nashuaworldcup Chapter 22 I'll give you 3 days
Chapter 22 I'll give you 3 days
"Zhang Tian, my patience has its limits. Don't keep testing my patience!"
On the other end of the phone, Song Yafei's voice was chillingly cold; I could almost hear her grinding her teeth.
Holding my phone, I was momentarily flustered, and the image of a young girl with a high ponytail from many years ago flashed before my eyes.
She is kind and harmless, speaks softly, and always blinks her big, watery eyes, making her as lovable as a little white rabbit.
If we have a disagreement, no matter who is right or wrong, as long as she pouts and blinks her big, watery eyes twice, I will back down, immediately lower my stance, hug her waist, and say sorry.
No matter what we argue about, we tacitly agree not to say hurtful things or trample on each other's dignity and self-respect.
But Song Yafei seemed to have forgotten all of this, and the tacit understanding between us was gone.
Over the past few years, whenever I don't do what she wants, she will first ridicule and mock me, and then use my weaknesses as threats.
Actually, our relationship has already changed, I just don't want to admit it.
"Zhang Tian, that's enough. I've already had Yu Chengliang move out. What else do you want to complain about? I'm giving you one hour to come back immediately."
My prolonged silence fueled Song Yafei's anger, making her voice even colder.
The tone was condescending, as if issuing an imperial edict.
But I am neither her subject nor the father of her children, so why should I obey her arrangements?
I took a deep breath, made up my mind, and said in a low, hoarse voice, "Yafei, let's...get a divorce."
After a brief silence, Song Yafei chuckled softly, "Zhang Tian, do you really want a divorce from me that badly?"
"Yafei, do you think this is the life we wanted in the first place?"
I sat in the dimly lit bedroom, watching the sunset, and the words Song Yafei whispered in my ear years ago echoed in my ears.
Zhang Tian, if we get married in the future, we can argue, but we must never have a cold war, understand?
Also, when we have children in the future, you are not allowed to favor boys over girls, and you cannot abandon the kittens we raise.
Zhang Tian, promise me you'll stay with me until we grow old together, okay?
At that time, I nodded earnestly and firmly, filled with the most beautiful dreams, and secretly vowed in my heart to grow old with Song Yafei and never leave her.
Unexpectedly, I am now the one who has become a deserter.
Perhaps all my ailments are God's punishment for me.
"Yafei, in this marriage, neither of us has been able to live the life we wanted. We are both scarred. It's better to let go and leave, so that we can both be well in the future."
"Heh, what a fine 'may we each be well' attitude. What right does Zhang Tian have to say that to me? Have you forgotten how you abandoned me back then?"
"Zhang Tian, this is what you owe me, and I will never divorce you!"
Song Yafei's voice suddenly rose, filled with surging hatred and resolute attitude.
I had already anticipated this outcome, so there was no surprise. I simply said in a very soft voice, "I've already received my retribution and won't live much longer. Isn't that enough to appease you?"
"...Three days, Zhang Tian. I'm giving you three days. If you don't come back in three days, I'll cut off the orphanage's funding!"
After saying that, Song Yafei hung up the phone, giving me no chance to negotiate.
Looking at my phone, now with a black screen, I felt a bitter taste in my mouth, but I didn't feel the panic I had when I first heard those words.
I looked out the window at the darkening night with mixed feelings, calmed myself down, and dialed Uncle Feng's number using my new phone number.
"Hello, Uncle Feng, it's me, Zhang Tian."
"Yes, I know. How's your recovery going?"
"It's almost done."
"That's good. Shall we meet at the original time?"
"Uncle Feng, are you free tomorrow?"
Song Yafei is a woman of her word. If I don't return in three days, she will definitely cut off the orphanage's funding.
Therefore, I must resolve the funding issue within these three days.
The only person who can help me right now is Uncle Feng.
"Okay, then let's meet at the usual place at 2 PM."
"it is good."
Hearing Uncle Feng readily agree, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and breathed a sigh of relief.
......
The following afternoon.
I arrived at the coffee shop early and waited for more than ten minutes before Uncle Feng, dressed in a traditional Chinese Tang suit, finally arrived.
He sat down directly opposite me, waved his hand, and said, "I don't have many rules here, sit down."
Are you free lately?
Seeing that I was a little reserved, Uncle Feng gave me a friendly smile and took the initiative to start a conversation.
“I’ve moved out of Song Yafei’s place and I’ve been reviewing my old coursework lately.”
"Oh? It seems you've made up your mind this time."
Uncle Feng's smile deepened, and he took out an invitation from his pocket and handed it to me. "The day after tomorrow at eight o'clock, at the Starlight Hotel, Professor Xie Gan is holding a birthday banquet. He recognized your talent at first sight back then. It's a pity that you insisted on getting married at that time, and you lost the opportunity to become his student."
“A few days ago, I met him at a friend’s house. He still thinks about you a lot. I think if you can prepare a thoughtful gift for him, he would still be willing to take you as his apprentice.”
I was flattered and overwhelmed; my heart, which had been dormant for many years, seemed to be revitalized.
Although Uncle Feng used the term "apprenticeship" to describe it, I knew that what he meant was to study and improve myself so that I could fulfill my dream of pursuing further education, which I was unable to achieve back then.
My heart pounded with nervousness, and I asked in a trembling voice, "Uncle Feng, is everything you're saying true? Professor Xie Gan really still wants to take me as his apprentice?"
"Of course, but this is your last chance. If you truly want to become Professor Xie Gan's apprentice, you must demonstrate your sincerity and ability."
"Yes, I will definitely try my best."
I nodded vigorously, my gaze as firm as iron.
Professor Xie Gan is a leading figure in the design world. I missed the opportunity once before, and I will definitely not let this opportunity to become his apprentice pass by!
However, before preparing birthday gifts, it is more important to resolve the issue of the orphanage's funding shortage.
This is also the main reason why I came to see Uncle Feng today!
I pursed my dry lips, unsure how to begin.
After all, investing in orphanages is a charitable endeavor that yields no returns and is constantly costly. Only entrepreneurs like Song Yafei, who need a good reputation and public image, would do it; most people would keep their distance.
Just as I was struggling with how to broach the subject, Uncle Feng had already seen through my predicament. He took out a check and quickly wrote down a string of numbers on it.