Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared-Chapter 36 - Unable to Let Go Difficult to Forget
36: Chapter 36 Unable to Let Go, Difficult to Forget
36 -36 Unable to Let Go, Difficult to Forget
Under Gu Fan’s introduction, Su Hui was indulging in the food at a time-honored restaurant, the fascinating color of the dishes had captivated her at first sight.
The pleasing aroma was a tantalizing tease to the taste buds that made her mouth water.
“Give it a try!” said Gu Fan with a smile.
He watched Su Hui take her first bite with great anticipation.
Her wide, beautiful eyes spoke volumes of the amazement she felt.
“This is wonderful, it tastes amazing.” Su Hui voiced out, which brought a smile to Gu Fan’s face.
They set upon devouring the dish together.
This sixty-year-old restaurant carried a legacy of constant innovation, using the inherited craft from each generation.
Once you take a bite, you will never forget it.
The steadfast dedication of the owners over generations is the reason behind their booming business.
Designated as their regular dining spot by Gu Fan’s great-grandfather, the Gu family had built a rapport with the owners over casual conversations.
This had cemented a good relationship between Gu Fan and the restaurant, where he was given a 20% discount whenever he brought guests.
Upon learning of this connection, Su Hui could not help but muse, “No wonder your family is so attached to this old house; I suppose you’re all too food-loving to move away.”
This made Gu Fan laugh, even if it was partly true.
After all, the food at this old restaurant was so tantalizing that it could awaken all the senses, tossing any worries to the back of one’s mind.
As Gu Fan and Su Hui were enjoying their meal, the owner happened to pass by.
Seeing Gu Fan and then Su Hui, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Little Fan, I haven’t seen you in a few days.
You’ve got quite the catch here, a new girlfriend?”
Gu Fan quickly corrected him, “Uncle Zhang, you’ve got it wrong.
She is just a friend, a regular friend.”
Uncle Zhang again expressed his surprise, “My word, even your ‘regular friends’ are so attractive.
Good job, kiddo.”
Gu Fan didn’t know how to respond to that, while Su Hui just smiled faintly, her gaze elsewhere, making him wonder what was on her mind.
Gu Fan quickly changed the subject, “Uncle Zhang, your culinary skills are improving.
It seems like I’ll be eating at your place for a lifetime.”
“This is my son’s handiwork, great isn’t it?
He’s almost surpassed me,” Uncle Zhang proudly declared.
With a sigh, he added, “To carry on this shop, my boy even gave up a well-paying job at a corporation.”
Gu Fan supported his decision, “Uncle Zhang, the skills of your shop are exceptional and should be passed down.
I wouldn’t advise franchising the restaurant as the skills might get diluted.
In the pursuit of preserving some things, we need to endure others’ misunderstandings.
At times it can be lonely and seem unworthy, but only we know what we need to stick to.”
“Yes, we would be ashamed if we lost our ancestral craft,” Uncle Zhang spoke with contentment, “That’s why I had two sons, one to take over the business and the other to venture out.”
“That’s a clever approach, Uncle Zhang.” Gu Fan had a short conversation with Uncle Zhang, then the latter went on to attend to other customers.
Su Hui then asked, “Seems like you are quite familiar with the people here?”
Gu Fan nodded, “Our old house used to accommodate several families including Uncle Zhang’s.
They sold their room to my great-grandfather to open the restaurant, they were the first ones to move out.”
“I see, do you still keep in touch with the families that moved out?” Su Hui’s question made Gu Fan think for a moment before responding, “My father is still in touch with a few of them.
During New Year’s, everyone gathers for a round of mahjong.
I, on the other hand, maintain culinary ties with Uncle Zhang, you know one should never forsake good food and love.”
“You are such a jabberbox.” Su Hui could not help laughing, and seeing her laugh, Gu Fan laughed along.
After leaving the six-decade-old restaurant, they bought some street barbecue, opted for some beers from the supermarket, and started conversing about various topics while walking.
Gu Fan knew Su Hui was not in a good mood today.
So, he tried to be as accommodating as possible, hoping that she would get through the day, have a good night’s sleep, and feel better the next day.
At first, Su Hui seemed normal, merely talking about mundane matters, or reminiscing shared memories with Gu Fan.
But as she drank more, he noticed she became slightly agitated and somewhat out of control.
Gu Fan immediately went up to persuade, “Sister Su, you seem to have had a bit too much to drink.
How many cans have you had?”
“Why are you so concerned?
It’s not like you’re paying for this, I am.
I can do as I please, everyone’s gone.
Can’t I celebrate being single?” Su Hui’s statement seemed a bit off, so Gu Fan quickly added, “Celebrate, yes, celebrate the arrival of a new life.
It’s worth celebrating.
Let me drink this one for you.”
“Why would you drink for me?
You’ve got it all wrong.
I’m the one celebrating, not you.” Su Hui seemed confused, which made Gu Fan anxious: “Exactly, I am celebrating for you, so let me drink for you.” As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Fan reached for the bottle in Su Hui’s hand.
Su Hui turned down Gu Fan’s kindness, her smile a confusing mix of genuine and bitter.
“You’re right, I should celebrate.
I’ve ended a pathetic relationship, and now I need to embrace my new life.
I believe that after this, I will be able to recognize those worthless men.” After saying this, Su Hui pointed her finger at Gu Fan.
Gu Fan quickly deflected Su Hui’s pointing finger away from his face and played along, “I also believe that.
Like Sun Wukong’s fiery golden eyes were trained, not given.”
“Do you know, Gu Fan, I was with him for seven years.
Every time, I could hear people talking behind my back, accusing me of being a gold digger.
Are you aware of how much jealousy is behind those harsh words?
Don’t you know that every time I see these people, I live as I please.
They can envy me, as long as I’m happy.” Clearly, the more Su Hui drank, the more excited she became.
Unable to contain her pent-up emotions, she was visibly unstable on her feet.
Gu Fan carefully supported her, fearful that passing cars might hit her.
Watching Su Hui trying to drink away her pain was heartbreaking.
A beautiful and kind-hearted woman like her should not be treated this way.
Suddenly, Su Hui sat down on the curb, wrapping her arms around her knees and burying her head in her legs.
She was trembling, crying.
Under the dim streetlights, her figure seemed particularly desolate.
Gu Fan stood by her side, sighing inwardly.
He didn’t know what to say or how he could comfort a woman whose heart was wounded by love.
Su Hui’s world was collapsing.
Her pain was hers alone to bear.
At that moment, the only thing Gu Fan could do was to silently stay by her side.
After a while, Su Hui lifted her head.
Her eyes were red from crying, her face marked with tear stains.
Her expression was one of sorrow, but it was also marked by a resigned sigh.
She then reached for another bottle and continued drinking.
After calming her emotions somewhat, Su Hui looked at Gu Fan seriously and said, “Do you know, I once handled a case where a woman, much like me, was ecstatic about getting married.
Then one day, she discovered the man she was deeply in love with was already married.
Unbeknownst to her, she had become the ‘other woman,’ and her world collapsed.
On a bright and sunny day, she tidied up her house, dressed herself up, and invited the man to the place where they first met.
She lit a fire using the gasoline she’d prepared, consumed both herself and the man she loved in the flames.
In her suicide note, she stated that it was the only way she could ensure they’d never be separated.”
After her speech, Gu Fan looked a bit frightened, which made Su Hui want to laugh: “Don’t worry, I’m not that woman.
I’m much stronger than her, I won’t do something like that.”
Gu Fan let out a sigh of relief: “That’s good, I believe you’re a strong female officer.
Not even the most vicious criminals can defeat you, let alone some jerk.”
Su Hui also laughed, then started drinking again.
Gu Fan wanted to dissuade her but felt powerless to do so.
He could only let her drink to her heart’s content.
Later, Gu Fan looked at the beer cans next to Su Hui and marveled at her alcohol tolerance.
It was clear she intended to get drunk.
Su Hui was in such a daze, she barely responded to Gu Fan’s words.
This left Gu Fan in a dilemma.
He couldn’t just leave a drunk woman on the street, so he looked around and realized he wasn’t too far from his own home.
Considering nobody would see them and he was doing a kind deed, he decided it was the right thing to do and reflect on recent events.
Gu Fan mustered the courage to help a semi-conscious Su Hui, who was stumbling from the alcohol and the overwhelming smell of liquor wafting in the air, was slightly nauseating.
Regardless, Gu Fan, supporting Su Hui, hurried back to his house.
He was impressed by how lightweight she was for a woman who was so dedicated to maintaining her figure.
Unlocking the door, going upstairs, Gu Fan gently placed Su Hui in a place where she could rest comfortably and took a few deep breaths.
“Sleep, sleep.
Maybe when you’re asleep you can forget all your worries.
When you wake up, you’ll be starting a new life,” Gu Fan said while helping Su Hui remove her shoes and tucking her in.
Seeing Su Hui fall into a deep sleep, Gu Fan gently brushed away her messy hair, feeling a pang of sympathy.
Seeing the beauty so close, Gu Fan had an urge to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead but restrained himself.
Shaking his head, he thought better of it and quietly left.
