Just then a woman who had been standing at the entrance stepped inside and approached Huo Jingchen. “Jingchen-ge, she is only the daughter of a fallen family. Why do you humble yourself so?”
Huo Jingchen looked up. “Who are you?”
“The principal is my uncle.” She lowered her voice. “I was kept on as a teaching assistant. I heard about this studio and came to look in.”
His eyes turned cold. “If you are not here for photographs then leave. Do not follow me.”
The girl stood frozen. Zhou Yu stepped in quickly. “You had better address him as Professor Huo. He is in no mood today. Please go home.”
She stamped her foot and turned away. She had fallen for him at first sight and quietly learned what she could. He never seemed to remember her. Seeing him standing there she could not resist coming in. She had thought him gentle. He had been so sharp and unyielding.
Huo Jingchen stretched his legs out on the low table and leaned back against the sofa as if resting. Zhou Yu looked at him not knowing quite what to say. “Could you not have been more polite? Word gets around.”
“I care nothing for my reputation.” Huo Jingchen said indifferently. He opened his eyes slowly. “Are we shooting these photographs or not? If not I shall go.”
The displayed portraits of Huo Jingnian and Qiao Zhiwei made it awkward. Adding Huo Jingchen beside them would be uncomfortable for everyone. “There is no need.” Zhou Yu said.
Huo Jingchen glanced at him. “Naturally. With Jingnian here what use have you for me?” He stood up unconcerned. “I am leaving.”
Zhou Yu held him back. “Stay. Let me treat you to a meal.”
Huo Jingchen paused. “You want something. Say it.”
Zhou Yu smiled. “My father says the bridge design you prepared for our hometown is excellent sound and economical.”
“Is that all?” Huo Jingchen smiled faintly.
Zhou Yu nodded. “Yes.”
“Pay me then.” Huo Jingchen said hands in pockets.
Zhou Yu stared. “Surely you are not so hard up?”
“Have you not seen my patron’s family fall and her turn to another?” Huo Jingchen said. “Is it so strange that I need money now? Twenty yuan. I am in a hurry.”
Zhou Yu tremblingly pulled out his wallet. Huo Jingchen took two ten-yuan notes. “My father’s superior wants you to restore an old family residence.”
“Five hundred yuan.” Huo Jingchen said.
“You were never like this before.”
“Before was then.” He walked away.
Zhou Yu shook his head and returned to the shop. Later he saw two young women standing outside. He recognised Huo Jingli and greeted her warmly. “Jingli what brings you here? Have you come for photographs?”
He looked at the girl beside her. She was graceful and poised standing quietly before the portraits. “My brother said he would be here.” Huo Jingli said crossly.
“He has just left.”
“Where did he go?”
“I do not know.” Zhou Yu saw her displeasure. “What is wrong?”
“Why did you make them look so beautiful?” she said instead.
Zhou Yu blinked. “They are to be your sister-in-law and brother.”
“I do not want her as a sister-in-law.”
“It is not your choice.”
“He was forced into it.”
The girl beside her spoke gently. “He does not look forced. Those are not eyes of someone acting a part.”
“And he hung them out front for everyone to see.”
“You do not know what really happened.” Huo Jingli said to Xia Yin.
Xia Yin smiled calmly. “Whatever happened I wish him happiness.”
Zhou Yu nodded. “Wise and generous. Won’t you come in for tea?”
Xia Yin agreed. They sat down. Huo Jingli remained unsettled. “Take them down please. It makes it look as though he adores her.”
Xia Yin soothed her. “If he did not care he would not have married her.”
“He was pushed into it. How could he fall in love so quickly?”
“Perhaps it was not sudden.” Xia Yin said softly. “Perhaps it has been there a long time. I know his character well. He never touches what he does not want.”
Zhou Yu started. “That is only a photograph. It does not mean what you think.” Such talk could damage reputations. In his circle people were quick to attach meaning and question character.
Huo Jingli’s eyes widened. “If that were true then he has behaved badly. He could have settled the debt and kept his distance. Why marry her himself?”
“Jingli.” Zhou Yu warned.
“It is true.” She insisted. “Why should he use his mother’s money to pay debts for Jingchen’s fiancée? But if she is his wife then it is only right.”
Xia Yin patted her hand. “Do not speak so hastily.”
“I only think of you.” Huo Jingli said. “He must be blind.”
Xia Yin smiled gently. “I made no promise to him. He owes me nothing.”
Zhou Yu nodded approvingly. “See how understanding she is.”