Lengthy Letter

Ye Xiu picks up a package from the city's local post office. He steps aside from the busy line and opens it to see its contents. Inside is a white envelope, most likely containing a letter; and a small brown envelope containing some money he could use for himself. He opens the white envelope and reads the letter inside.

‾

Ye Xiu, sorry if it took me time to send this to you. Father has put me under surveillance ever since he found out that I've been trying to communicate with you ever since you left. I have restricted access to the internet, and for some reason I have a personal bodyguard now. I can't move freely, even inside the bathroom! He gives me a time limit to do my business or else he bursts in and starts looking for me like a crazy person. It happened, don't ask how well it went. Father has given him specific instructions, not to leave me alone for too long, he's afraid that I'm secretly contacting you. He's so afraid that he actually forgot that I don't even own a cellphone and I don't even own a laptop, yet. I feel like I'm living in the 19th century, no phones, no computers, no internet, guess those history lessons are actually pretty useful, huh?

Anyway, hurry up and do your thing there so that we'll be able to settle ourselves properly when I find my chance to leave this place. I'm actually quite thankful that you got to run away instead of me. I also overheard what father said that night because at the time you left the room I followed you just a few ticks after and when I was about to turn corner, I saw you eavesdropping. To be honest, after I heard what I wasn't supposed to not hear, I became afraid. I lost my confidence and I ran back to our room. I cried and covered my face with my pillow. So, I was still when you suddenly barged into our room and took my stuff. My thoughts say that I should stop you but when I saw your back, something stopped me. I don't know what it was. After you left, father angrily came in to our room. He asked me question after question and left when he heard satisfactory answers from me. I got up and studied the note you left on the table, luckily he didn't see it. Reading your note gave me the courage to continue living this life a little longer. His words and actions made me realize that he doesn't really care about us, he just thinks of us as tools he can wield. Yeah, we have money, we have power, influence, whatever, but it's not the kind of life I want. I'm sorry if I did not say to you that I know what's happening sooner. It's no like we had time anyways.

You know what? I got a new skill. Don't be shocked when we finally see each other again. We don't have to worry about food anymore! Auntie taught me a lot, just so you know. So yeah, don't worry about food by the time I get out of here. I dream of putting up a noodle shop, it's a simple type of business that doesn't actually involve a lot of thinking and stuff.

Again Ye Xiu, sorry for not being able to contact you for months. Father actually said that it's your choice to leave the house and I shouldn't meddle in it and also he's not going to do anything to bring you back here. He doesn't care what happens to you anymore, again according to him. He won't accept any apologies or whatever peace offering you're to give him. Which, obviously you're not doing because I'm not doing it either. I can't believe he said those words it makes me want to leave this place sooner but I know you've got a plan. All he cares about are those stupid family antiques. Oh yeah, you know what, he's been receiving offers to enter politics, Let's just hope that he has no interest, because If he accepts the offer, then both of us should prepare for worse.

So sorry but our little one-sided talk stops here. It took me five days, FIVE DAYS to write this. As I said I can't stay in the bathroom for too long and I forgot to mention, that my bodyguard stays INSIDE my room, can you believe it?! Lastly, you won't believe who I had to ask to have this delivered to you. I'll give you a clue then, they bark.

- YE QIU

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Ye Xiu has been smiling while reading his brother's lengthy letter. Especially in the last part, about the clue on who Ye Qiu asked to have the letter delivered. His brother caught him off-guard there, he laughs.

"Good, now I know my brother's still in good hands there. I know someone I could trust is watching over him. Not to worry little brother, I think I also found something that I want to do with my life. I've got a good feeling about this one." Ye Xiu folds the letter and puts it inside his bag, the money as well.

‾

"Tao Xuan? Well then, nice to meet you sir or boss?" Su Muqiu laughs a bit.

"In case you need some assistant here, I'm willing to apply for the job. My name is Muqiu, Su Muqiu, I worked under Boss Ben in the past. He's the previous owner of this shop. I'm willing to accept whatever work you give me, even as a janitor, I'll accept." Su Muqiu says with a convincing smile that would hopefully have an effect on the new owner of the café.

"Boss, how much for this one? and a cola too, please hurry up boss, its about time now" A boy suddenly interrupts the two.

"Here it is, and it's 5 RMB" says the boss as he gives the snack and the cola.

"Thanks boss" says the boy as he pays for his snacks and takes it from the table. He hurries himself to his seat.

"I'm so sorry but as you can see, the shop is just small and I can handle it on my own really." The new owner apologizes, his voice sounding really apologetic.

"But you know-" he adds. Taking a piece of paper with words scribbled on the front page.

"Why not try here? They might help you. I heard that they're looking for people to work for them." The owner hands Su Muqiu the paper and starts reading what is scribbled on the paper.