After escaping the unrest in Eagle, Kasiya had been staying at Li Haojun's home for two days, as she couldn't return to her own place in Eagle either. Their employer was monitoring the local situation even more closely and with greater detail than the news reports, having already dispatched field agents to observe developments on the ground.
从伊格尔的骚乱逃出来之后,凯西娅已经在李皓珺的家里住了两天,因为她在伊格尔的家也回不去了.他们就职的公司也在关注着当地时局发展,甚至比当地的新闻报道还详细及时,因为已经有外勤人员被派过去监视当地状况发展了.
On the morning of the third day, Kasiya felt increasingly guilty about intruding on others' lives. Though she had suggested several times that she leave to stay at a hotel, both Li Haojun and Qin Wenjing had politely declined. So after breakfast that day, she once again volunteered to help Qin Wenjing wash the dishes.
第三天的早晨,凯西娅已经因为自己对别人生活的打扰而感到内心过意不去了,虽然提出过几次离开去住旅店,但是都被李皓珺和覃文静婉言拒绝了.所以今天的早餐结束,她又主动去帮助覃文静刷盘子了.
Li Haojun, however, had breakfast and then checked the news about the Boise and Eagle riots. As he was going through each report, he suddenly received an instant message from a company member.
而李皓珺则是吃过早饭就去查看关于博伊西和伊格尔骚乱新闻,正在他逐条查看的时候,突然收到了公司成员发来的即时会话,
Good morning, Ethan. I'm Luna Hena. How's your day going?
"早上好伊森,我是露娜·赫纳,今天过得好吗?"
Li Haojun was somewhat surprised, as Luna rarely contacted him directly in her role as the company's Operations Director. He quickly replied,
"Great, another wonderful day. Thanks for asking."
Though Li Haojun seldom offered such slightly exaggerated praise—especially to his direct manager, as he didn't want to come across as a sycophant—today's words were genuinely heartfelt. The people he cared about were almost all right beside him.
李皓珺有些吃惊,因为作为公司的运营总监,露娜很少直接联系他,于是急忙回复,
"很好,今天又是美好的一天,谢谢关心,"李皓珺虽然不经常这样略显浮夸地称赞,尤其是在自己的直线经理面前,他不想自己显得好像吹捧的人,但是今天的表达却是真情实意,因为他在乎的人几乎都在他的身边.
According to the latest intelligence, our factory in Eagle has been destroyed by riots. We will not establish another factory there. After all, times have changed, and the environment there is no longer as secure as it once was. Therefore, you and Katsia will no longer be assigned maintenance tasks for that factory.
"根据最新情报,我们在伊格尔的工厂已经被骚乱摧毁了,我们不会在那里再设立工厂了,毕竟时过境迁,那里的环境不再像以前一样安全了.所以今后你和凯西娅也不会再有维护那座工厂的任务了."
"Oh, what a shame about those assets," Li Haojun replied, though inwardly he was overjoyed. Now Kasiya wouldn't have to leave him and return there. Even if she wouldn't live with him forever, she certainly wouldn't be as far away as Boise.
"哎呀,那些资产真可惜,"李皓珺虽然这样回答,但是心里却美得不行,因为凯西娅再也不用离开自己回到那里了,即便她不会永远住在自己家里,不过应该也不会距离自己像到博伊西那么远了.
Yes, we'll transfer the corresponding production capacity to Kalispell, and some core production will be based there. I assume you're already familiar with Kalispell, right, Ethan?
"是啊,我们会把相应的产能转移到卡利斯佩尔,并且一些核心产能会安置在那里.我想你对卡利斯佩尔已经有所了解了,是吗?伊森."
"Oh, yes," Li Haojun wanted to say something, but nothing came out.
"哦,是的,"李皓珺想说点什么,但是并没有说出口,
Ethan, you've seen the consequences of the Boise and Eagle riots. In nature, predator and prey populations coexist, constantly optimizing each other's numbers. But clearly, that doesn't work in the human world—we can't devour each other or starve each other out, right? We need a more merciful approach. That's part of what Kalispell is for—those people, and others too. Like Sienna. I think you understand what I mean?"
"伊森,你已经看到博伊西和伊格尔骚乱的后果了,在自然界里存在会有捕食者与被捕食者种群,它们一直在互相优化对方的种群.但是显然在人类世界不能那样做,不能吃掉对方或者饿死对方,是吧.需要更仁慈一些的方式,卡利斯佩尔部分功能就是为那些人准备的,当然还有其他人,比如,西耶娜.我想你明白我的意思吧?"
"Oh, I see. Is she a visitor here?" Li Haojun's reference to "here" clearly extended beyond the confines of Kalispell.
"哦,我明白了,请问她是来这里的访客吗?"李皓珺所说的,这里,显然超越了卡利斯佩尔的范畴.
"So, Ethan, are you still so resistant to the technological management measures in place there?"
"那么,伊森,对于那里存在的科技管理措施还有那么抵触吗?"
"Ha ha, since Sienna was just a passing visitor from the start, I don't feel so resistant anymore."
"哈哈,既然西耶娜从一开始就是过客,我不那么抵触了,"
"So, that place in Kalispell requires minimal manual intervention for management. Are you willing to take on this responsibility?"
"那么,卡利斯佩尔那个地方需要少量的人工干预管理,你愿意接受这个职责吗?"
"Alright, I'm willing."
"好的,我愿意,"
"Very well. Your assistants, Kacyia and Malaya, will be stationed there. You will oversee the future production plant and its surrounding supply chain, okay?"
"很好,你的助手凯西娅和玛莱雅会部署在那里,将来的生产厂和周边供应链由你主管好吗?"
"Alright, that's fine."
"好的,可以."
"Very good. Any further questions?"
"很好,还有什么疑问吗?"
Hmm, I wonder why my former supervisor at the aquatic tech startup I used to work for was reassigned? He left behind a lot of S&M whips and other tools in my office.
"嗯,我想知道我曾经任职的水生科创公司的前任主管为什么被调离了?他给我在办公室留下了很多sm皮鞭和其它工具."
Oh, he went to a place more suited to him. Why do you ask?
"哦,他去了更适合他的地方,你为什么要问这个呢?"
I just want to understand the boundaries of my behavior there, because in that kind of environment, I worry about my own humanity.
"我只是想了解我在那里的行为边界,因为在那样的环境里,我担心自己人性的堕落."
You have no boundaries; you rule over everything.
"你没有边界,你主宰一切."
Oh, well, I guess I won't lose myself.
"哦,好吧,我想我不会迷失自我的,"
Yes, you will always be you.
"是的,你永远是你,"
"Ha ha, thank you for your trust,"
"哈哈,谢谢你的信任,"
Thank you for your service to the company. Is that okay? If you have any questions, feel free to contact me again.
"感谢你对公司的服务,就这样好吗?有什么疑问你可以再联系我."
"Alright, that's all for today. I won't take up any more of your time."
"好的,那今天就这样,不多占用你的时间了,"
"Alright, goodbye."
"好,再见,"
"Goodbye. Have a great day too." With that, Li Haojun leaned back into his seat, relaxing for a moment before noticing Tan Wenjing and Casey staring at him.
"再见,祝你也有美好的一天."说完,李皓珺往后坐,靠在了座椅靠背上,放松一下,这才注意到,覃文静和凯西娅正在围观自己,
Qin Wenjing smiled warmly, her face still radiating a hint of pride. When Li Haojun looked at Casey, she pursed her lips, seeming a bit shy. After exchanging a glance with Li Haojun, she quickly looked away. To ease the awkwardness, she turned her face toward Qin Wenjing. only to find Tan Wenjing had been watching her all along. She lowered her gaze, then lifted her eyes, smiling steadily at her without blinking. Startled, Casey quickly averted her eyes, staring straight ahead. Her shoulders trembled as she tried to raise her hands in front of her but dropped them again. Finally, she exhaled softly through pursed lips before lowering her head to fidget with her fingers.
覃文静笑眯眯地,脸上似乎还洋溢着些许得意.当李皓珺看向凯西娅,她抿着嘴儿似乎有些害羞,跟李皓珺对了一下眼光就避开了.为了缓解尴尬,便把脸转向了覃文静,谁知覃文静早就在盯着她了,低头,抬眼,微笑看着她,眼都不眨地注视着她,结果凯西娅又急忙收回眼光,平视前方,双肩抖动,想抬起双手到身前却又放下,最后张嘴轻轻舒了一口气,最后低着头看着自己摆弄手指.
It wasn't until Li Haojun gave Qin Wenjing a meaningful look that she reluctantly shook her head, gave Li Haojun a cold stare, then gently nudged Casey's shoulder and said,
直到李皓珺给了覃文静一个眼色,她才不情愿地摇头晃脑,给李皓珺甩了一个脸子,然后轻轻推了凯西娅的肩头一下说,
Hey, sweetie, go ahead and log into your account on my computer first. See if there are any company tasks.
"好妹子,你先在我的电脑登录你的账户吧,看看有什么公司任务,"
"Oh, okay," she said, sitting down on one side.
"哦,好,"说着,凯西娅坐在了一边,
Qin Wenjing stood with her back to Kasiya, arms crossed over her chest beside Li Haojun. She stared intently into his eyes without speaking, her piercing gaze seeming to say, "So happy now, huh?"
覃文静背对着凯西娅,站在李皓珺身边,双臂抱肩,低头盯着他的眼睛,她也不说话,那直勾勾的眼神仿佛在说,这下你开心啦.
Seeing her staring at him for ages without moving, Li Haojun reached out to wrap his arms around her waist and hips, pulling her into his embrace as he said,
"There you go."
见她盯着自己半天也不动,李皓珺伸手搂住她的腰胯,往怀里一带,说,
"好了啦,"
Qin Wenjing giggled and nestled into Li Haojun's embrace, her face beaming as she turned to face Kasiya, who could only offer a faint, polite smile in return.
覃文静咯咯咯地笑着顺势坐在了李皓珺怀里,眉飞色舞地正好面向凯西娅,而凯西娅也只好陪着微微一笑.
"Alright, alright, stop messing around. You can use my computer—I don't have any new tasks here." With that, he moved aside to let Qin Wenjing take his seat, then stood up and walked over to Kasiya. He ruffled her hair and said,
"好了好了别闹了,你用我的电脑吧,我这没什么新任务了."说着,给覃文静让出座椅,自己起身到凯西娅身边,摸摸她的头说,
"Don't mind her—she's always this crazy old hag, especially when there's a crowd around."
"你别介意,她就是这疯婆子样儿,尤其是人多的时候,"
"Mm," Casey replied, glancing over at Qin Wenjing, who was grinning and looking this way with a mischievous smile.
"嗯,"凯西娅答应着,望向覃文静,她正咧着嘴,笑嘻嘻地看向这边,
Li Haojun saw she was still as mischievous as ever, so he stepped between them, turning his back to Qin Wenjing to block their view. From Qin Wenjing's blind spot, he patted Casey's shoulder, looked down into her eyes, puckered his lips, and made a kissing motion. They locked eyes in a tender gaze until a radiant smile spread across Casey's face, and only then did Li Haojun relax.
李皓珺见她还是那么调皮,就顺势站到了她们俩中间,背对着覃文静,挡住了两人的视线,在覃文静的视线盲区,拍了拍凯西娅的肩头,低头望着她的眼睛,努了努嘴,做了一个亲嘴儿的动作.深情对望中,直到凯西娅的眼里露出灿烂的笑容,李皓珺才放心.
Kasia was a guest in both her and Qin Wenjing's home. Li Haojun wanted to balance his feelings toward them, perhaps giving Kasia a little more, because she had never received any.
凯西娅是来到自己和覃文静家中的客人,李皓珺想要把对她们的情感端平,或许多分给凯西娅一点,因为她不曾得到.
Another loving day passed quickly. To make it easier for Casey to take a bath, Li Haojun and Qin Wenjing took their customary stroll in the backyard after dinner.
有爱的一天,又是很快过去了,为了方便凯西娅洗澡,李皓珺和覃文静按照惯例晚饭后到后院散步.
As night deepened, the breeze carried a hint of intoxication. Early summer hurried to catch up with late spring, its rapid footsteps accompanied by the fragrance of blooming lilacs.
夜色渐深,但是夜风微醺,初夏追赶着春末的脚步,细碎紧随的脚步中,伴着丁香开放的花香.
Li Haojun glanced back at the dim light filtering through the rear window onto the courtyard path—it was Kasiya's swaying silhouette.
"Do you love her?" Tan Wenjing asked softly.
李皓珺回望后窗映在后院甬路的昏黄光影,那是凯西娅摇曳的身姿.
"你爱她吗?"覃文静轻声问,
"Well, but I didn't with her,"
"嗯,但是我和她没有,"
"I know," Tan Wenjing confidently interrupted Li Haojun before he could finish.
"我知道,"没等李皓珺,覃文静就很自信地打断了他,
The night was hazy, with faint stars twinkling dimly. Warm breezes carried the fluttering of insects through the darkness. Tan Wenjing leaned against Li Haojun's shoulder as they strolled, her voice soft as she asked,
夜色朦胧,稀星暗淡,暖风中很多昆虫在夜色里飞舞,覃文静靠着李皓珺的肩,漫步中轻声问,
"If fate brings her to you, does that mean the three of us will have to live together in the future?" She walked on, gazing calmly ahead as she spoke, her words seeming to be directed at Li Haojun yet also sounding like a private monologue.
"要是命运把她带给你,是不是将来要我们三个人一起生活了?"她平静地看着前方边走边说,仿佛是在询问李皓珺,又像是自言自语,
"Oh, this child is quite pitiful,"
"哎,这孩子也挺可怜的,"
"Yeah, she's actually a good girl. I could tell after spending just a couple of days with her."
"是啊,其实她是个好姑娘,这两天交往我就看出来了,"
"Mm," Li Haojun agreed in response.
"嗯,"李皓珺附和着答应,
"Doesn't she have a younger sister? Bring her over too, so the sisters won't be separated and suffer the pain of longing for each other."
"她不是还有个妹妹吗?把她也接来,也免得她们姐妹分离,相思之苦,"
"Huh?" Li Haojun looked at Qin Wenjing with surprise, unsure whether she was serious or joking.
"嗯?"李皓珺有些诧异地看着覃文静,不敢相信她是真的这么想还是开玩笑,
Qin Wenjing leaned against Li Haojun's shoulder, her arms wrapped around his waist. As they walked, she tilted her face upward and asked with a smile,
覃文静靠着李皓珺的肩,搂着他的腰,一边走一边仰着脸,微笑着问,
"Please?"
"好不好嘛?"
"Alright," Li Haojun tentatively agreed.
"好,"李皓珺试探着答应,
Qin Wenjing suddenly frowned angrily, kicked Li Haojun in the butt, and roared,
"What's so good about it? Where do you think you're putting me?"
只见覃文静笑着突然横眉立目,一脚踢在李皓珺的屁股上,怒吼道,
"好什么好?你要把老娘我放在哪里?"
Li Haojun got kicked in the butt and immediately started hopping forward in compliance, shouting as he ran,
"I won't dare again! I was wrong!"
李皓珺屁股被踢了一脚,急忙配合着一蹦一跳地往前跑,一边跑还一边喊,
"我不敢啦,我错啦,"
"Stop right there! Just wait till tonight—I'll show you what's what!" Qin Wenjing yelled, chasing after him like a shrew.
"你给我站住,看今晚我怎么修理你,"覃文静也假装泼妇一样一边喊一边在后面追,
Above the path where the two ran, in the dim glow of the rear windows, spring insects fluttered and chased one another through the night.
就在两人跑过的甬路上方,房屋后窗的昏黄泛光夜色里,春虫也在飞舞追逐.