put the book back into the drawer without clearing it out with the other items.

　　The door was not closed and someone knocked symbolically.

　　Li Xiangfu turned around and saw Aunt Zhang standing there with an embarrassed look on her face.

　　”My son just returned from another place, and I want to take a few days off.”

　　Li Xiangfu smiled and said, “Just go, it’s okay.”

　　Aunt Zhang breathed a sigh of relief, took off her apron and left with a happy face.

　　Listening to the footsteps going down the stairs impatiently, Li Xiangfu sighed softly.

　　Influenced by her original family, his mother took family affection lightly. She was sure that she had no desire to continue fighting for the family property, so the two sides only contacted each other occasionally.

　　Just like sorting out the sundries around him, Li Xiangfu quickly calmed down his emotions: “Go see what’s in the refrigerator. I’ll cook for lunch.”

　　Li Shasha is very positive on this point.

　　Aunt Zhang went to the supermarket yesterday and bought a lot of food. Li Shasha reported them one by one. Li Xiangfu said two dishes: “Boiled pork slices, fish-flavored eggplant?”

　　”It’s all right.” Li Shasha took credit: “I have already thawed the meat.”

　　Li Xiangfu washed his hands, went into the kitchen, weighed the kitchen knife, and shook his head: “It needs to be sharpened.”

　　Aunt Zhang likes old-fashioned things and still uses a whetstone. Li Xiangfu adjusted the angle between the blade and his sight, poured some water on the stone surface, put his hand on it, closed his eyes and prepared for the next effort.

　　”Dad, you look like you’re trying to save this knife.”

　　Li Xiangfu: “I’m not good at physical work.”

　　Li Shasha encouraged him: “Boys who are good at dancing have strong waists.”

　　As Li Xiangfu bent down, the sharp sound of sharpening a knife instantly filled the whole room.

　　”Thirty degrees! That’s too much!” Li Shasha was directing like a conductor: “Push lightly and pull hard. Don’t be distracted.”

　　”Lean forward and don’t lie with your legs apart.”

　　”Change the whetstone and polish it!”

　　The harsh words floated outside and Li Xichun, who had just arrived home, was stunned.

　　She met a difficult client this morning. They were entangled in a problem for a long time. She came back exhausted both physically and mentally. When she first heard this preaching tone, she had only one feeling… ‘Are you teaching me how to do things?’

　　She calmed herself down and realized that the words were not directed at her.

　　”What are you doing?”

　　Li Xiangfu raised the knife and admired the shiny blade towards the window: “Sharpening the knife.”

　　”Then he…” Li Xichun looked at Li Shasha with complicated feelings.

　　Li Xiangfu: “The ultimate theoretical master.”

　　Even more surprising things are yet to come. Li Xichun witnessed with her own eyes how her younger brother, who had never done any housework before, was easily cutting the meat slices into evenly thick and thin sizes and then setting them aside to marinate. Next, he began to prepare the ingredients.

　　At first, Li Xichun was just a bystander with a playful attitude, until the oil in the pot turned red and the aroma of the peppercorns almost exploded.

　　At that moment, she swallowed and asked, “When did you learn to cook?”

　　”When I was studying abroad.” Li Xiangfu gave a very reasonable explanation.

　　He is like a precise instrument, and the amount of each seasoning to be added is determined with incredible accuracy.

　　”Give me about 150 grams of bean sprouts.”

　　Li Xichun grabbed a few handfuls and put them on a plate and handed it over.

　　Li Xiangfu picked it up, drained the water, weighed it, and frowned: “About forty are missing.”

　　Li Xichun found it funny and actually argued with him. She found the scale to weigh the sprouts accurately. After a few seconds, she fell silent and handed over some more bean sprouts.

　　Li Xiangfu cooked the bean sprouts and put them in a beautiful big bowl as a base. Then he skillfully took the pot and added water to the fried sauce and quickly cooked it until it was bubbling. As soon as the meat was put into the pot, it began to churn and change color. The range hood was turned to the highest setting, but the fragrance still wafted into his nose from time to time.

　　Li Xichun couldn’t wait to peek behind.

　　”Stay a little further away.” After sprinkling some peppercorns and chili powder, Li Xiangfu finally heated a spoonful of hot oil and poured it on top. In an instant, the aroma of pepper filled the air, and the smooth slices of meat were shining with oil. It was so satisfying just to look at it.

　　Li Xichun was not afraid of the heat. She picked up a piece with chopsticks and put it into her mouth. The meat was not dry at all, but delicate and smooth. The numb and spicy feeling made her squint her eyes.

　　“Why is it so delicious?”

　　In the past, the same dish would either be oily or greasy by the end, but she changed to a pair of clean chopsticks and filled a small bowl with it and finished it without any discomfort.

　　Li Xiangfu: “It has to be paired with staple food, otherwise it is easy to feel upset in the stomach at night.”

　　Because one person ate too much, Li Xichun was tactfully asked to leave the kitchen.

　　It seems that everyone in the family has taken after Mr. Li and likes to eat noodles, followed by rice. Later, a plate of fish-flavored eggplant was served. Li Xichun finished it quickly with steamed buns. Li Shasha was also very satisfied and gave a five-star rating.

　　Li Xichun had no intention of saving any food. Not only that, after knowing that Aunt Zhang had taken a week’s leave, he also sent a private message to Mr. Li and Li Huaichen.

　　Li Huaichen saw the message and replied that he would come back next week.

　　Mr. Li ran back to the resort and decided to go out for a week.

　　Li Xiangfu couldn’t help but sigh: “It turns out that Aunt Zhang is the soul bond of our family.”

　　Li Xichun wiped the corners of her mouth gracefully: “Now it’s you.”

　　After eating and drinking, the day passes quickly.

　　The next morning, her sweet dream was again interrupted150 by a knock on the door.

　　”Are you awake?” Li Xiangfu asked as usual, standing at the door holding the guqin.

　　Li Xichun got up and said, “Isn’t it clear whether I am awake or not? Why will I be awake? Don’t you know it?”

　　There is a rare cool breeze in the early morning.

　　Li Xichun was lying on a rocking chair, her toes hooked in slippers and swinging back and forth, with her bare face facing the sky, forming a sharp contrast with Li Xiangfu, who was dressed meticulously and playing the guqin.

　　She couldn’t help but take a photo of his side profile and posted it on WeChat Moments, captioning: [A beautiful day starts with cultivating your sentiments.]

　　After listening to a song, Li Xichun went to wash up, and when she came back, breakfast was already on the table. She couldn’t help but be stunned, because she used to prepare breakfast for her boyfriend.

　　Because Gao Xun was worried about hiring a nanny at home, and she wanted him to have something delicious for breakfast, she usually chose to cook herself.

　　Li Xiangfu didn’t eat much. After finishing his meal, he took out a prepared lunch box and handed it to Li Xichun who was changing her shoes: “Good luck with your work.”

　　”……Thanks.”

　　Li Xichun spent the whole morning arguing with a client.

　　Art is priceless. When paintings are clearly marked with a price and placed in a gallery, the gap between them is the trouble brought by the secular world. The painters that investors like are just superficial, and she really doesn’t want to organize an exhibition for such people.

　　When she was about to order takeout at noon, she suddenly remembered that she had a bento. When she saw the smiling face squeezed out with ketchup on the chicken fillet, the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but raise the same arc.

　　Li Xichun continued to take a photo and posted it on WeChat Moments, blocking Mr. Li and others out of habit, with the caption: [Thanks to my brother for the loving lunch, I am full of energy at work again.]

　　It was already late at night when she got home after working overtime.

　　The lights in the house were on. Li Xiangfu was playing a jigsaw puzzle with Li Shasha. When he saw her, he smiled and said, “I made some porridge. Eat some.”

　　Li Xichun was silent for a moment after hearing this, and then quietly posted on his Moments: [At night, a light was on for me. When I came back and saw the innocent smiles of my children, I suddenly felt very warm]

　　•=•=•

　　Another corner of the city.

　　At the dinner table, a tall man lowered his head and looked at his mobile phone from time to time.

　　He was Li Xichun’s boyfriend Gao Xun. He was supposed to have dinner with a client to discuss business, but he was drinking alone at the table. Suddenly, his eyes were fixed on the last post in the circle of friends:

　　[He can make lunch boxes, take care of the kids at home, and make midnight snacks. Thanks to him, my perspective on men has completely changed now (smile.jpg).]

　　Gao Xun’s scalp tingled. Before he could comment, he heard a cough beside him. When he looked up, he saw the secretary desperately winking at him.

　　The work had been almost discussed at this time, and after the client left, the box was silent.

　　Gao Xun’s tough profile showed a hint of uneasiness. Opposite him, there was a handsome young man sitting, but his reflection in his pupils only made him feel afraid.

　　”I shouldn’t bring my personal emotions into work.” Gao Xun took the initiative to admit his mistake.

　　It wasn’t easy for him to get to his current position in the company, and Qin Jin was notoriously ruthless. It was possible that he would transfer him to other departments when he got angry.

　　”I don’t need an employee who mixes personal life and work.”

　　This casual remark made Gao Xun panic, knowing that his boss’s next decision would negate all his previous efforts.

　　The secretary stood aside, not daring to speak, watching the scene without blinking, and reminding himself to learn from it.

　　Seeing Qin Jin moving his fingers and about to make the final decision, Gao Xun blurted out, “It’s because of Li Xiangfu.”

　　He was stunned when he said it.

　　Qin Jin glanced at him, his cold eyes flashing with a hint of amusement.

　　Gao Xun has followed his boss for so many years, but still cannot figure out his thoughts. To outsiders, Qin Jin should hate the Li family, but the other party is willing to use him since he is with the Li family.

　　At this time, Qin Jin narrowed his eyes and finally spoke again: “Aren’t you dating Li Xichun? Why are you dragging her brother into this?”

　　Gao Xun felt relieved that he was willing to ask for proof. It meant that there was still a chance. He opened his circle of friends and put it on the table, showing the other party the younger brother who was described by Li Xichun as the “ideal in the world”.

　　The author has something to say:

　　After reading:

　　Qin Jin: How many surprises do you have that I don’t know about?