Chapter 14 A Talk by the Sea
I received the call from the police station about Chen Yanzhou and Cheng Nuo getting into a fight while I was at work.
I was stunned. I hung up and rushed straight to the station.
When I walked in, I saw Chen Yanzhou and Cheng Nuo sitting on chairs in the mediation room. Both looked disheveled. Neither glanced at the other.
Chen Yanzhou had a cut on his forehead still seeping blood. His cheekbone was swollen.
Cheng Nuo's lip was split and his cheek had a scrape. His usual cold expression changed the moment he saw me. He covered his mouth pitifully and mumbled.
"Tang Ning, he hit me. It hurts so much."
Chen Yanzhou flew into a rage. "Cheng Nuo, are you even a man?!"
I learned from the people around that Cheng Nuo had gone to discuss business that day and happened to run into Chen Yanzhou at the restaurant.
The two started fighting after a few words.
I had thought Chen Yanzhou left without saying anything yesterday because he had completely let go.
I never expected them to actually fight.
The officer advised on the side. "You are both grown men fighting over jealousy like this. You are not kids anymore. His injury counts as minor. If you do not mediate it will mean administrative detention. I see you all know each other so decide whether to mediate."
Because Cheng Nuo wore a ring on his hand the punch to Chen Yanzhou's forehead was classified as minor.
Chen Yanzhou pressed gauze to his forehead. His eyes were dark as he stared at me.
"Tang Ning, let's talk. I would not pursue his responsibility."
"I do not give a damn if you pursue it," Cheng Nuo pointed at Chen Yanzhou's nose. "Tang Ning is my girlfriend. No one steals her from me."
"She used to be my girlfriend!"
The two seemed ready to fight again over words. I could not stand it. I pulled them apart and told Cheng Nuo.
"You go back first. I need to talk with Chen Yanzhou."
Cheng Nuo's brows rose. I softened my voice. "I would be back soon. Wait for me at home."
He finally let go reluctantly. Before leaving he still warned me.
"If he bothers you call me. I would beat him up again!"
Chen Yanzhou's face soured. "Idiot."
Chen Yanzhou and I found a spot by the sea. He bought a few cans of beer.
It was winter in the small town and the beach was empty. The wind rolled the waves crashing them against the black rocks and splashing white foam.
I loved watching the sea back home.
I had begged Chen Yanzhou many times before to come back with me but he always said he was busy.
I never thought we would watch the sea together now and in this situation.
I smiled and shook my head. I pulled the tab on the beer can and took a sip.
It was icy and bitter.
Chen Yanzhou had already finished one can and crushed it hard.
"I used to think I did not like you."
The sea wind howled and his black hair blew up.
"I just felt you were always by my side so I was a little moved and a little sorry for you. I thought I did not like you and that I should like a woman like Feng Linlin."
I already knew everything he said. I stayed silent and drank.
"Later when you broke up with me I did not think much of it. Living alone was fine and I was not sad.
"Until one time I ate out with friends. When I got home the lights were off and the room was empty. In that instant I suddenly felt my heart empty too."
Chen Yanzhou smiled bitterly. "I thought I was smart but in the end I did not even know what I really wanted. That was when I realized it was not you who could not leave. It was me."
The wind was too strong. My voice came out hoarse.
"Too late."
It was not because we had already broken up. It was not because I was with Cheng Nuo now.
It was because I no longer loved him.
Feelings had worn away little by little day and night. By the time he finally turned back I could not move anymore.
Chen Yanzhou smiled bitterly. "I know. The way you look at me has changed Tang Ning. You do not like me anymore right."
"It is okay. You waited for me so many years. This time it is my turn to wait for you."
I smiled. "No need."
I did not like him anymore.
I would not turn back again.
Chen Yanzhou said seriously.
"That is my business. You do not have to need it but I would keep waiting."
The two of us did not speak anymore until all the beer was finished. I turned to leave.
Chen Yanzhou's voice came from behind. Maybe because the wind was too strong it sounded a bit trembling.
"Tang Ning, you really have nothing to say to me?"
I turned back and smiled at him.
"Chen Yanzhou, I do not love you anymore.
"But I wish you happiness."
Loving someone was a beautiful thing.
Even if it did not end well in the end I never regretted having loved him.
Chen Yanzhou stood frozen in place.
"Tang Ning, if you do not love me then why did you get back with me back then? I would wait for you. If he does not make you happy come back to me!" he said hoarsely.
I turned around and ran toward the shore.
The wind lifted my hair. I ran faster and faster.
If I had not left him he would not have loved me.
But when he finally loved me everything was too late.
This sham reconciliation was only the beginning of the inevitable breakup.
I did not know if I would be happy with Cheng Nuo. True feelings could change in an instant. Maybe one day we would reach that point too.
But I knew I had already gained the courage to leave someone.
I no longer needed another person to make me happy.
After that I would make myself happy.