St. Goethe's night clock? A rose or a snake.
Rose or snake
Outline: Bai Rui; Written by: Lin Josh; Touch-up: grow taller?
Revision: Theron; Proofreading: Jun.
one
It's only a matter of time before he makes a fool of himself because of introversion.
When forced to hug the elderly gentlemen and look at their partners half a meter away, Schwartz? Klose has only one thought in his heart: a little longer, at least after the dance.
I'm afraid he's an adult. Two months and six days? The biggest banquet I have ever attended. Say goodbye to Hal? Professor Oloho, a member of the Proland Society, almost got together. There are very few young people who can squeeze into the ranks of academic giants, which makes Schwartz inevitably become one of the focuses on the field.
In fact, he would rather go to the library until midnight and proofread the manuscript written last week by candlelight under the gaze of oil painting faces. Only the thought of having dinner with these awesome masters in the future and accepting care with an open mind (more like questioning him) makes young people feel breathless.
? This is not the right way to do scientific research. ?
Someone knocked on the champagne glass, and the whole hall soon became quiet. The gaudy guests raised their glasses and looked at the source of the sound with Schwartz.
Saint? Mallner Sa, the chief of the society and the organizer of the banquet, stood in front of the carved rose window extending from the ceiling to the floor in velvet satin. The faint champagne reflected the light of the crystal lamp and scattered on the deep ruby brooch.
He closed his eyes as usual, but everyone could feel the needle-like sight falling on himself, as if the old chief could still see the guests in the room. Schwartz quietly raised his head, and Professor Mallner continued the opening remarks in the second half:
? This is also the purpose of our banquet today: Let's congratulate Professor Oloho, his teaching, his long journey and Jardin University on welcoming such a prestigious scholar. At the same time, I hope everyone can enjoy the rest of the time. ?
The banquet hall was instantly drowned by cheers and congratulations, as well as the crisp sound of glass glasses colliding. In order to match the atmosphere, Schwartz hastily raised his glass and took an uncomfortable sip of champagne.
His plan is to mingle with strangers, introduce himself as the opening remarks, and lead the topic to his secluded parents, so as to save the time of answering the phone. Then, when everyone has finished asking personal questions, he can sneak to the next corner and kill the rest of the evening by asking the waiter for wine.
But when the bell rang and the banquet guests lined up, Schwartz realized how poorly prepared he was? He should have thought, how can there be no dance music at a grand party?
The old gentlemen kindly put him in the middle of the queue and wrapped him in a dress with a faint crease. Schwartz looked at his partner, that's Fiona, the wife of the Jebadil family, wearing an amber satin skirt and feathers shining on her pearl shoes. He smiled nervously at her, thinking about which hand to put his arm around his waist, which was not offensive.
? Young man, do you mind if we go somewhere else? ?
Just then, a man not far from the left hurried towards him. Schwartz was startled. He recognized the voice. Is that Hal? Oloho, the protagonist of this dinner. The old professor frowned and his eyes wandered between him and his partner. I want to talk to Fiona about what happened before. ?
? Huh? Of course. ?
Whatever the reason, Schwartz should not ignore the central figure of the party. He put down his hand in embarrassment and turned around under the gaze of the people around him.
two
? Young people should really dance with young people. More fun! ? Perhaps in order to ease the atmosphere, several scholars gently grabbed his wrist and led him to the position in front of Professor Hull. Schwartz looked up and the smiling face of the professor's former partner reflected in his eyes.
Soft red hair painted a radiant radian in mid-air, emitting a sweet and crisp fragrance, reminding him of roses decorated with morning dew. Those gray-green eyes sparkled like emerald scales. However, as soon as she caught her attention, the young man pursed his lips, quickly concealed the shock on his face and turned his eyes away.
Now, there is only one green eye left. The white bandage covered what should be the left eye. Even through several layers of gauze, Schwartz can still see the abnormal depression in his eyes. The pale color reminds him of hospital sheets and walls painted with lime, and smells of bacteria, blood and disinfectant. This association makes young people's stomach bags very uncomfortable.
? Good evening, miss. ?
But that's not the reason why he lost his upbringing. Schwartz immediately put Saint's aggressive red brooch and Hull's farce behind him. His right hand gently touched the girl's left hand, which gently hugged her slender waist. His partner doesn't seem to think it's wrong to expose his defects to the public. She conveniently put the forehead hair scattered on the bandage behind her ear and put her right hand on his arm around her waist.
? Are you the man in Professor Olson's lecture? ? ? The girl asked in an elegant voice commensurate with her appearance.
? Okay, okay. It's very kind of you to remember me.
Did Schwartz regret it as soon as he spoke? It is not a topic worth talking about to interrupt the speech with a fever. But he is too impulsive. Swallowed by the surprise that the other party remembered himself, he spoke his mind directly. Fortunately, the silver bell rang again, so, as if to compensate for his pain, the music of the dance began to play slowly, and the people in the ballroom also rotated with the rhythm.
? Didn't you have time to introduce yourself last time? Sorry, I was too busy asking you how to get to the point. ? The girl smiled and said Liv? Black eyes?
When the music reaches a tone change, people stop and hold each other with their hands, and the partners switch places.
? My name is Schwartz. Schwartz? Klose. ?
? I didn't expect to see you here, Mr. Klose. You dance very well. ?
? What about you? You too. ?
Schwartz primly chimed in. At this time, he switched to the left hand side alive. In the next ballroom dance, the partner standing on the right needs to wait for the one on the left to finish before going forward.
? That's rude. ? Schwartz carefully raised his living left hand and motioned her to his left with music. Only living confused eyes are waiting.
? If you don't mind, please let me dance the steps on the right, after all.
He stopped and sighed a little. But when he looked up, he found that Liv just smiled at him, as if the feeling just now was just an illusion.
? I'm very? sorry ? In the end, he just squeezed out this sentence and prayed that his good attitude would help.
? Oh, that's not blame. ? Liv smiled, but Schwartz only thought it was laughing at his stupidity. I used to dance this song, so I know when to start. ?
? I just don't need to be looked after too much. As you can see, I am recovering well. When she said this, Schwartz tried to control his eyes from drifting to the bandage.
He forgot how he went on talking. He even misses the beat when he dances his own steps. When he was frantically chasing the beat and was given a kind smile by the scholar next door, Schwartz was just annoyed at why he thought he was qualified to change places with Liv. He will probably forget when it started. Liv can always find the right beat!
If everything could be done again, he would choose to make a fool of himself before the dance.
? I may not be suitable for dancing. ? Finally, the two men embraced in a circle, and he complained breathlessly, while Liv laughed. This time, Schwartz was convinced that she was absolutely sincere.
? Everyone is good at different things, Mr. Klose. You're doing well, but you need to practice more. You should take part in more social activities. ?
Oh, not at all.
three
After the dance, he followed the crowd into the banquet hall in dismay, sat down beside his parents and buried his head in cold dishes.
? How was the dance? ? Mrs klose bent down to her son. Don't give me the runaround, I saw you jump. ?
? Then you should know better than me, Mrs. klose. ? Schwartz picked up a piece of bread weakly. I can't even catch up with miss semuhe's high heels. ?
? Miss black eyes? ? Liv. Semuch？ God, I thought she was recovering! ?
? Yes, it is inevitable that she will have to stay in bed for a while after such an injury. ? Amber is next to it? Holland's voice also plugged in,? I am surprised that she will attend today's dinner. Our doctor just changed her bandage yesterday. ?
Schwartz's buttered hand stopped.
? A girl like her should like Flora, take care of flowers and plants, read literature and study some paper knowledge, right? Alas, she is just too lofty. ? Mrs. Klose shook her head regretfully and turned her loving eyes to her son, as if pleased with his satisfaction.
Schwartz vaguely? Hmm? He let out a cry and put the cut bread in his mouth so that he wouldn't have to take part in their discussion.
He doesn't think so? Too lofty? The description is very good, and he hears something other than pity from this word. It is strange that just before tonight, he would take these words as love for the weak and nod his head in agreement. But after talking to Liv, he vaguely realized something he had never noticed.
Unsolicited pity, for her? No, yes, everything was hit? Weak? Label, but never want to bow? It's like an insult.
The idea made Schwartz's throat tighten. Exquisite snacks and salads have become tasteless. When he finished his delicious dinner time, he finally put down his knife and fork and looked around, but he didn't find the familiar figure.
? Mom, do you know where Miss Black will sit? I have something to ask her later. ?
? I don't know, honey. I haven't seen her since dinner. ? Mrs klose looked up and looked around. Maybe she was too tired and left early now. She really should have a good rest, dancing is still too tired. ?
She won't. Schwartz answered in his mind. When the waiter filed in with a tray, he hesitated for a moment and stood up.
? Excuse me. ?
four
The moment the door of the banquet hall closed behind it, the sound of the tide fell. Schwartz looked up and found that he didn't know where to find Liv. Guest room, garden, hall, where all don't like the place where she will go, he stopped at the crossroads of several roads blankly, he is the only one in the huge circus, I don't know where the flow of people got into his sleeve, Schwartz shivered and suddenly felt a little cold.
Just then, a vague voice stopped him. Looking back, he soon found the source of the sound: the guest room area on the second floor. A lady kept calm, and Schwartz could only hear her voice with his ears pricked up, while another male voice was obviously much more excited.
For a few seconds, Schwartz wanted to turn away, but before he could stop himself, he had set foot on the landing on the second floor. The room where the quarrel happened was close at hand, and the door was unlocked. Their voices are much clearer than before. Schwartz swallowed and approached the door gently, but the next second, the familiar female voice froze his whole body.
Congratulations. I'm sure you will be promoted step by step at Yaltin University in the future. ?
Liv. Schwartz's heart was startled. He sneaked through the half-open door and saw Liv standing with her back to the door, her shoulders stretched straight and barely fluctuating with her breathing.
Another person in the room was silent, and suddenly a burst of footsteps sounded, and a shadow blocked the light outside the door. Schwartz took a deep breath and almost jumped out to admit that he was eavesdropping. But the figure passed by the door quickly, and the man just walked aimlessly.
? Don't beat around the bush, where I go and what I do in the future have nothing to do with you! ?
The man spoke. Schwartz recognized the voice. Is that Hal? Oloho, he walked around the room, tugging at his cuffs, looking anxious.
? I'm honest with you, Professor Oloho. The school has always respected members like you, not only academically good, but also enthusiastic about public welfare. ?
Footsteps stopped, and he stood out of Schwartz's sight.
Liv continued to whisper: Your donation to build a nursing home is admirable. However, after you leave Ploland, what should you do with the money? If you need social help,
? How dare you? ? Oloho squeezed his voice from his throat. Who do you think you are? Do you think you dare to publicly support the school? You! Write down your message, you won't scare me! Go back and tell them that I ...
? Professor Mallner Sa! What brings you here! ?
A voice from the corridor suddenly interrupted his roar. Oloho's mouth opened, but he swallowed the second half.
There was silence in the room and Schwartz was relieved. The name of the community leader really worked. But this lie won't last long. He must put oil on his feet as soon as possible.
Hua? !
Before he turned around, the door of the guest room was suddenly opened, and the light spilled into the corridor and a panicked young man.
Oloho's face is gloomy enough to kill people.
? Where is the saint? ? He didn't even move his eyelids, staring at the trembling nobody with his eyes.
? Teach him? He was just passing by. I think he went that way. ? Schwartz pointed to the other direction of the corridor, trying to make his bluff more natural.
Obviously, his series of efforts failed completely. Professor Oloho's suspicious face showed a trace of contempt.
? Hum, I worry for nothing. ? Oloho picked up his arm and evoked a mocking smile. Your partner came to see you, little girl? He must have been obsessed with you just now, but I became a good thing. ?
Liv came to them and pursed her lips around Schwartz.
This is really too much.
Before Ellie could speak, he took a step forward.
? That's not true. ?
Before Liv could speak, Schwartz had blurted out. His fingers clenched uneasily into fists, his tight chin and stiff body exposed his nervousness, but his thin chest still struggled to stand up.
? I just feel sorry for your behavior. As a student and an ordinary person, I really can't turn a blind eye to your insulting others. Is this related to other factors? Status, ability or gender? None of them are half-blood. ?
He looked directly at the professor in front of him. No one has the right to insult others, and no one should be hurt, whether it's Miss Lumu Hei, you or any educated gentleman and lady downstairs. I think? That's why I stand here. ?
? If you insist on doing this, then I will protect her, just as I will protect everyone else. ?
Oloho stared at his face for a long time and suddenly burst into laughter.
? Ha ha ha ha ha ha! You really don't know anything, hahahaha? How could such a fool come to protect her! ?
Oloho gave Liv a sharp finger on the nose, and she remained silent about this obviously offensive action.
? This woman, this woman doesn't need your poor kindness. She is not a delicate greenhouse flower. It's a viper boy. I advise you to run quickly, or you will regret it one day. You will curse this day, the day you get mixed up with her and those people! ?
He left with a smile, and his voice resounded through the corridor. When the laughter finally dissipated, Schwartz's back suddenly relaxed, and he bent down to cover his cheeks and made a faint cry.
? Sad, sad, sad? * * * What's the matter? He trilled through his fingers with tears in his eyes.
He screwed up. All the chief's suggestions and expectations have failed? Is that Hal? Professor Oloho, in his position, is full of weight and has offended him. what should he do ？
There was a snicker in my ear, just like when he just did the wrong dance. Schwartz straightened up and looked at Liv plaintively through his fingers. The young lady shook her head.
? Don't worry, Professor Oloho will go to England tomorrow, remember? What he has learned, even if he wants to intervene, is beyond his power. ? Liv shrugged,? Besides? No offense, but I don't think he knows who you are at all. ?
That's true.
Liv's words played a calming role, and Schwartz felt less worried? Maybe he is desperate.
? I'm sorry, me? I seem to be disturbing you. Are you talking business with him? I always can't understand people's conversations correctly and have many misunderstandings. ? He scratched his nose awkwardly, a little embarrassed. Even without today's things, it is only a matter of time before people like me learn to offend people.
Finally, he had to comfort himself: however, I don't intend to seek promotion in society, as long as I can have a quiet place to do research. Even if you accidentally offend someone, as long as you don't get kicked out, the problem is not big. ?
? Aren't you? Careless? Offensive. ? Liv teased him.
Schwartz blushed and couldn't say a word. The girl simply leaned over and patted him on the back, indicating that the other party would return to the banquet hall with herself. The lights in the corridor are warm and bright. This time, Schwartz didn't try to help Liv. He walked on her left, and their steps overlapped.
? With your ability, you can get a place in society without the support of others. ?
? However, if you want to discuss some academic issues with me, I am always welcome. After all, you are the first person who dares to interrupt Professor Olson's lecture, and I also tidied up her messy long hair. I'm glad to discuss that problem with you after class. ?
Schwartz turned away in surprise, and his eyes were full of surprise.
At the moment when the heavy solid wooden door was opened, the lively sound poured out and wrapped them. The crisp sound of cups and saucers colliding with each other poured into Schwartz's ears with laughter.
Then, choose a sunny afternoon. He looked at the girl around him and thought, bring a new collection of essays and a bunch of bright roses.
?