難舍的少年初戀 《女人和土匪》 （英譯本）（40）

 

Chapter 40

 

Seeing Dai Min return home tearfully, Tang heaved a sigh. She picked up a shirt of Zhang Yunxuan’s, whose smell was familiar to her and made her recall her love with Zhang.

The Zhang’s and Tang’s used to be two prosperous families in Guiyang, which did not have close relationships with each other. The two families dealt in trade, and had to meet each other only on important public occasions, such as charity or donation parties. Zhang Jitao would take his son Zhang Yunxuan with him, while Tang Weiqi as a pretty girl from the Tang’s would accompany her parents for such occasions. Tang’s good looks attracted much attention.

Tang was a quiet girl. She did not speak much at parties, but her air moved many women on these occasions and they liked to hug her and kiss her cheeks. Tang got to know Zhang in this way. At first, they were shy to each other, but later Zhang liked to make fun of her and in time they got familiar with each other.

Strangely, Tang did not hate this naughty boy. Zhang was four years elder than Tang. At first, she just considered him as her brother. Later, she began to nurture a special feeling for him.

Tang studied in a girls’ school. When her menstruation began, she was scared. She told her mom about the bad thing. That year she was 14. Her mom told her that it was a natural thing for a girl, meaning that she was growing up. With this knowledge, she dared not to play much with Zhang later, but they just glanced at each other with special feelings.

Thus, love began to grow in the two young people’s hearts. This special experience was unforgettable.

Unlike Tang, Zhang entered a college after graduation from middle school. He wanted to learn architecture. This was different from his father Zhang Jitao’s intention. His daddy wanted him to study business. Then, Mr. Song, a good friend of Zhang Jitao’s, told him that marriage could make Zhang change his mind.

That was a good idea, Zhang Jitao thought. Then, the family arranged a girl of 16 years old from a scholarly family for Zhang. However, Zhang did not accept the arrangement. He told his family that he wanted to finish his education first.

Zhang’s father was angry, saying, “We have given the engagement gifts to the girl’s family. How could we break our promise?”

Zhang was aware of his daddy’s stubbornness. He said nothing but went to Sichuan for his pursuit of higher education with other classmates.

Zhang missed Tang very much away from home. Though he did not speak much to her, they were fond of each other. Yet, the two families were strict with their children. Thus, they had few chances to personally meet each other in Guiyang.

Tang was not aware that Zhang loved her. In her mind, this big brother just liked to make fun of her. As she was approaching 16 years old, she was invited to an important party, where she did not meet Zhang. She had a big sense of loss for that.

She did not practice the piano. She lost her temper strangely. Then, a month later, her father celebrated his birthday, and at the party she saw Zhang Jitao. She was glad and wanted to know something about his son. She asked her mom to take her to the people who were busy saying “happy birthday” to her daddy.

Her daddy was from Hunan. He told his wife, “Why not accommodate our guests there?”

His wife answered, “Honey, our daughter wants to say ‘happy birthday’ to you.”

Tang’s father smiled, and answered, “Good child! Thank you!”

Zhang Jitao said, “She is filial indeed!”

Tang got two cups of tea from a maidservant. She gave one to her daddy, and the other to Zhang Jitao, saying, “Happy birthday, Daddy! May you have good health, Uncle Zhang!”

Tang’s father was amazed. Tang seldom spoke to strangers and had never served others tea before. Her daddy was very happy, telling Zhang Jitao, “My daughter served guests tea for the first time.”

Zhang Jitao replied, “What a nice girl! But my son…”

Tang asked at once, “What has happened to your son?”

“He is now in Sichuan. What a bad boy!”

Tang asked, “Why?”

“We have arranged a marriage for him, but he rejected it and went to Sichuan for college education.”

Tang was glad at this. She felt Zhang was manly.

Guiyang was then an important town in Southwest China. There were many traders and officials from outside here. Here people could find beautiful shops, nice snacks and special customs as well as brothels. The city enjoyed a pleasant climate. Thus, many outsiders got married and settled here.

Tang knew from Zhang Jitao that Zhang was in college in Sichuan. When she graduated from middle school, she asked her parents to send her to college there as well.

Her daddy was reluctant to let her stay away from him. Her mom, 26 years younger than her husband, agreed to her daughter’s plan. She did not wish her daughter to get married so early. Instead, she would like to see her daughter have some achievement in her career first. With this thought she told her sister in Chengdu to take care of Tang. Thus, Tang’s father had to let his daughter study in Sichuan.

In 1932 Tang reached Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. She felt this was the call of her soul to go to Chengdu to meet her beloved boy.

Zhang was about to leave college for the army. Then, one day a mailman told Zhang that a beautiful girl was looking for him. He got a note from him, on which was written the name of Tang Weiqi. He could hardly believe his eyes. He had been missing her for a long time.

Tang pretended to tell Zhang that she had no relative but Zhang in Chengdu. She insisted that he take her to some places of interest or with nice snacks. Zhang agreed.

However, Zhang told her that he could accompany her for only a day. Tang was sad. But then, Zhang told her that he was going to join the army to fight against the Japanese invaders. She felt relieved at this, but worried about his health and safety. She knew she loved him and her fate was tied to his.

Tang was glad that she could meet Zhang in Chengdu. Though their gathering was short, she got to know that he loved her as well. She felt their meeting sweet and happy.

At night, Zhang sent Tang back to her auntie’s home. They had much to say all the way. They were reluctant to say goodbye to each other. She told her aunt, “He is about to join the army tomorrow. Can we ask him to sit at home for a while?”

Her uncle was frank and generous. He even asked Zhang to stay at home for a night.

The next day, Zhang left Tang for the army. Zhang said, “I have arranged with my classmates for the military service, or I’d like to stay with you in Guiyang.”

Tang was moved at this word. She had been hoping to hear this word. Then, he went on:

“As soon as I settle down, I’ll write to you and ask you to come to the army for a visit.”

Tang nodded, replying, “Please write to me soon.”

Then, Zhang left her. This memory had been kept in Tang’s heart and mind for 20 years. What a sweet and unforgettable memory!