When choosing between a new flame and an old love, Li Haojun still leans toward the familiar. There's an ease in trust, perhaps deeper emotional ties and lingering attachment—that sense of not wanting to betray the other, buried deep within. Could this be the loyalty Kasiya described? The very quality she cherishes.
新欢与旧爱如何选择,对于李皓珺来说他还是更偏向于旧人,熟悉并且能够更容易信任,或许还有情感上更多的牵绊与依恋,蕴藏于内心深处那份不可辜负对方.或许那就是凯西娅所描述的忠诚?她所喜爱的品质.
After several days of warm companionship, Li Haojun bid farewell to Qin Wenjing and set off once more. This time, it would be a long-distance journey from Washington State in the western United States to New York on the eastern coast, where he would attend an industry conference. Since regaining consciousness, he had never visited that great metropolis. Malaya would accompany him on the trip.
几日温馨相伴之后,李皓珺告别覃文静再次启程,这次将是一个远程旅行,从美国西部的华盛顿州到东部海岸的纽约,去参加一个行业发布会.自从他恢复意识以来还从没有去过那个大都市.玛莱雅将会陪同他共同前往.
After discussing their options, the two opted for a low-speed, long-range night flight model. This would allow them to arrive at their destination in the morning for the event and return the same day—a tightly packed schedule. They met at Spokane Airport, where the entrance to the terminal lobby was already bathed in the setting sun. Golden sunlight spilled across the roads and building surfaces, while inside, aircraft took off and landed intermittently.
两人商议后选择了低速夜间长途机型,这样他们可以在早上到达目的地参加活动然后返回,很紧凑的行程.二人在斯波坎机场汇合,机场候机大厅入口外已经夕阳下,金色的阳光洒在道路和建筑表面,里面不时有各种飞行器起飞降落.
According to Malaya's information, Li Haojun followed various directions to her departure lounge. With few passengers in sight, a slender figure stood in the corner, facing the window with her back to the aisle. It seemed to be her, having been there for a while.
根据玛莱雅的信息,李皓珺循着各种指示来到了自己的候机区,乘客寥寥无几,那边角落里,一个纤细的身影,面对窗外,背对过道,好像是她,已经到了一阵子.
Li Haojun walked over, having already confirmed it was the little fairy as he passed behind her. He circled around to face her, meeting her gaze to confirm.
李皓珺走过去,从她身后经过就已经确认是那个小精灵了,绕到她面前,确认一下眼神,
"You're early? Sorry to keep you waiting."
"早到了?抱歉让你久等了,"
"It's okay," she said, rising to her feet and smiling at Li Haojun. Her eyes were as clear and deep as ever.
"没关系,"说着起身站立,微笑看着李皓珺,她的眼睛总是那么的清澈深邃.
Today, Malaya looked exceptionally slender. She wore a black faux leather ensemble—an asymmetrical short jacket with a large lapel at the front, a white silk scarf tied at the neckline, paired with form-fitting leather pants that accentuated her slender waist, rounded yet not overly full hips, and long, toned legs. The tight-fitting bottoms ended at her feet, where she wore a pair of red stiletto heels. This was the first time she'd been seen wearing heels, and the added height accentuated her slender frame beautifully. A sleek high ponytail added an extra touch of elegance.
今天的玛莱雅看起来极其苗条,她穿了一身黑色仿皮套装,上身不对称前襟大翻领短款夹克,领口里系了一条白色丝巾,下身紧身皮裤,很好地显露了她纤细的腰肢,圆润而并不丰满的臀胯身形,然后修长的大腿,紧致的裤脚下足蹬一双红色高跟鞋,细高跟.这是第一次看到她穿高跟鞋,增加的鞋跟高度很好地彰显了她细挑的身材,细长的高马尾辫子更显优雅.
Li Haojun feared she might twist her ankle in the unfamiliar high heels, so he extended his right arm to offer her support. Malaya accepted without hesitation, tilting her head back and squinting her eyes as she giggled and walked along. Her slender frame and graceful gait radiated youthful charm.
李皓珺怕她不习惯高跟鞋崴了脚,便伸出右臂给她搀挽.玛莱雅没有拒绝,扬着头眯着眼咯咯咯地跟着边走边笑,她那细挑的身材,身体的步态,无不散发着青春的魅力.
This flight utilized a long-range, low-cruise-speed business jet featuring a high aspect ratio, high cruising altitude, and outstanding fuel efficiency. However, it sacrifices speed, so this aircraft type typically cruises overnight and is equipped with comfortable reclining seats and lavatories.
这次乘坐的是一种长程低巡航速度的公务机,很高的展现比,很高的巡航高度,优异的经济性能,然而它牺牲的就是时间,所以这种机型都是在夜间巡航,并备有舒适的躺椅和盥洗室.
Ladies first—Maraia selected the front seats during boarding. After takeoff, as the aircraft began its gradual climb, she adjusted her seat back slightly and proceeded to brief Li Haojun on the itinerary. Her mental processing was truly impressive; she delivered the next day's schedule—times, locations, and details—without a single pause. When she finished, she turned to Li Haojun with a cheerful smile.
女士优先,玛莱雅登机时选择了前面的座椅,起飞之后就是雍长的爬升过程,她向后旋转了一些座椅角度,然后向李皓珺播报行程安排,她的脑子真的很令人佩服,时间地点内容,毫无停顿叙述了第二天的安排.说完后笑嘻嘻地看着李皓珺.
The setting sun streamed into the cabin, casting its glow upon the windshield frame, the front dashboard, and the trim pieces on either side. The golden hues mingled with lingering crimson, seeming to distract Li Haojun. The memory of that aerial dinner with Qin Wenjing still lingered vividly before his eyes. Yet here he was, sharing a flight with this young beauty, having left her behind at home. A sense of guilt stirred within him.
身后夕阳照进机舱,洒在风挡玻璃的边框,前仪表板和两侧的装饰件上,金色掺杂着残红,似乎让李皓珺有点分神.曾经与覃文静的空中晚餐似乎仍萦绕在眼前,而自己却和这样一位小美女同乘一架飞机,将她留在了后面的家里,心中似乎某种愧疚.
"Are you thinking about her?" Malaya gazed into Li Haojun's eyes with a playful smile for a long moment before finally speaking.
"你在想她吗?" 玛莱雅笑嘻嘻地注视着李皓珺的眼睛好一阵子,终于发声了,
"Mhm," Li Haojun replied with an awkward chuckle.
"嗯,"李皓珺答应着尴尬一笑,
"Do you miss my sister?" Malaya pressed further.
"你想我姐姐吗?" 玛莱雅接着追问,
"I'd like to," Li Haojun replied politely, giving an affirmative answer. Truth be told, his sister's stunning appearance had captured his attention today, and he hadn't even thought about Kasiya yet. But how could he possibly say that outright?
"也想,"李皓珺应酬着给出了肯定的答案,说实话今天妹妹的惊艳吸引了自己的注意力,自己到现在还没想到过凯西娅.可是这样的事实怎么好直接说出口呢?
"So who do you like better—her or my sister?" Malaya pressed relentlessly, her face beaming with a smile, yet her gaze was piercing, as if it could see straight into one's soul.
"那你更喜欢她还是我姐姐?" 玛莱雅不停地追问,脸上笑嘻嘻的样子,眼神却是那么有穿透力,仿佛直达心灵.
"Hmm," Li Haojun hesitated before saying,
"嗯,"李皓珺迟疑了一下说,
I like them all, but Tan Wenjing and I have been together for many years. She stood by me when I needed her most, and that kind of companionship is priceless.
"都喜欢,但是我和覃文静已经很多年了,并且她在我最需要的时候陪伴在我身边,那种陪伴,是无可估量的,"
"Alright, I get it. Between me and my sister, who do you like better?" Malaya asked, resting her hand on the seatback, her chin resting on her palm as she tilted her face up to look at Li Haojun. Her slender, fair fingers and wrists accentuated the contours of her cheeks and jawline, her eyes sparkling with childlike innocence and purity.
"好啦,我可以理解,我和我姐姐你更喜欢谁?" 玛莱雅问着,手扶座椅靠背,下颌枕在手背,扬脸看着李皓珺,她纤细白皙的手指,手腕,衬托着脸颊和下颌的线条,眼里闪烁满是童真与纯情.
"I like both of you. You're a bit cuter, while your sister is more dignified." Neither biased nor partial, Li Haojun thought his answer was brilliant—and it was exactly how he felt.
"都喜欢,你更可爱一点,你姐姐更端庄,"不偏不倚,李皓珺都觉得自己这个回答绝妙,也是他自己真实的感受.
"Hmph, just dodging the question," Malaya muttered, her face darkening as she turned to stare out the cabin window. The crimson glow had long since vanished into the sea of clouds behind them. The night sky at ten thousand meters seemed even more hollow, with even the stars seemingly hiding somewhere, leaving one feeling profoundly lonely and desolate.
"哼,搪塞,"说着玛莱雅把脸一拉,扭头看着机舱外.那抹红霞早被淹没于身后的云海,万米高空的夜空似乎更加空洞,连星星们都不知躲藏去了哪里,让人倍感孤独凄凉.
Malaia turned back, biting her lip in silence as she quietly watched Li Haojun.
玛莱雅转回头,抿着嘴唇不言语,静静看着李皓珺,
I think I might like you just a little bit more—your sharp wit, your youthful energy, your face and figure, your eyes...
"我觉得,我可能更喜欢你多一点,你的聪明伶俐,青春的感染力,你的脸蛋和身材,你的眼睛..."
"Hmph," Malaya chuckled smugly, reclining her seat slightly and lying back to gaze out the window. After a moment, she tucked her single ponytail behind her left ear, resting it against her chest, then turned her head to the right and looked at Li Haojun, asking,
"哼,"玛莱雅得意的一笑,把座椅靠背放倒了一些,躺在上面,看着舱外.一会儿,左手捋着自己的单马尾辫子放在左胸前,头向右偏,又看着李皓珺问,
If I were to ask you these questions after we've worked together for twenty years, how would you answer them?
"如果我们共事二十年之后,我再问你这些问题,你会怎么回答?"
"Maybe it's like the relationship between me and Qin Wenjing,"
"也许就像我和覃文静这样的关系吧,"
"Not necessarily," Malaya replied, her voice trailing off into silence. After a long pause, she added,
"未必,"玛莱雅否定的回答之后,变得安静了,过了好一阵才补充说,
"True feelings aren't built on this kind of interaction—just ordinary workplace exchanges," she murmured, as if talking to herself, reclining in the seat she'd pulled out.
"真挚的感情不是建立在这样的交往里的,这样的普通职场交往," 她躺在放倒的座椅上,好像自言自语地叙述着,
"Maybe... we should go on an adventure?" she said, turning to look at Li Haojun.
"也许...我们去冒险吧?"说完扭头看着李皓珺,
Looking into her eyes, Li Haojun didn't grasp the exact meaning behind her words, but he didn't press her either. He merely gave a symbolic nod and agreed to her request.
看着她的眼睛,李皓珺没明白她的具体意思指什么,但是也没有追问,只是象征性地,嗯了一声,答应了她.
The cabin seats required a rightward tilt to recline the backrest and raise the leg support. Once reclined, the two seats lay diagonally parallel. Li Haojun lay back in his own seat, with Malaya positioned directly below him to the left. Her blonde bangs covered her forehead, and the straight strands of her ponytail fell across her chest, rising and falling with each breath. What had her small body endured to fill her mind with such bizarre thoughts?
机舱里的座椅需要右偏转才能放倒靠背升起腿部支撑,放倒靠背后两个座位是斜向平行的,李皓珺躺在自己的座椅上,左下方正是玛莱雅,金发刘海盖着她的额头,马尾辫的直发散落胸前,随着呼吸起伏.她那小小的身体不知经历了什么,脑子里才会有这样那样的离奇.
Maraia's head tilted slightly to the left, her conversation trailing off. Li Haojun couldn't tell if she had fallen asleep, but he closed the window shade and cabin lights anyway, leaving only the faint glow of navigation and indicator lights within the cabin. The hum of engines drifted from the rear of the cabin, serving as a lullaby in the dimness. Yet that slender, endearing figure, alone in this world, couldn't help but evoke a sense of tenderness.
玛莱雅的头略微偏向左侧,不再交谈,李皓珺看不到她是否已经入睡,但是依然关闭了舷窗遮阳板和机舱内照明,只剩机舱内导引和指示灯等微弱光亮.机舱后端传来嗡嗡的引擎声,似乎是这昏暗中的催眠曲.只是那单薄又可爱的身影,只身来到这人世间,不免让人怜爱.
Another clear morning dawned, and Malaya chose an air taxi to travel from the airport to her destination. As it approached the city center, however, it could only fly over the Hudson River. Golden morning sunlight streamed through the gaps between Manhattan's skyscrapers, glistening on the riverbank and spilling into the cabin.
又是一个晴朗的清晨,玛莱雅选择了空中出租车作为机场到目的地的交通工具,只是接近闹市区它只能在哈德逊河河面上空航行.早上金色的阳光正透过曼哈顿岛上的建筑间隙,粼粼洒洒地洒在河畔地面,照进座舱.
In the morning light, Malaya checked her schedule, contacts, and navigation routes on her laptop. Watching her petite figure from behind, she exuded a maturity beyond her years—an impression she repeatedly made on Li Haojun.
晨光里,玛莱雅用自己的便携电脑检查日程安排,联系人接触,行程路线导航.看着她的背影,那娇小的身影,却有着超出她年龄的成熟,一次次她给李皓珺这样的印象.
They landed at a riverside parking spot. The moment her feet touched the ground, Malaya dashed ahead like a bird released from its cage, her high heels clicking crisply on the paved surface. Li Haojun followed behind her. He always felt a bit resistant to unfamiliar environments and wasn't quick to adapt. Walking behind her allowed him to better monitor her surroundings and keep an eye on what was behind them. But soon, the quiet street lined with uniform buildings eased his guard. The lack of people or vehicles meant minimal danger, and the closed windows and doors of the buildings suggested little risk of robbery. His attention shifted to Malaya ahead. She was walking at a brisk pace, whether to save time or for some other reason.
他们在河畔的一个泊车点降落了,一踏上地面玛莱雅就像出笼的小鸟一样兴冲冲地走在前面,她的高跟鞋踩在铺装的路面上发出清脆的咯噔咯噔的声响.李皓珺跟在她身后,他总是对陌生的环境有些抵制,不是能够很快融入,走在她身后可以更好地时刻关注她周边情况以及自己身后情况.但是很快这冷清的街道,两侧单一的建筑,便令李皓珺不那么戒备,比如几乎没有人员车辆来往带来的危险因素,路边建筑单一,门窗紧闭,也不太可能会有人出来打劫,所以他的一些注意力放到了前方的玛莱雅身上.她的步速有点快,不知道是赶时间还是什么原因.Her gait was remarkable—she placed her forefeet precisely along a straight line, yet her heels swayed slightly with each step. Li Haojun couldn't help but worry she might twist her ankle. Simultaneously, the support from her forefeet efficiently transmitted through her calves and thighs to her hip joints. Her rounded hips swayed rhythmically with each step and the shifting weight on her supporting leg, while her light arm swing balanced the sway of her lower body. Her upper body and head showed no lateral sway. Instead, the slight vertical undulation of her posture caused her straight ponytail to flutter lightly in the breeze.
而她走路的姿势,她很好地把前脚掌踩在了一条线上,但是她的鞋跟踩在地上却不时地摇摆着,李皓珺不觉有些担心她会不会不小心崴了脚.同时她前脚掌的支撑,很好地通过小腿,大腿传导到髋关节,她圆滑的臀部随着她脚步的韵律与支撑腿重心的变换摇摆,而她轻盈的摆臂很好地平衡了下身的摆动,她的上身,头部丝毫没有横向的晃动,反倒是略微上下起伏的身姿使得她的直板马尾辫在风中清扬.
For decades, as populations declined and commercial activity cooled, particularly as most states recognized that historical financial activities amplified human greed and corruption, plundered the real economy, and disrupted societal functions, their scale was curtailed. Manhattan in New York is no longer a financial hub, having transformed into a center for fashion, culture, and consumer entertainment. Only those high-cost skyscrapers seem out of place in this environment, appearing somewhat desolate.
几十年来,随着人口的减少以及伴随而来的商业活动热度的降低,尤其是联邦多数州意识到历史上金融活动放大了人性的贪婪与邪恶,对实体经济的掠夺和整个社会活动的颠覆性影响,其规模被限制了,纽约的曼哈顿已经不再是金融中心,转而成为时尚,文化,消费娱乐中心,只是那些高成本的摩天大楼在这样的环境下不太受欢迎,略显萧条.
Following behind Malaya, though she was leading the way, Li Haojun still paid close attention to their route. Walking along West 48th Street, they had just passed 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue. As they entered the bustling downtown area, the number of vehicles and pedestrians gradually increased. In the early morning hours, people moved with a sense of urgency. After gradually acclimating to the new surroundings, Li Haojun moved to Malaya's left side, walking shoulder to shoulder with her. He frequently turned his head to converse, ensuring he could still monitor the blind spot behind them.
跟在玛莱雅身后,虽然有她在带路,李皓珺依然留意着他们行走的路线,走在西48街,刚经过了第11大道,12大道.随着步入闹市区,车辆人员逐步增多,在清晨的时光里人们都比较匆忙.而慢慢融入新环境之后,李皓珺走到玛莱雅左侧,与她肩并肩,时常扭头交谈,这样他依然可以顾及身后盲区.
Turn left at the 9th Avenue intersection, and the exhibition hall is just ahead. Its modern architecture features sleek contours in minimalist limestone white and metallic black, complemented by expansive transparent glass that lends the entire structure a crystalline clarity. Inside, the building houses an open-air garden, with exhibition zones on different levels surrounding the perimeter. Cast-iron black beams and limestone white columns frame each floor, while glass railings along the display platforms are adorned with diverse green plants. Adjacent to these plants lie pathways leading to the central elevators, which connect each exhibition level like tree trunks.
在第9大道路口左转不远就是展馆的位置,现代风格建筑,简约的石灰白与金属黑色构筑的圆滑轮廓,外加大量透明玻璃,使得整个建筑看起来晶莹剔透.整个建筑内部是露天的花园,外围周边是不同楼层的展览区,铸铁黑的梁,石灰白的柱,每层展台的玻璃栏杆旁有着形态各异的绿色植物,植物的旁边就是通向中央电梯的通道,而这些通道像树干一样联接每一层展览平台.
Malaya led Li Haojun to her company's booth, where local New York staff were already present. Malaya introduced the two parties to each other.
玛莱雅带领李皓珺来到自己公司展位,已经有纽约当地人员在那里了,玛莱雅为双方做了引荐.
Jenna Johnson, Store Manager of Artistry Beauty & Wellness in Manhattan, New York, is primarily responsible for local beauty and spa operations. She also brought her sales team to handle inquiries from attendees regarding various services.
珍娜·约翰逊雅姿丽颜堂纽约曼哈顿店长,主要负责当地的美容与SPA业务,她也带来了她的业务员,应付参展者对各项业务的咨询.
Now in her middle years, she wore a deep brown cotton-linen maxi dress. The deep V-neckline, unbuttoned at the front, was cinched by a dark red belt. Her slender waist contrasted sharply with her full hips and well-defined bust. Through the fabric, one could faintly discern she wore no bra underneath. Indeed, her figure perfectly matched the advertising for her body-shaping services.
已经是中年的她穿了一件深棕棉麻连衣长裙,深V无纽扣前襟由一条暗红腰带扎紧,纤细的腰对比她丰满的臀与健硕的胸,透过棉麻布料可以隐约看到上身是真空的.没错,她的身材很好地与其相应美体保龄业务广告契合.
On the other hand, if biotechnology can enhance soldiers' physical capabilities, it can equally amplify the abilities of athletes and dancers. Technological progress is like the first domino to fall—no one knows where its effects will ultimately lead. Once applications for physical enhancement are released, products designed to boost human senses and brain capacity will inevitably follow. However, for the sake of social equity and order, their efficacy is restricted.
另一方面当生物技术能够提升士兵的体能,那么它也能提升运动员和舞者的能力,科技的进步就像第一块倒下的多米诺骨牌,没人知道其效应会抵达哪里,当提升体能的应用发布后,提升人感官,大脑能力的产品也不会缺席,只是出于社会公平与秩序,功效被限制了.
Exhibition visitors care only about applications and efficacy, so the sales consultants are constantly busy—no one cares about the chemical compounds or their biological processes. As a result, Li Haojun could only sit idly at the booth or occasionally wander around to look at things. Malaya, however, was full of energy, always engaging with customers.
展会的观众在意的只是用途与功效与,所以繁忙的都是销售咨询人员,没有人关心化合物是什么和它的生物过程.所以李皓珺只能无聊地坐在展位里面,或者时而在周边走走看看.玛莱雅倒是活力满满,一直参与在顾客的交互中.
Leaving the somewhat noisy booth, Li Haojun walked toward the railing at the edge of the platform on this level. stainless steel handrails and irregular grid railings, interspersed with water-rippled embossed glass. Behind them, the exhibition hall's central ground garden revealed emerald-green stone grass, while potted green plants adorned the front. Between the water-patterned glass and the verdant greenery, the building's structural beams and columns resembled white porous stone, supporting the spatial form.
离开略显嘈杂的展位,李皓珺走向本层平台边缘的栏杆,不锈钢的扶手与不规则栅格栏杆,其间镶嵌着水波纹压花玻璃,其背面展现的展馆中心地面园林石碣草绿,前面点缀着盆栽绿色植物,而水玻与翠绿之间,建筑结构梁柱如同白色多孔石支撑起空间形态.
Slowly approaching, the sudden visual impact before him gave Li Haojun a strange sense of familiarity—as if he had been here before, as if he had experienced this very scene once. A peculiar feeling. Yet as he continued walking to the railing and looked down at the exhibition areas below and the landscaped grounds, all sense of familiarity vanished. Li Haojun turned back to the bustling crowd at the company booth, hoping the sight might trigger some deep-seated memory, but to no avail. The déjà vu had appeared out of nowhere and vanished just as quickly. He desperately wanted to know what kind of life he had lived before—that fleeting sensation of rediscovering his memories felt so good. The attendees passing by before his eyes—they must all possess their own complete memories. Only he was denied that privilege.
徐徐走近,眼前的视觉冲击突然让李皓珺感到似乎先熟悉的感觉,好像自己从前来过这里,曾经自己经历过眼前的场景,奇怪的感觉.再继续走到栏杆前俯视下面几层展区和地面的园林,没有了任何熟悉的感觉.李皓珺又回头看向公司展位熙攘的人群,希望能游景象够唤醒记忆深处的某些线索,依然无果.刚才的既视感就是那么凭空出现而又转瞬即逝,李皓珺很想知道自己之前都经历了怎样的人生,刚才那似是找到自己记忆的感觉真好.眼前往来的参展者,他们应该都有着个人的完整记忆,只是自己却不能拥有.
After searching his memory in vain, Li Haojun's attention drifted back to the flickering gaze among the passing guests. Behind the swaying figures stood that familiar young girl—Malaia—turning her head to stare at him. Li Haojun didn't know how long he'd been lost in her gaze before offering an awkward smile and a slight nod. Then he couldn't help wondering if she too had existed in his past. The thought made him want to scold himself—what was wrong with him? She was barely a teenager; how could she possibly intersect with his past experiences?
完成对脑中记忆的搜索,一无所获,李皓珺的注意力迁移回到飘忽在往来客人之间的视线,晃动的身影背后,是那个熟悉的小女生,玛莱雅正站在那里扭头注视着自己.李皓珺不知道自己恍惚已经被她注视了多久,便尴尬一笑对她微微点了点头.然后不由得想,是不是她也曾存在于我过去的,转念便恨不得骂自己,我这是怎么了,她才十几岁,怎么会与自己过去的经历有交集.
It wasn't until a dull afternoon that Li Haojun finally found his niche. Some guardians who brought their children for consultations were more detail-oriented, so he would explain in simple terms how various compounds influence biological processes, the product manufacturing process, and the health standards followed. Some children were studying dance or art, while others hoped for academic or exam-related benefits. After explaining the product's efficacy and mechanism, Li Haojun would always gently suggest that external aids shouldn't be pursued obsessively—they could be tried, but only in moderation. This is the unintended consequence of technological advancement—in many fields, it has changed the rules of the game, placing those who don't participate at a competitive disadvantage. Yet deep down, Li Haojun instinctively resists this development that goes against nature, even though it is his profession.
一直到了无聊的下午,李皓珺终于找到了自己的用武之地,有些领着孩子来咨询的监护人会更关注细节,于是便向他们深入浅出地讲述了各种化合物如何影响生物过程,以及产品的生产过程,遵循的健康标准等信息.有的是学习舞蹈或艺术的孩子,有的是希望对自己学习或应试的水平有些帮助,在解释完产品的功效和作用原理之后,李皓珺总会婉转地简易不必执着于外部辅助,可以尝试,浅尝而已.这就是科技发展的副作用,在很多领域它改变了游戏规则,使得不加入的人在竞争中处于劣势,但是李皓珺的内心却固有地抵制这种违背自然的发展方向,尽管这是他的职业.
Li Haojun was not a smooth talker, let alone skilled in sales or customer relations. His expertise lay solely in hands-on technical work. Without flashy rhetoric to sway clients, he simply explained to children and guardians what he understood would actually happen, helping them grasp their choices and the corresponding consequences. While this might impact the company's sales performance, Li Haojun cared more about responsibility and inner peace—his personal responsibility in life and the company's social responsibility.
李皓珺不善言辞,更别说处理销售或者客户关系,他擅长的只是具体技术工作,没有那些花哨的语言鼓动客户,他只是向孩子和监护人解释他所理解的,事实上会发生什么,让他们明白自己的选择和相应的后果.虽然这可能会影响公司销售业绩,但是李皓珺更在乎的是责任与内心的平静,自己人生的责任,企业的社会责任.
In her area of expertise, driven by an inner passion, Li Haojun seemed oblivious to the passage of time, finding fulfillment only in the trust and heartfelt connection she felt in the eyes of those children and parents.
在自己擅长的领域里,在内心原动力的驱动下,李皓珺似乎忘记了时间,只是在那些孩子和父母的眼里感受他们的信任与心灵的联接.
The afternoon passed quickly in this manner. When the conversation concluded, Li Haojun noticed that Sheryl MacArthur, the marketing director from the competitor company she had visited earlier, had also returned. She stood nearby, watching with keen interest as Li engaged with the customer. Li Haojun smiled and exchanged pleasantries. She was an older Caucasian woman with an oval face, full lips, and a rounded nose with a low bridge—features perfectly aligned with typical Anglo-Saxon or Germanic traits. Her approachable demeanor suited her professional role well.
下午的时光很快这样度过,当结束交谈,李皓珺注意到之前去访问友商的市场营销总监,雪琳·麦克阿瑟也回来了,在一边津津有味地看着自己与顾客交谈.李皓珺一笑寒暄了几句.她是一位西方年长白人女性,鸭蛋圆的脸蛋,圆润的朱唇,鼻子形状也很圆润,鼻梁也不高,完全太符合通常的昂撒或日耳曼人特征,她的亲和形象很适合她的职位职能.
After a busy morning and afternoon at the booth, the crowd in the exhibition hall gradually thinned out. With some free time on his hands, Li Haojun found his gaze wandering around the booth, searching for Malaya's figure. After searching the area without success, he turned around and noticed she had quietly pulled up a chair and settled into a corner of the booth. She sat sideways with one leg crossed over the other, positioned behind a potted rubber tree, and was now turning her head to look at him. Their eyes met. Malaya showed no expression. Li Haojun gave her a slight smile before looking away. He realized he had been subconsciously searching for her presence, though he wasn't sure if that was right or wrong.
经过一上午和下午的繁忙窗口时间,整个展馆里的人流渐少,李皓珺闲暇下来,不觉视线在展位里巡视,寻找玛莱雅的身影.找了一圈没看到,回头才发现,她不知什么时候搬了把椅子,坐在展位的角落里.她侧身翘着二郎腿,坐在了一棵盆栽橡胶树后,正扭头看着自己.二人眼光一对,玛莱雅没有任何表情,李皓珺对她微微一笑,便收回了视线,他认识到自己是在下意识地寻找那个身影,但是不知道这样是对是错.
As dusk fell, the bright lighting within the exhibition hall illuminated crisp whites and pale greens, contrasting sharply with the dome's hollowed-out, dimly lit sections and their bluish-gray hues. A steady drizzle moistened the iron-colored beams and columns, softening the glow of neon lights. With the misty rain drifting in, the flow of visitors ceased. As people departed, the space grew increasingly desolate and quiet.
天色渐暗,展馆内明亮的照明点亮的洁白与淡绿色调,对比着圆顶镂空黯淡与青灰,绵绵细雨润湿了铁色梁柱,柔和了灯晕霓虹.随着毛毛细雨的飘入,展馆中不再有人流涌入,随着人员离去,越发显得空荡冷清.
After wrapping up their exhibition duties, the two left the venue and set off for home. Perhaps because they weren't in a hurry to return to the city, Malaya strolled leisurely down the street. To the rhythm of her high heels, her arms swinging, hips swaying, and shoulders gliding in an S-shaped rhythm. Li Haojun walked beside her, occasionally studying her posture and her expressionless face. Light rain dampened her hair, droplets glistening with the rainbow hues of neon lights along the roadside, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
结束了参展工作,二人离开场馆踏上归程.也许是回城不着急的原因,玛莱雅信步走在街道上,伴随着高跟鞋的声响节奏,她的摆臂,腰胯和胸肩的摇摆呈现S状的动态韵律,李皓珺走在她的身旁,不时端详着她的身姿,她的面容,她并没有任何表情,细雨沾湿了她的发丝,涔涔水滴折射着路边霓虹七彩,宛如童话世界.
"You walk with such grace," Li Haojun thought, hoping to break the silence by complimenting her.
"你走路很优雅," 李皓珺想从夸赞她开始打破静寂.
Malaya remained silent, as if she hadn't heard a word. Li Haojun couldn't help but marvel at how elusive a woman's heart could be. Well, he'd just walk alongside her like this. Heading north, Manhattan's streets had seen little change over the years. It seemed the residents had collectively chosen to preserve the East Coast's original New World charm. Gradually leaving the bustling commercial district behind, the neighborhood grew thicker with the warmth of everyday life. Streetfronts were lined with eateries and shops selling small goods and clothing. As the streetlights came on, the crowd shifted to mostly young people.
玛莱雅依旧未作声,仿佛是没有听到,李皓珺不禁感慨女人的心真难捉摸,就这样陪着她走吧.一路朝北,曼哈顿的街头这些年来没有大的变化,似乎东海岸这最初的新大陆的样子是居民们共同的选择,逐渐离开繁华商业区,这里的人间烟火气息更加浓郁,临街多是美食和小商品服饰店铺,华灯初上,往来的多是年轻人.
Light rain drenched the rooftops, ground, walls, and stone steps. In the dark night, the red, green, orange, and yellow reflections from puddles of all sizes shone with an especially sharp, crystalline clarity. With each step forward, the shifting play of light and shadow flickered and danced. Combined with the rain-moistened air, it was utterly enchanting and refreshingly invigorating.
细雨淋湿了屋顶地面,墙壁石阶,暗夜里,大大小小水渍反射的红绿橙黄,分外锐利剔透,伴随着步步前行,光影流转变化闪烁,再加上雨水润湿的空气,悦人神驰,沁人心脾.
Such breathtaking scenery, accompanied by a beauty—Li Haojun settled his mind to savor the moment. But as the rain intensified, droplets blurring his vision against his lashes, he hastily unbuttoned his jacket and held it over both his and Malaya's heads. After a few steps, the wind and rain grew fiercer, a chill piercing his waist. Li Haojun glanced around and realized they had left the bustling downtown area. He wondered if there were any places selling raincoats along the route they had taken. Looking back at Malaya, her expression remained as calm as still water. He didn't want to disturb this tranquility, let alone ask how she had arranged their return transportation.
如此美景,有美人相伴,李皓珺也沉下心境慢慢享受当下.只是雨势渐大,雨滴打在睫毛上已经模糊了视线,李皓珺急忙解开上衣脱下来,遮挡在自己和玛莱雅头顶.没走几步,又觉得风雨交加,腰间冷风袭袭.李皓珺左右环顾,发现他们已经走出了闹市区,心想走过的地方有没有卖雨衣啊?又看看玛莱雅,依旧面容平静如水,自己也没好打破这宁静,更别说询问归程交通怎么安排的了.
Surrounded by roadside greenery, the cool breeze still blew steadily. Li Haojun simply held his jacket over both his and Malaya's heads, one arm wrapped around her waist, using only his body to shield her, while the other hand tugged at the wind-blown hem of his coat. Malaya also wrapped her arm around Li Haojun's waist.
看着周围路边绿植,依旧凉风袭袭李皓珺干脆把上衣顶在了自己和玛莱雅头顶,一手搂住玛莱雅的腰仅靠自己的身体,另一只手扯住迎风的衣襟遮挡.玛莱雅也把自己的胳膊搂在了李皓珺的腰上.
Gradually, where their bodies touched, they could feel each other's warmth. Yet Malaya's hand resting on his waist still felt cold. Li Haojun simply slipped her hand into his pants pocket, wrapped his other arm around her waist, and clasped her fingertips in his hand.
渐渐地,两人身体接触的位置可以感到彼此的体温,但是感觉玛莱雅放在自己腰间的手还是凉的,李皓珺干脆就把她的手插在了自己的裤兜里,另一只胳膊搂着她的腰,手把她的指尖握在手里.
The two walked silently along the drizzling street, where the dim yellow light mingled with raindrops scattering on the ground. Then Malaya spoke.
两人就这样无声地走在飘雨的街道上,昏黄的灯光掺杂着雨滴散落地面.这时玛莱雅说话了,
Turn left at this intersection. I've called a cab. Let's wait by the waterfront, then head to the airport.
"这个路口左转,我定了出租车,咱们到岸边等候,然后去机场."
"Alright," Li Haojun said without further comment, quietly wrapping his arm around her as they walked down the deserted street.
"好,"李皓珺也没多说什么,静静地搂着她走在无人的街道上.
Before long, the dimly lit, rain-drenched tree-lined street and its gloomy streetlights were left behind. Standing by the shore where the wind picked up, Li Haojun looked at Malaya beside him. Her bangs were soaked, her cheeks and neck drenched. She occasionally glanced up at Li Haojun, still saying nothing.
没一会儿,雨中昏暗的林荫街道和它那惨淡的路灯已经被二人遗落在了身后,站在岸边,风力稍强,李皓珺看着身边的玛莱雅,刘海湿漉漉的,脸颊,脖颈也被淋湿了,时而抬眼看看李皓珺,依旧不言不语.
A chill breeze swept across the river. Li Haojun turned his back to the wind, drew Malaya close, and wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding her icy arms pressed firmly against his chest.
河面阵阵凉风袭来,李皓珺转身背对风向,把玛莱雅拉到面前,张开双臂把她紧紧搂在怀里,连同她冰凉的双臂,紧紧贴在自己身前.
Malaya remained silent, letting the wretched storm pass by her side, letting the dim light freeze this moment in time.
玛莱雅依旧不声不语,任凄惨风雨在身边飘过,任陈旧灯光凝固这一刻.