短篇小说（鱼与熊掌）的谷歌翻译

短篇小说¬——《鱼与熊掌》
作者： 西风

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琳达醒来的时候，还在想着房价的节节攀升，好像有了房子就掌握了印钞机，时间每过一分钟财富就增加一份似的。这如何能不让她着急呢。
这天该是圣诞过后的第二天，大雪和风一直没停过。透过窗帘缝隙射进来一缕晨光，仿佛还夹着寒气。其实，窗缝很严密，只是屋子里的温度并不怎么高罢了。“房东处处算计，供暖总是强差人意。”琳达心里抱怨的自语道，“我要是买了房子，等着瞧吧——瘦子身上也能刮出油。”
琳达这一觉睡得很好，解除了疲乏、焦虑和妄想。“很久都没有这么安稳的休息了。难得过了个痛快淋漓的西方大节。”琳达不由得思绪又回到昨天吉奥森家里的派对游戏中。吉奥森住着一幢祖传大房，4000多伬，复式结构。屋子里布置得古色古香。家具是红木；墙上是仿古的油画；空调蒸得酒香四溢。“你是个大美人。这身裙子配在身上，真一个东方公主。”吉奥森这么称赞着，吉奥森的朋友也都甚为赞同的点头。
“我们为东方美人喝一杯。”有人这么提议道:“来，干杯。”
这是琳达移民加拿大的第三个年头，也是圣诞过得最陶醉的一次。想起刚来的那一年，她还为像吉奥森这样的西人家做保姆。第二年摇身一变作了钢琴老师。这么快的华丽转身，岂是人人能玩得转的。现在的琳达俨然成了西人家里的座上客。这么想着的时候，圣诞之夜的余热开始在身上发酵。昨个晚上，吉奥森一双火辣辣的眼睛围着自己上下打量，正如鱼儿看见蚯蚓而不考虑蚯蚓身上有没有钩子。吉奥森狂热的吻着琳达。吻得琳达浑身燥热，“别忘了赞助我买房子的事啊。”琳达说着阻挡了吉奥森进一步的冲动。
“有什么问题。我对美人一向出手大方。”
最重要的一幕过完，琳达抓过枕边的手机，看看时间已经10点钟。往日的这个时候，她已经出发去教钢琴课了。对于教钢琴，琳达向来是不兴趣的，虽然自己有着音乐学院的文凭。那不过是招揽生意的广告词。琳达热衷于挣钱。在琳达看来，教得好，懂得多，不如拿着和朗朗的合影更能获得家长的信任。琳达在家里就摆着那张合影。她常拿出来跟家长说：“这是我出席维也纳音乐会时和郎朗的合影。我们是同行和朋友。”对于学钢琴的学生，大抵是十岁以下的儿童，以琳达的达练和阅历，只要板起脸——高深、严厉，自然增加着份量。
今天不必教课，圣诞和新年乃西方人的大节，大家都在狂欢。琳达却异常清醒。“房子还得抓紧买。吉奥森的赞助也该催催。估计吉奥森喝得大醉，现在不会起床。”琳达就发了如下的短信：“亲，晚上把房钱送来，等你。——琳达。”
吉奥森这个白人中年男，做一份销售经理的职业，收入不错，他有着一切白人身上的潇洒，大方，挥金如土和不愿意有家庭羁绊的随意性。吉奥森常拿钱开派对，大都是有业务来往的客户。他们聚会，喝酒，谈棒球，谈音乐，谈女人。反正在琳达看来极好交往。因此琳达也就做了吉奥森的女朋友。吉奥森半真半假向琳达求婚。琳达觉得，洋人随意性太大，结婚根本靠不住。她就一直不答应吉奥森。有一次，琳达说自己想买套房子，吉奥森拍胸脯打了包票。这件事，琳达没有放松，正如地产经纪对客户挂记心头一样。
这不，琳达有电话进来，是地产经纪陈先生。陈地产问候了几句，就转到正题：“万锦新挂牌一处房子，很合乎你的要求。分门出入，四房，双车位，标价180万，估计很抢手。要不要带你看看？”
“我还在准备款子，过完新年就有着落。什么时间看房方便？”
“明天四点吧。顺便请你吃饭。”
陈地产开一辆四驱宝马，载着琳达看完万锦的房子，说：“我作地产多年，这个房子结构好，地点佳，升值空间大，完全值个买下来。不出三年，你还得找我，今天我请你吃饭，下次就是你请我了。”
看完房子，琳达迫不及待地给吉奥森打了电话，她说，万锦那一栋房子，很漂亮，如果买下来投资的话，几年就赚翻。吉奥森说，什么赚不赚的，你喜欢就买了。钱，现成有10万，你先拿着用。等你和我入洞房的时候可以免帐。
琳达和吉奥森通完话，叫赵爽接她去买点菜。赵爽很快就来了。赵爽与琳达在国内认识，那时候，赵爽喜欢上了琳达。拼命追求，琳达来到首都，算是北漂女，诸事不容易，但也因此磨练出了超强的生存本领。赵爽家是首都的坐地户。赵爽母亲不喜欢琳达。琳达一气之下，又撺掇赵爽和她移民，闹到后来，赵爽母亲落得个“哑巴吃黄连”。
既然有赵爽的方便车，琳达买的尽是粮油类重物。赵爽替琳达推着车，卸完东西。一个声音怯怯地说道：“先生，要不要替你还车？”赵爽抬头，看见一瘦小、单薄的身躯，一双游移的双眼含着祈求。赵爽明白过来，这个青年要赚那一块钱的还车费。赵爽刚想表示同意。琳达已然不屑的回答道：“我自己来，不用你。”青年怏怏地退走。赵爽盯着他的背影不肯离去。琳达还了车，说：“别看了，都是些Loser。”
买了新鲜水果、菜蔬，琳达请赵爽吃了晚饭。琳达问：“我看好了万锦的一处豪宅，首期还差20万，你答应说拿钱来着，男子汉说话要算数啊。”
赵爽说，：“你答应嫁我，我就拿钱。”
琳达说：“我们相识这么多年了，难为你一片痴心。你知道，我这个人挺难伺候。独身过惯了，结婚你我都不会幸福。最好我替你赚些钱，买了房子。涨完再卖。我们俩分成，大家赚一把。”
赵爽说：“我的钱是借来的，我跟我妈说是结婚要买房用。我妈也是和亲戚借的。如果你不肯嫁我，叫我如何交代？我是真心爱你。”
“什么婆婆妈妈的，我在替你投资赚钱。感谢我吧，就你这样的¬，要不是遇上我，看见了吧，超市门口那个收人家一块车费的青年——不是我打击你，没有赚钱本领就是那个下场。”
沉默了一刻，琳达把手神给赵爽，说：“我不会委屈你的钱。你的钱，算是我募集来的投资款。过几年，你就跟着分红。”
赵爽眼睛闪动了一下，随即合上，把快要流出来的一汪水含进去。“其实，我不把钱看得那么重。”
过完新年，琳达买下了万锦的那所房子。搬家那天，赵爽、吉奥森都来了。琳达没有请搬家公司，她租了辆大车，舍出浑身的力气，弄得满身大汗。赵爽说，请个搬家公司，你不必这样辛苦么？
“哼，请搬家公司？——搬家公司的弟兄们怎么干活，我是见识过的。从我这里赚钱，没那么容易。”
搬完了家。琳达要还租来的车，吉奥森推脱道：“先告辞一步。房子是个豪宅。唯一缺我这个男主人。”赵爽狠狠地瞪了吉奥森一眼。等吉奥森转过身，他用脚朝他走的方向踢去。“滚，你个丫子的。”琳达向赵爽眨眼，示意他停止。然后她开车去了租车公司，想着吉奥森的话和赵爽的不满，她很有点对被赵爽的痴情所感动，不知不觉间流了两滴眼泪。然后很快她拿袖子揩去了泪痕。她狠狠心地自语到：“我没兴趣嫁给你们谁，我只想赚钱，这辈子，我要用财富证明自己的能力。”
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时空里驻扎着梦想，能够自我发酵，这催促着有形资产不断膨胀，也加速着投资人一夜暴富的梦镜飘忽延绵。1年以后，琳达空荡荡的豪宅里，空旷的主人房间，依墙壁支一张单薄窄型双人床，孤零零的躺在那里，局促而羞涩，它纵然想找个地方躲起来，偏偏无处可去，犹如被暂时收养的孤儿，无奈，无助。房间另一角，宽敞的玻璃淋浴间反射着一缕明亮的阳光，阳光照在雪白的墙壁上，温暖，清洁，高傲，它居高临下地注目着那张不般配的窄床。琳达跪在楼梯上把每一个阶梯擦拭干净，打了亮光的清洁剂，仿佛给楼梯上了新漆，这让屋子更加熠熠生辉。大厅正对着旋转式楼梯，墙上开着三大间窗户。大厅吊灯群如仙女散花般高悬在棚顶，越发映衬了房子的富贵。大厅很大，没有任何摆设，两根立柱在中厅中崛起，琳达擦完楼梯，抹了一把脸上的汗珠，听见楼上一间卧室的门打开来，屋子里的人冲进了对面的洗手间，过了很久，赵爽走出卫生间，手里拿着毛巾，一边擦脸一边探头向琳达。
“琳达，中午想吃什么？我这就去做。”
琳达提起清洁桶，走下楼梯，有气地把水桶往里一顿，没有说话。赵爽凑过来，说道：
“不满意了？来来，我给你表演一段倚天屠龙的刀法。”赵爽说完，走到厨房，拿起一把三角形匕首，在琳达前舞了起来。随着挥臂，转身，收腰，一个单腿点地，亮了一个武术姿态。持续了一会，他的腿开始打弯，胳膊颤抖。 “我10岁学过武术，还能坚持3分钟……啊，快不行了，琳达教练，你倒是发个话，我可快支持不住了。”
“行了，行了。有完没完？几十岁的人还像个孩子。”琳达没好气地摇摇头，“倒了八辈子霉了，和个孩子纠缠在一起。”
“什么什么？琳达，你真了不起。你懂易数。那可是门高深的学问。”
“还有完没完？
“那，那，我去烧红烧肉给你吃。懊，冰箱里还有速冻水饺。要不要也煮了？”
赵爽来到厨房，握着那把三角尖刀，刀子又长又锋利，他毫不费力就切开2磅多的五花肉，看看刀子，他心里暗自称赞，“三叔送的军刀倍棒。”
中午吃饭时候，赵爽端上来他烧的红烧肉，“来，吃这个。真个又稥又亮。”琳达觉得毫无食欲，推开红烧肉，喝了几口水。 一股厌恶恶心的感觉涌了出来，平时自己就好吃这一口，今天怎么了？”琳达暗自吃了一惊。“莫非？” 
“来来，忙了一上午，辛苦了，不吃红烧肉，最少该吃一碗饺子。配上那山西的老陈醋，就是二个字：有品”。 
“算了吧。”琳达气气地摔掉筷子。
“这是怎么了？哪里没服侍好？”赵爽小心地问到。
“哼，服侍，你自己享乐吧。想想你那天干得好事。我说过的，我不想和你结婚。你真会给我添堵。睁大你的瞎眼看看，房贷，地税，水电这么高，房子快养不住了，你还往我心里插刀子。滚。离我越远越好。”琳达终于忍住了，没有把她的猜测告诉赵爽。
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自从那天以后，琳达心情差到极点。她四处奔波，寻找手术医生。下了几次决心，但一走到手术医生的门口，她又打电话取消预约。想到赵爽那天给她跪地祈求，她的心里又坚硬不起来。在这样的困境中，琳达度过了难熬几日。有一天，她上完钢琴课，驻足在邻近一间中文教室门口，听一位中文老师在讲授《鱼与熊掌》的典故。“鱼，我所欲也，熊掌，亦我所欲也；二者不可兼得，舍鱼而取熊掌者也。……”朗朗的讲解声飘入失魂落魄的琳达耳朵里。她定了定心神，暗自下了决心。她要和赵爽摊牌。“就这么定了。”
回到家，赵爽迎着她，满脸兴奋。他说：“琳达，我找到一份收入不错的工作了，我三叔介绍我去王岗罡那里做保镖。你可以放心在家养身子。王岗罡可是个出手阔绰的大老板。用钱就像开银行的。给我的工资是屠宰场的三倍。。”
“他怎么肯用你？就你那三拳两脚，别好大喜功了？都多大岁数了，你自己心里没个底数吗？”
“我小时候练过武当剑术，现在还有基础。”
“算了，我不跟你讨论这些。”顿了一会，琳达严肃道，
“我不会嫁给你，你的事情，我管不到，房子贷款不用你还。等哪天我弄到钱就连本带利还给你。我们就此了解。”
赵爽一面拉起琳达的手，一面求道，“不要这样决断，琳达，我爱你。我不能失去你……。我这就回国凑钱，把房贷填平，好不好？”
琳达用力甩开赵爽，坚定地走上楼梯。随着“砰”的一声，主人卧室的门牢牢地关上了。
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赵爽离开加拿大后，很久没有音讯。琳达周末那天，打开了赵爽住的卧室，看一眼赵爽睡觉的床和凌乱的被子。被子没有迭，散丢在小床的中央。枕头边扔着一把购物的票据和一个记流水账的本子。她不满地再次关上房门。
来到厨房，烧了壶开水，琳达坐在椅子上，她想：赵爽回国借钱，岂是件容易的事？国内人走茶凉，都以为在加拿大能够捞金，谁肯借钱给他，赵爽真真是个傻殃，只会落得被人嘲笑一番罢了。加拿大嘛，其实也不地道，人人背着房贷，没钱可借，只有银行是独家买卖，存钱不计复利，放账收息却不手软。看看自己的房子，自从背上房贷，连像样的家具也添不起，房价涨了，地税和水电也翻翻，这薅羊毛的水平一点不差。靠房子发财歇歇最好。不知不觉，她疲惫的睡了过去，一会功夫，水壶响起了丝丝的鸣笛，琳达惊醒过来。关上炉子，冲上一剂美颜养容消脂茶，拿起报纸翻看。厚厚的报纸，一多半是地产广告，翻到招聘栏目，琳达看到一家招钢琴演奏的广告。“特聘私家女钢琴演奏员，薪水优厚。”琳达眼睛一亮，试探性的拨了电话过去。接电话的可是位中年女性，讲流利的普通话。她说公司老板老板下班后需要听钢琴演奏，松弛精神。待遇和条件都刊在报纸上了，如果你符合条件，可以预约面试。琳达迟疑了片刻，她想：“能这么排场的请钢琴演奏员，一定是位有钱有品的老板。去试试运气。”于是琳达预约明天应试。放下电话，从箱子里翻出那张音乐学院钢琴专业的毕业证，放进了皮包，接着试了几身衣服。
“明天会怎样呢？想也想不清楚，管它呢？”琳达到头睡去。

第二天，琳达开车来到39号林森大街，一条通入私家住宅的环形车道绕过写着门牌号的女墙径直开到房前，城堡样的房子伫立在庭院正中，两侧树木参差，微风一吹，从树木的枝叶间透过丝丝凉风，直吹到琳达的脖颈， “这才叫个真豪宅”，琳达暗自夸赞，“普通人没有机会见识，把好好的概念庸俗化了。”正寻思间，从城堡里走出一位女性，“请问你是来应聘的吗？”
“是的，我是和你通的电话吧？”
“对呀，我是王总的私人助理，叫我Lily好了。请这边来。王总正在讲电话，你在沙发上坐一会。等我叫你，你再进来。”站了一会，Lily说：“看你很年轻，有家庭了吧？”
“没有。”
“好啊，祝你好运。”
约莫过了20分钟，琳达见到了王总。王总长一张国字脸，仰靠在摇动转椅上，上下打量了一会琳达。指着靠门的一台钢琴说道，“就是这台钢琴，我想让它给我催眠，我一项休息不好，听说音乐有助于松弛神经，我想试试。”
“现在吗？”琳达想到既然是面试，免不了要露一下手段。
“当然可以，请。”
琳达放下皮包，她坐在钢琴的正中，定定神，“王总喜欢听哪一首？莫扎特的？还是巴赫的？
“随你，自由发挥。”
琳达想到，这算是考试吧，于是便使出浑身的解数，把几十年积累都运在十指上。一曲还没弹完，王总有电话进来，王总摆手示意琳达继续，他拿着手机走出屋外。琳达弹完后，王总才进来，说：“好啊，我是个爽快人，你来这里应聘，总该有几把刷子的，我不懂高深的音乐，不浪费各自的时间，就定你了。”
琳达离开的时候，莉莉对她说：“你明天准时来，王总会请你吃饭。”
“这，这不合适吧？”
“有什么不合适，王总常常吃饭馆，陪他吃饭和给她弹琴都是工作的一部分，要放得开。”Lily说完，诡异地朝琳达眨了下眼睛，“GOOD LUCK。”接着挥挥手向琳达道别。
5
王老板已经中年，最讨厌婚姻的捆绑，因此一直自由潇洒。早前，他年轻气盛，舆论界为白猫还是黑猫争论不休，他凭着一股狠劲，大捞了一笔。这的口头禅就是：“撑死胆大的，饿死胆小的。”有知识的人还总结说这种聪明可能来自于陈胜吴广的理论传承。
这一天，他高耸着额头，晃着浑圆的肩膀，迈着“八大王”缓步，走向琳达和那架钢琴。“看他那悠闲的姿态和相貌，再匹配万贯资产，该是多么让人羡慕，看看赵爽，除了一张说得过去的皮囊，其它就平庸不堪，做保镖也缺着心路。——人和人就是不平等。”琳达想着这些，又开始愁起欠款来。
“怎么这么闷坐着，有什么难处吗？”这时，王老板一手搭上了琳达的肩膀。
 “是时候了。天赐良机。猫儿岂能戒了荤腥。”琳达灵机一动，暗自下了决心。她满脸愁容地说道，
“人穷事事难啊，……我买了一处房产，欠款别人追着要，卖掉房子倒是小挣一笔，可我舍不得卖。那房子是我教钢琴的教室。也是我谋生的道场。我该怎么办？我的难处岂是王老板能体谅了的？”
“差多少？”
“不提了？就着今天的心情，弹一曲房奴的流浪歌《愁啊愁》，全当我下厨给老板做一顿忆苦思甜饭。”琳达说着，弹起来东北流浪歌曲《愁啊愁》。歌曲婉转悲哀，道尽了坐牢的悔恨和无奈。一曲弹完，琳达转头看向王老板，“感觉怎么样？这是至今为止我弹得最好的一手。这里通通献给你了。哎，房奴的日子和坐牢是一样的。通通是没有自由的痛苦。”
“这个曲子我不爱听，愁什么愁，赶明我开我的私人飞机带你上天玩玩，让你自由自由就开心了——小宝贝，给我笑一个，如何？”王岗罡摸着琳达的耳朵，接着说道：“晚上一起去吃海天酒楼。据说那里的贵妃鸡不错。”
“算了吧，贵妃鸡，都是些花名堂，花钱吃野鸡，还，——不如我自己做给你吃？”
“好啊，地道，就是它了。”王老板眼睛笑成了一双猫儿眼。
6
过了些时日，王老板显得得意洋洋，他不仅买了一处私人小岛，而且和琳达在那里飞宫走马。闲云野鹤地共度了合卺之欢。
可是，琳达却每每被噩梦缠绕，有时候，寒夜的宁静之中，空寂的岛上传来几声野兽的嚎鸣。琳达从床上坐起，推了推王老板，“吓死我了。黑熊在门口叫。”
王老板从迷糊的梦里醒来，随口喃喃道，“别怕，有保镖对付它。”
“什么，什么，保镖？在哪里？”
“奥，我睡忘了”王岗罡清醒了一点，“保镖是别人介绍的赵爽，他最近回中国去了。”
琳达暗自吃了一惊，天下就是冤家路窄。我遇事事总是讨厌，倒了八辈子霉了。这时她记起赵爽的赞美，“琳达，你了不起，懂易数，那可是门高深的学问。”
琳达睡意全消。她失眠了。睡不着，也高兴不起来。“王老板的钱还没到手，不能鸡飞蛋打，舍鱼而取熊掌的时候不多了。得抓紧。”

7
早春的太阳从东边升起，草地上的积雪一天天消散，大地在一层层消化寒冬的烙印。催婚的事情丝毫没有进展，琳达心情郁闷，她啪地一声合上钢琴，“你外边一定有情人，欺骗我的感情，好你个王岗罡，口说大话，欺负我没见过世面。”
“胡说什么？我告诉过你，我最烦结婚。”
“那我怎么见人，万一有了孩子怎么办？”
“怎么办，我给钱，养你们。行了吧，别使性子了。我带你买个LV怎么样，上次你看中那双意大利黑皮靴，今天就让它下架。”
“我房子都快被银行收走了，你让我住大街上吗？”
 “好说，好说。今天我们买完东西，一起去银行。”
琳达开着王老板送的凯迪拉克，去了市中心。采购完意大利靴子和法国名包。王岗罡牵着琳达走向停车场，琳达东张西望在找车，王老板说，“钥匙有寻车鸣笛，按一下就有了。”
琳达按了钥匙牌，远处传来汽车的鸣叫声。琳达正想走过去，忽然从停车场大立柱下闪出一位男子，头戴毡帽，敞开外套，圆口帆布鞋上系着两条白绳，冲王岗罡打量一眼，开口道：“这位先生，我送你几句话，借此讨碗饭口。”说完，他不等王岗罡的回应，接着到，“你额头高耸，浑圆宽阔，必定早年发迹，财运滚滚如滔滔江河，百泄不残。近日有些许黑气绕眉，该往南方走动，以避凶险。”
“停了吧，我不信这些，别挡我的道。”
琳达听完，拉开钱包，掏出两张大钞，王岗罡伸手挡住，“走，别听他胡诌，我见多了。”
江湖汉子看着王岗罡拉着琳达走开去，琳达的两张大票再次塞进钱包，她正回望向江湖汉子，她见他单手提了提那张毡帽，又再次压低了帽檐，遮住了凝视的视线。
王岗罡从银行出来，手里提着军绿袋子，里边是打捆的钞票，拥着琳达走向琳达的住宅。琳达打开大门，走到客厅，接过那袋沉甸甸的钞票，放到沿墙的钢琴上。她说，“喝点啤酒怎么样？”
顺手打开了冰箱。王岗罡按下音响的按键，屋子里传出了摇滚的激情演奏，“啤酒，配什么吃？”王岗罡问道？
“有昨天剩的一盘烤鸡翅，给你热一下？”
王岗罡想了一下，坏坏地一笑，走进琳达，一把抱起来，“我不吃剩鸡翅，我要吃贵妃鸡。”
琳达挣扎了几下，无奈的伸直了腰身，横躺在王岗罡的双臂里。王岗罡一边狂吻着琳达一边抱着她上楼。这时，门口走进来胡子邋遢的一位垂头男子，他就是赵爽，进门后，靠墙放下易拉杆的行李箱，看到钢琴上有一个绿色的布袋子，伸手捏了一下， “是钱。怎么这么多？”他迟疑的想了一下，想叫一声琳达，可狂躁的摇滚音乐，顿时让他打消了这个念头，他轻轻地走到楼上，主卧室里传来琳达的喘息声。赵爽立刻冲进去，眼前的一幕让他脑子失去了刹车。“你放开她。——怎么是你？”
王岗罡定了定神，看清是赵爽，他放开琳达。大叫到：“赵爽，你来这里做什么？你给我滚，要不然我打死你。”
“占我女朋友便宜，还打死我，我这就死给你看。”赵爽说完，跑下楼梯，在厨房操起那把用惯了的三角尖刀，再次冲上楼梯。王岗罡穿上内衣，回头一看，一把明晃晃的尖刀刺向脖颈，他甩头避开，没成想刀子只是徐晃一招，赵爽练剑的口诀让他用在了此刻。转手把刀刺进了王岗罡的心口，他停了片刻，一把推开王岗罡，刺刀带出一股血流喷了出来，贱了他一脸。他回头看了一眼琳达，琳达吓得浑身哆嗦。“还不快走，离开这里。”他愤怒向她大喊。
琳达抱起自己的衣服，草草穿上，冲下楼梯，来到门口，顺手把那袋绿色的钱袋裹在了怀里。
8
赵爽杀人入狱了。警察问他话，他始终不发一言。现在他把大把的时间，用来清醒自己。慢慢地变得像个木偶，终于有一天，他自言到：“求不到的东西也强不来。”
此时的琳达，还清了贷款，可她依然穿梭在警察局和律师事务所之间，有被动也有主动。看着渐渐隆起的肚子，回想起自己并没有向赵爽透漏过这件事。”她反而觉得自己做得对，因为她有了另外一丝的奢望。
有一天，在律师的引导问话下，她说：“我和他是既成的事实……婚姻。”
 “有何凭证？”律师问道。
“凭证，这种事怎么自证？……有了孩子是不是证据？”
律师高深莫测地说道，“好吧，我给你争取。”
开庭那天，琳达来到法庭，她的律师安排她坐在一处，这时陆续又进来5个年轻女子，身材匀称，脸色苍白，黑亮的皮靴踩在法庭的楼板上，发出有节奏的踢踏音，带着一种怨暧也带着一种坚定，皮靴的价值显示着她们身份与看客不同，她们被夹着文书的人引入坐席。律师们打开文件，先后为自己的代理人陈情一番，琳达听完大吃一惊，“王岗罡是个骗子，花魁骗子，暗地里招蜂惹蝶，养了一群抱想抱大腿的女人。这真真是个意外，”她痛骂自己鼠目寸光，对上流社会的人一无所知。真应了那句人算不如天算。
法官听完各自代表律师的陈情后，说道：“既然你们都说肚里有被害人的孩子，有财产继承权，我也没办法裁决。我们法庭最代表公平，看看我背后就是一座天平，你们该知道，尊尊法律，尊重科学是必要的。这是法律一向的光荣。根据现实的情况，下次开庭暂定一年，等你们的孩子出生，带好DNA医检报告，再裁决不迟，现在休庭。”
琳达听到这里，顿时如五雷轰顶，瘫倒在椅子上，“完了，一切都完了，梦想最终化为了泡影。”她喃喃说道：“鱼与熊掌不可兼得，舍鱼而取熊掌者也。可是……，可是，……事到临头，鱼会吃了熊掌。真个满盘皆输，满盘皆输，晦气，晦气，——。命运公平吗？哎，也算公平吧。想想赵爽——一个无能的男子，痴迷，太痴迷，他的痴迷惊扰了我的追求和梦想。爱情和魔鬼本是一家，谁说不是呢？”
9
结语：说书到此，笔者想起：蔺相如完璧归赵的故事。秦王勇武，惜碧玉而全相如。赵爽无能，却擒王碎玉，唱出了枫叶国里上流下流的一本狗血剧。王小波曾说：“生活远比小说来的精彩。”写书的人不能照搬生活，但是需要传播正能量，即便负能量的故事也是为了警戒世人——众善奉行诸恶勿做。但行好事莫问前程。

作者简介： 西风——（贾庚荣）多伦多华人作家，加中笔会会员。曾是报章专栏和网站签约作者，为<追求>杂志撰稿多年。在世界日报、明报副刊均有文章发表。短篇小说《月亮何的爱情》获第一届加华文学奖小说第一名，现被收录于美国南方出版社编辑的《海外华人短篇小说选》第一辑。散文《北美蝉》获第二届全球华人散文大赛第三名，现被收录于《梦想照进心灵》散文选集。散文《难忘的旅程》获加中笔会文学奖三等奖。散文《温情山柿子》最早刊于《世界日报》副刊，后被收录于浙江文艺出版社出版的《故乡的云》一书中。短篇小说《崩盘》被收录于美国南方出版社出版的《鸟巢动迁》一书。

 

以下是谷歌人工智能对小说的翻译文本。

 

Here's an English translation of the short story "Fish and Bear's Paw" by Xifeng:
Fish and Bear's Paw
By Xifeng
1
When Linda woke up, she was still thinking about the soaring house prices, as if owning a house was like holding a money printing machine, with wealth increasing every minute. How could this not make her anxious?
It was the second day after Christmas, and the heavy snow and wind hadn't stopped. A sliver of morning light, seemingly carrying a chill, shot through the curtain gap. In fact, the window seams were tight; it was just that the room temperature wasn't very high. "The landlord is calculating everywhere, and the heating is always subpar," Linda muttered to herself, complaining. "If I buy a house, just you wait – I'll squeeze oil out of a thin man."
Linda had slept well, relieved of fatigue, anxiety, and delusion. "It's been a long time since I had such a peaceful rest. It's rare to have had such a thoroughly enjoyable Western holiday." Linda's thoughts couldn't help but drift back to the party games at Gioson's house yesterday. Gioson lived in a large ancestral house, over 4,000 square feet, with a split-level structure. The house was decorated in an antique style. The furniture was rosewood; the walls had faux antique oil paintings; the air conditioning steamed with the aroma of wine. "You're a great beauty. That dress on you, truly an oriental princess," Gioson praised, and Gioson's friends nodded in agreement.
"Let's drink to the Oriental beauty," someone suggested. "Come on, cheers."
This was Linda's third year immigrating to Canada, and the most intoxicating Christmas she had spent. She remembered that in her first year, she was still a nanny for Western families like Gioson's. In her second year, she transformed into a piano teacher. Such a rapid and elegant transformation was not something everyone could pull off. Now, Linda was virtually a frequent guest in Western homes. As she thought about this, the lingering warmth of Christmas Eve began to ferment within her. Last night, Gioson's fiery eyes scrutinized her up and down, like a fish seeing a worm without considering if there was a hook. Gioson passionately kissed Linda. Linda felt flushed all over. "Don't forget to sponsor me for buying a house," Linda said, stopping Gioson's further impulses.
"No problem. I'm always generous with beauties."
After the most important scene, Linda grabbed her phone from beside the pillow and saw that it was already 10 o'clock. Usually by this time, she would have already left to teach piano lessons. Linda had always been uninterested in teaching piano, despite having a music academy diploma. That was merely an advertising slogan to attract business. Linda was passionate about making money. In Linda's view, teaching well and knowing a lot was not as effective as having a photo with Lang Lang in gaining parents' trust. Linda kept that photo at home. She often took it out and told parents, "This is a photo of me with Lang Lang when I attended a concert in Vienna. We are colleagues and friends." For piano students, mostly children under ten, with Linda's shrewdness and experience, simply putting on a stern face—profound and strict—naturally added weight.
She didn't have to teach today; Christmas and New Year were big Western holidays, and everyone was reveling. Linda, however, was exceptionally clear-headed. "I still need to buy a house quickly. I should also urge Gioson about his sponsorship. Gioson must be dead drunk, he won't be up now." Linda sent the following text message: "Honey, bring the house money tonight, waiting for you. – Linda."
Gioson, this middle-aged white man, worked as a sales manager and had a good income. He possessed all the typical white male traits: dashing, generous, a big spender, and a casual aversion to family ties. Gioson often threw parties with money, mostly for clients he had business dealings with. They gathered, drank, talked about baseball, music, and women. Anyway, in Linda's opinion, he was very easy to get along with. Thus, Linda became Gioson's girlfriend. Gioson half-heartedly proposed to Linda. Linda felt that Westerners were too casual, and marriage was simply unreliable. So she never agreed to Gioson. Once, Linda said she wanted to buy a house, and Gioson patted his chest and guaranteed it. Linda didn't let this matter drop, just as a real estate agent keeps clients in mind.
Just then, Linda received a call from Mr. Chen, a real estate agent. Mr. Chen exchanged a few greetings, then got straight to the point: "There's a new listing in Markham, it perfectly fits your requirements. Separate entrance, four bedrooms, two car garage, listed at 1.8 million. It's expected to be very popular. Would you like me to take you to see it?"
"I'm still arranging the funds; it should be settled after the New Year. When is a good time to view the house?"
"Tomorrow at four, then. I'll treat you to dinner afterwards."
Mr. Chen, driving a four-wheel-drive BMW, took Linda to see the house in Markham. He said, "I've been in real estate for many years. This house has a good structure, excellent location, and great appreciation potential. It's definitely worth buying. In less than three years, you'll be looking for me again. Today I'm treating you to dinner, next time you'll treat me."
After seeing the house, Linda impatiently called Gioson. She said that the house in Markham was beautiful, and if bought as an investment, it would be extremely profitable in a few years. Gioson said, "What's all this talk about profit or not? If you like it, buy it. I have 100,000 readily available; you can use it first. It can be a waiver when you enter my bridal chamber."
After talking to Gioson, Linda called Zhao Shuang to pick her up to buy some groceries. Zhao Shuang arrived quickly. Zhao Shuang and Linda knew each other in China. At that time, Zhao Shuang fell in love with Linda. He pursued her relentlessly. Linda came to the capital, a "north drifter" woman, and things were not easy, but this also honed her extraordinary survival skills. Zhao Shuang's family was a local resident of the capital. Zhao Shuang's mother disliked Linda. In a fit of anger, Linda instigated Zhao Shuang to immigrate with her, which ended up with Zhao Shuang's mother having a bitter pill to swallow.
Since Zhao Shuang had a convenient car, Linda bought mostly heavy items like grain and oil. Zhao Shuang pushed the cart for Linda and unloaded the items. A timid voice said, "Sir, would you like me to return the cart for you?" Zhao Shuang looked up and saw a thin, frail figure, a pair of shifting eyes filled with pleading. Zhao Shuang understood that this young man wanted to earn that dollar for returning the cart. Zhao Shuang was about to agree. Linda had already answered with disdain, "I'll do it myself, I don't need you." The young man retreated dejectedly. Zhao Shuang stared at his retreating back, reluctant to leave. Linda returned the cart and said, "Don't look, they're all losers."
After buying fresh fruit and vegetables, Linda treated Zhao Shuang to dinner. Linda asked, "I've found a luxury house in Markham, but I'm still short 200,000 for the down payment. You promised to give me money, a man should keep his word."
Zhao Shuang said, "If you promise to marry me, I'll give you the money."
Linda said, "We've known each other for so many years, I appreciate your devotion. You know, I'm quite difficult to please. I'm used to living alone, and neither of us would be happy if we got married. It's best if I help you make some money, buy a house, sell it after it appreciates, and then we split the profits. We both make a fortune."
Zhao Shuang said, "My money is borrowed. I told my mom it was for buying a house for our marriage. My mom also borrowed from relatives. If you don't marry me, how can I explain? I truly love you."
"What's all this nagging? I'm investing for you to make money. Thank me, with someone like you, if you hadn't met me, you'd end up like that young man at the supermarket entrance who charges a dollar for returning carts – I'm not trying to put you down, but if you don't have the ability to make money, that's what happens."
After a moment of silence, Linda extended her hand to Zhao Shuang and said, "I won't wrong your money. Your money will be considered investment funds raised by me. In a few years, you'll share the dividends."
Zhao Shuang's eyes flickered, then closed, holding back the tears that were about to spill. "Actually, I don't care so much about money."
After the New Year, Linda bought the house in Markham. On moving day, both Zhao Shuang and Gioson came. Linda didn't hire a moving company; she rented a large truck and put all her strength into it, getting covered in sweat. Zhao Shuang said, "Wouldn't it be easier to hire a moving company? You wouldn't have to work so hard."
"Hmph, hire a moving company? — I've seen how those moving company guys work. It's not that easy to make money off me."
After moving, Linda wanted to return the rented truck. Gioson excused himself, "I'll take my leave first. The house is a mansion. The only thing missing is me, the male owner." Zhao Shuang glared fiercely at Gioson. As Gioson turned around, he kicked towards the direction he was walking. "Scram, you bastard." Linda winked at Zhao Shuang, signaling him to stop. Then she drove to the rental car company, thinking about Gioson's words and Zhao Shuang's displeasure. She felt a bit touched by Zhao Shuang's devotion and unknowingly shed two tears. Then she quickly wiped away the tear stains with her sleeve. She hardened her heart and muttered to herself, "I'm not interested in marrying either of you. I just want to make money. This life, I want to prove my ability with wealth."
2
Dreams reside in time and space, capable of self-fermentation, urging tangible assets to constantly expand and accelerating investors' fleeting dreams of overnight wealth. A year later, in Linda's empty mansion, in the spacious master bedroom, a thin, narrow double bed leaned against the wall, lying there solitarily, cramped and shy. Even if it wanted to hide somewhere, there was nowhere to go, like a temporarily adopted orphan, helpless and forlorn. In another corner of the room, a spacious glass shower stall reflected a bright ray of sunlight. The sunlight shone on the pristine white wall, warm, clean, and proud, looking down condescendingly at the mismatched narrow bed. Linda knelt on the stairs, meticulously wiping each step clean, applying a shining cleaner as if freshly painting the stairs, which made the house even more dazzling. The grand hall faced a spiral staircase, with three large windows on the wall. The chandelier clusters in the hall hung high like scattered fairy flowers, further accentuating the house's opulence. The hall was vast, with no furnishings, and two pillars rose in the center. Linda finished wiping the stairs, wiped the sweat from her face, and heard a bedroom door open upstairs. The person in the room rushed into the opposite bathroom. After a long time, Zhao Shuang emerged from the bathroom, holding a towel, wiping his face while peering towards Linda.
"Linda, what do you want for lunch? I'll go make it now."
Linda picked up the cleaning bucket, walked down the stairs, and dumped the bucket inside with a huff, saying nothing. Zhao Shuang leaned over and said:
"Not satisfied? Come on, I'll show you a segment of the 'Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber' swordplay." Zhao Shuang finished speaking, walked to the kitchen, picked up a triangular dagger, and danced with it in front of Linda. With a swing of his arm, a turn, a tuck of his waist, and a single-leg point, he struck a martial arts pose. It lasted for a while, then his legs began to bend, and his arms trembled. "I learned martial arts when I was 10, and I can still last 3 minutes... Ah, I'm almost done, Coach Linda, say something, I can't hold on much longer."
"Alright, alright. Are you ever going to finish? You're dozens of years old and still acting like a child." Linda shook her head exasperatedly. "I've had the worst luck in eight lifetimes, getting entangled with a child."
"What, what? Linda, you're amazing. You understand I Ching. That's a profound subject."
"Are you ever going to finish?"
"Then, then, I'll go make braised pork for you. Oh, there are still frozen dumplings in the fridge. Do you want me to cook those too?"
Zhao Shuang went to the kitchen, holding the triangular dagger. The knife was long and sharp, and he effortlessly cut more than two pounds of pork belly. Looking at the knife, he secretly praised, "Uncle San's military knife is excellent."
At lunchtime, Zhao Shuang served his braised pork. "Come, eat this. It's really fragrant and shiny." Linda felt no appetite, pushed the braised pork aside, and drank a few sips of water. A feeling of disgust and nausea surged within her. Usually, she loved this dish, "What's wrong today?" Linda was secretly startled. "Could it be?"
"Come on, come on, you've been busy all morning, it's been hard work. If you don't eat braised pork, at least have a bowl of dumplings. With that aged Shanxi vinegar, it's just two words: 'classy'."
"Forget it," Linda angrily threw down her chopsticks.
"What's wrong? Did I not serve you well somewhere?" Zhao Shuang asked cautiously.
"Hmph, serving? Enjoy yourself. Think about what you did that day. I told you, I don't want to marry you. You really know how to annoy me. Open your blind eyes and see, the mortgage, property taxes, utilities are so high, I can barely afford this house, and you're still stabbing me in the heart. Get out. The farther away from me, the better." Linda finally held back from telling Zhao Shuang her suspicions.
3
Since that day, Linda's mood had been at an all-time low. She rushed around, looking for a surgeon. She made up her mind several times, but each time she reached the surgeon's door, she would call and cancel the appointment. Thinking of Zhao Shuang kneeling and pleading with her that day, her heart softened again. In this predicament, Linda spent several difficult days. One day, after finishing her piano lesson, she stopped at the entrance of a nearby Chinese classroom and listened to a Chinese teacher explaining the idiom of "Fish and Bear's Paw." "Fish, what I desire; bear's paw, also what I desire; if the two cannot be had at the same time, I will forsake the fish and take the bear's paw..." The clear explanation drifted into Linda's disoriented ears. She composed herself and made up her mind. She would have a showdown with Zhao Shuang. "It's decided."
Back home, Zhao Shuang greeted her, his face beaming with excitement. He said, "Linda, I found a good-paying job! My third uncle introduced me to Wang Ganggang to be a bodyguard. You can rest assured and take care of yourself at home. Wang Ganggang is a very generous boss. He spends money like he owns a bank. He's paying me three times what I made at the slaughterhouse."
"Why would he hire you? With your meager fighting skills, don't get ahead of yourself. How old are you, don't you have a sense of reality?"
"I practiced Wudang swordplay when I was a child, I still have a foundation."
"Forget it, I'm not discussing this with you." After a pause, Linda said seriously,
"I won't marry you. Your matters are not my concern. You don't need to repay the house loan. Once I get the money, I'll pay you back with interest. We're done here."
Zhao Shuang took Linda's hand and pleaded, "Don't be so resolute, Linda, I love you. I can't lose you... I'll go back to China to raise money and pay off the mortgage, okay?"
Linda forcefully shook off Zhao Shuang's hand and walked resolutely up the stairs. With a bang, the master bedroom door shut firmly.
4
After Zhao Shuang left Canada, there was no news from him for a long time. One weekend, Linda opened the bedroom Zhao Shuang used, looking at his bed and messy covers. The covers were not folded, scattered in the center of the small bed. Beside the pillow was a shopping receipt and a ledger. She closed the door again, dissatisfied.
Coming to the kitchen, she boiled a kettle of water. Linda sat on a chair, thinking: How easy could it be for Zhao Shuang to borrow money back home? In China, people move on quickly, they all think one can strike it rich in Canada, who would lend him money? Zhao Shuang is truly a fool, he'll only end up being ridiculed. As for Canada, it's not much better, everyone is burdened by mortgages, there's no money to borrow, only banks are the exclusive dealers, they don't count compound interest on deposits, but they don't hesitate to collect interest on loans. Looking at my own house, since taking on the mortgage, I can't even afford decent furniture. House prices have risen, property taxes and utilities have doubled, they're really good at shearing the sheep. It's best to stop dreaming of getting rich from real estate. Unconsciously, she fell asleep from exhaustion. After a while, the kettle whistled, startling Linda awake. She turned off the stove, brewed a beauty and slimming tea, and picked up the newspaper. The thick newspaper was more than half real estate advertisements. Turning to the classifieds, Linda saw an advertisement for a piano player. "Seeking private female piano player, excellent salary." Linda's eyes lit up, and she tentatively dialed the number. The person who answered was a middle-aged woman who spoke fluent Mandarin. She said the company's boss needed to listen to piano music after work to relax. The salary and conditions were all listed in the newspaper. If you met the requirements, you could schedule an interview. Linda hesitated for a moment, thinking: To be able to hire a piano player with such grandeur, he must be a rich and tasteful boss. I'll try my luck. So Linda scheduled an interview for tomorrow. After hanging up the phone, she rummaged through her box for her music academy piano diploma, put it in her purse, and then tried on several outfits.
"What will tomorrow bring? Can't quite figure it out, who cares?" Linda fell asleep.
5
The next day, Linda drove to 39 Linsen Street. A circular driveway leading to the private residence wound past a low wall with the house number, leading directly to the front of the house. A castle-like house stood in the center of the courtyard, with trees scattered on both sides. A slight breeze blew, and a cool draft passed through the branches and leaves of the trees, directly touching Linda's neck. "This is what you call a true luxury mansion," Linda secretly praised. "Ordinary people don't get to see this, they vulgarize the concept." As she pondered, a woman walked out of the castle, "Excuse me, are you here for the interview?"
"Yes, I was the one who called you, right?"
"That's right, I'm General Manager Wang's personal assistant, just call me Lily. Please come this way. General Manager Wang is on the phone, please have a seat on the sofa for a while. Wait for me to call you before you come in." After standing for a while, Lily said, "You look very young, do you have a family?"
"No."
"Good, then I wish you good luck."
About 20 minutes later, Linda met General Manager Wang. General Manager Wang had a square face and leaned back in a rocking swivel chair, scrutinizing Linda for a while. He pointed to a piano near the door and said, "This is the piano. I want it to hypnotize me. I've always had trouble resting. I heard music helps relax the nerves, so I want to try it."
"Now?" Linda thought that since it was an interview, she would inevitably have to show off her skills.
"Of course, please."
Linda put down her handbag. She sat in the middle of the piano, composed herself. "Which piece does General Manager Wang prefer? Mozart? Or Bach?"
"Whatever you like, free play."
Linda thought, This must be a test, so she put all her effort and decades of accumulated skill into her fingers. Before she finished one piece, General Manager Wang received a call. General Manager Wang waved his hand, signaling Linda to continue, and walked out of the room with his phone. Only after Linda finished playing did General Manager Wang come in and say, "Good. I'm a straightforward person. Since you're here to apply, you must have some skills. I don't understand profound music, so let's not waste each other's time. You're hired."
As Linda left, Lily told her, "Be on time tomorrow. General Manager Wang will treat you to dinner."
"This, isn't this inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate? General Manager Wang often dines out. Accompanying him for dinner and playing the piano for him are all part of the job. You have to be open-minded." Lily finished speaking, then gave Linda a mysterious wink. "GOOD LUCK." Then she waved goodbye to Linda.
6
Boss Wang was middle-aged and hated the shackles of marriage, thus remaining free and unrestrained. Earlier, in his youth, when the public sphere debated whether it was a white cat or a black cat, he made a huge fortune with a ruthless determination. His motto was: "The bold get fat, the timid starve." Knowledgeable people even concluded that this cleverness might have stemmed from the theoretical inheritance of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang.
On this day, with his high forehead, shaking his round shoulders, and taking slow "Big King" strides, he walked towards Linda and the piano. Looking at his leisurely posture and appearance, combined with his immense wealth, how enviable he must be. Look at Zhao Shuang, apart from a passable appearance, everything else is mediocre and lacking even the shrewdness for a bodyguard. — People are just not equal. Linda thought about these things and began to worry about her debts again.
"Why are you sitting so gloomily? Is there something bothering you?" Just then, Boss Wang placed a hand on Linda's shoulder.
"It's time. Heaven-sent opportunity. How can a cat abstain from meat?" Linda's mind clicked, and she secretly made up her mind. She said with a sorrowful expression,
"Poverty makes everything difficult... I bought a property, and people are hounding me for the debt. Selling the house would earn a small profit, but I can't bear to sell it. That house is my piano classroom. It's also my place of livelihood. What should I do? How could Boss Wang understand my difficulties?"
"How much are you short?"
"Let's not talk about it. Given today's mood, I'll play a 'Stray Song of the Mortgage Slave' for you, 'Sorrow, Oh Sorrow.' Consider it my way of cooking a 'bitter and sweet' meal for you, Boss." Linda said, then began to play the Northeastern folk song "Sorrow, Oh Sorrow." The song was melancholic and mournful, expressing the regret and helplessness of imprisonment. After finishing the piece, Linda turned to Boss Wang. "How does it feel? This is the best I've ever played. All of it is dedicated to you. Alas, the life of a mortgage slave is just like being in prison. It's all the pain of not having freedom."
"I don't like this song. What's there to be sorrowful about? Tomorrow I'll take you up in my private jet for some fun, let you be free and happy – little darling, give me a smile, how about it?" Wang Ganggang stroked Linda's ear, then continued, "Let's go to Haiti Restaurant tonight. I hear their Concubine Chicken is good."
"Forget it, Concubine Chicken, those are just fancy names. Spending money to eat wild chicken, or rather – why don't I cook for you myself?"
"Good, authentic, that's it!" Boss Wang's eyes crinkled into a pair of cat's eyes with a smile.
7
After some time, Boss Wang seemed triumphant. Not only had he bought a private island, but he and Linda were also having a grand time there, enjoying their marital bliss with carefree abandon.
However, Linda was often plagued by nightmares. Sometimes, in the stillness of a cold night, a few howls of wild beasts echoed across the deserted island. Linda sat up in bed and nudged Boss Wang. "You scared me to death. A black bear is howling at the door."
Boss Wang woke from his hazy dream and mumbled casually, "Don't be afraid, there's a bodyguard to deal with it."
"What, what, a bodyguard? Where?"
"Oh, I forgot while sleeping," Wang Ganggang woke up a little. "The bodyguard is Zhao Shuang, introduced by someone else. He recently went back to China."
Linda was secretly startled. It was a small world after all. I always seem to encounter annoying things. I've had the worst luck in eight lifetimes. Then she remembered Zhao Shuang's compliment, "Linda, you're amazing, you understand I Ching, that's a profound subject."
Linda's sleepiness vanished completely. She suffered from insomnia. She couldn't sleep, nor could she feel happy. Boss Wang's money hasn't arrived yet, I can't let it all fall apart. There isn't much time left for choosing between the fish and the bear's paw. I must hurry.
8
The early spring sun rose from the east, and the snow on the grass melted day by day. The earth was slowly digesting the imprint of winter. The urging for marriage made no progress, and Linda was depressed. She slammed the piano lid shut. "You must have a lover outside, deceiving my feelings, you scoundrel Wang Ganggang, boasting shamelessly, bullying me because I haven't seen the world."
"What nonsense are you talking about? I told you, I hate marriage the most."
"Then how will I face people? What if I have a child?"
"What to do? I'll give you money, I'll support you. Is that enough? Stop being stubborn. How about I take you to buy an LV? That pair of Italian black boots you liked last time, let's take them off the shelf today."
"My house is about to be repossessed by the bank, do you want me to live on the street?"
"No worries, no worries. Today, after we finish shopping, we'll go to the bank together."
Linda drove the Cadillac gifted by Boss Wang to the city center. After purchasing Italian boots and a French designer bag, Wang Ganggang led Linda towards the parking lot. Linda was looking around for the car, and Boss Wang said, "The key has a car-finding siren; just press it."
Linda pressed the key fob, and the car's horn sounded in the distance. Linda was about to walk over when suddenly a man emerged from behind a large parking pillar. He wore a felt hat, an open jacket, and two white ropes tied on his canvas sneakers. He glanced at Wang Ganggang and said, "Sir, I'd like to offer you a few words in exchange for a meal." Without waiting for Wang Ganggang's response, he continued, "Your forehead is high, round, and broad, indicating early success and a steady flow of wealth like a surging river, inexhaustible. Recently, there's a slight black aura around your brows; you should move south to avoid danger."
"Stop it, I don't believe in these things, don't block my way."
Linda listened, pulled out her wallet, and took out two large bills. Wang Ganggang put out his hand to stop her. "Come on, don't listen to his nonsense, I've seen too much of this."
The street wanderer watched as Wang Ganggang led Linda away. Linda's two large bills were tucked back into her wallet. She looked back at the man, seeing him single-handedly lift his felt hat, then lower the brim again, obscuring his gaze.
Wang Ganggang emerged from the bank, carrying a military-green bag filled with bundles of cash, and embraced Linda as they walked towards Linda's residence. Linda opened the front door, walked into the living room, took the heavy bag of cash, and placed it on the piano along the wall. She said, "How about some beer?"
She opened the refrigerator. Wang Ganggang pressed the stereo button, and passionate rock music filled the room. "Beer, with what?" Wang Ganggang asked.
"There's a plate of leftover roasted chicken wings from yesterday, should I heat it up for you?"
Wang Ganggang thought for a moment, then gave a mischievous smile and walked towards Linda, embracing her. "I don't eat leftover chicken wings, I want to eat Concubine Chicken."
Linda struggled a few times, then helplessly straightened her body, lying horizontally in Wang Ganggang's arms. Wang Ganggang kissed Linda wildly as he carried her upstairs. Just then, a disheveled man with a beard, Zhao Shuang, walked in through the door. After entering, he leaned his pull-handle suitcase against the wall and saw a green cloth bag on the piano. He squeezed it. "It's money. Why so much?" He hesitated for a moment, wanting to call out to Linda, but the frantic rock music immediately made him abandon the idea. He quietly walked upstairs. Linda's gasps came from the master bedroom. Zhao Shuang immediately rushed in, and the scene before him made his mind lose control. "Let her go! – How could it be you?"
Wang Ganggang composed himself, saw it was Zhao Shuang, and released Linda. He shouted, "Zhao Shuang, what are you doing here? Get out, or I'll kill you!"
"You're taking advantage of my girlfriend and you'll kill me? I'll die for you to see!" Zhao Shuang finished speaking, ran downstairs, grabbed the triangular dagger he was used to from the kitchen, and rushed upstairs again. Wang Ganggang put on his underwear, looked back, and a gleaming dagger stabbed towards his neck. He flung his head to avoid it, but didn't expect the knife to be merely a feint. Zhao Shuang used his sword practice mantra at that moment. He turned his hand and plunged the knife into Wang Ganggang's heart. He paused for a moment, then pushed Wang Ganggang away, and the bayonet brought out a gush of blood that splattered on his face. He looked back at Linda, who was trembling with fear. "Aren't you going to leave quickly? Get out of here!" he yelled at her angrily.
Linda hugged her clothes, quickly put them on, rushed downstairs, and at the door, she instinctively clutched the green money bag to her chest.
9
Zhao Shuang was imprisoned for murder. When the police questioned him, he remained silent. Now he used his ample time to regain clarity. He slowly became like a puppet, until one day, he muttered to himself, "What cannot be obtained through begging cannot be forced."
At this time, Linda had repaid the loan, but she was still shuttling between the police station and the law firm, both passively and actively. Looking at her slowly swelling belly, she recalled that she hadn't disclosed this to Zhao Shuang. She felt she had done the right thing, because she had another faint hope.
One day, guided by her lawyer's questioning, she said, "He and I are a fait accompli... marriage."
"What evidence do you have?" the lawyer asked.
"Evidence? How can I prove this myself? ...Is having a child evidence?"
The lawyer said enigmatically, "Alright, I'll fight for you."
On the day of the hearing, Linda arrived at the courtroom, where her lawyer arranged for her to sit in a certain spot. Then, 5 more young women entered successively, all with well-proportioned figures, pale complexions, and shiny black boots clacking rhythmically on the courtroom floor, carrying a mix of resentment and determination. The value of their boots indicated their different status from mere spectators. They were led to their seats by people holding documents. The lawyers opened their files and successively presented their arguments for their clients. Linda was greatly shocked after listening. "Wang Ganggang is a swindler, a 'flower queen' swindler, secretly attracting women and nurturing a group of women who want to cling to him. This is truly an unexpected turn of events," she cursed herself for being shortsighted and knowing nothing about high society. It really proved the saying that man proposes, God disposes.
After hearing the pleas from each representative lawyer, the judge said, "Since you all claim to be carrying the victim's children and have inheritance rights, I cannot rule. Our court represents fairness best, as you can see the scales of justice behind me. You should know that respecting the law and science is necessary. This has always been the glory of the law. Based on the current situation, the next hearing is tentatively scheduled for one year from now. After your children are born, bring your DNA medical reports, and then we will rule. The court is now adjourned."
Upon hearing this, Linda felt as if struck by lightning, collapsing into her chair. "It's over, everything is over, the dream has finally turned into a bubble." She murmured, "Fish and bear's paw cannot be had at the same time; if the two cannot be had at the same time, I will forsake the fish and take the bear's paw. But... but... when it comes down to it, the fish will eat the bear's paw. It's a complete loss, a complete loss, bad luck, bad luck! – Is fate fair? Oh, I guess it is fair. Thinking of Zhao Shuang – an incompetent man, obsessed, too obsessed, his obsession disturbed my pursuit and dreams. Love and the devil are one, who says they aren't?"
9
Epilogue: As the story concludes, the author is reminded of the story of Lin Xiangru returning the jade to Zhao. King Qin was valiant, valuing the jade but completing Xiangru. Zhao Shuang was incompetent, yet he captured the king and shattered the jade, staging a melodramatic play of high and low society in the Maple Leaf Country. Wang Xiaobo once said, "Life is far more exciting than fiction." Writers cannot simply copy life, but they need to spread positive energy, even stories with negative energy serve to warn the world – practice all good deeds and avoid all evil. Just do good deeds and don't ask about the future.
About the Author: Xifeng – (Jia Gengrong) a Chinese writer in Toronto, member of the Canada-China Literary Association. Formerly a newspaper columnist and contracted author for websites, she has contributed to "Pursuit" magazine for many years. Her articles have been published in World Journal and Ming Pao supplements. Her short story "Moon River's Love" won first place in the first Canada-China Literary Award for Fiction and is now included in the first volume of "Selected Short Stories by Overseas Chinese" edited by Southern Publishing in the United States. Her essay "North American Cicada" won third place in the second Global Chinese Essay Competition and is now included in the essay collection "Dreams into the Soul." Her essay "Unforgettable Journey" won third prize in the Canada-China Literary Association Award. Her essay "Warm Mountain Persimmons" was first published in the supplement of World Journal and later included in the book "Clouds of Homeland" published by Zhejiang Literature and Art Publishing House. Her short story "Collapse" is included in the book "Bird's Nest Relocation" published by Southern Publishing in the United States.