The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Pan You'an has had this thought for more than a day or two. Ever since he and Si Qi made a private decision, this thought has taken root more and more. He knew that his cousin had a very strong temper, and half of her efforts were spent on her words. He also loved Si Qi, and was even more worried that his cousin would suffer in the house because of this mouth.

They all say that when Hao Erlang enters Wenrou Township, there are only two situations. One is the indulgence and indulgence, which is wasting away day by day. The second one is high-spirited and wants to make a future. Pan You'an happens to be the latter, but he is considered a son of half the Jia family. His uncle Qin Xian works in the second master Jia Zheng's office.

Because of this relationship, Pan Youan was able to make a living in the Jia family. Although he felt that his life in Jia Mansion was much more comfortable than that of ordinary people. But when I think about the children in the future, they will also have to live a life of begging for mercy. The restlessness in my heart immediately became restless.

In the past few days, I have seen that business firms outside are clamoring for people every day. Pan Youan's desire to make a move became more and more intense. When I got some free time today, I sneaked over to Baoyu's book boy and pretended to find out the news: Good brother, it's such a nice day today, why didn't you go out with the second master?

The book boy was also interesting. He sat on the porch, shook his head and said in surprise: What do you mean, our master actually wanted to read in the yard today.

It's like a rooster laying eggs and a cow's butt pointing up to the sky. Pan You'an also secretly screamed in surprise, but he was thinking hard and roughly estimated the date, then said: In a few days, the second master may come back.

It has been two years since Jia Zheng left Beijing to take up the post of local academic administrator. It is already late October, and the only time to turn around is to celebrate the New Year. After the first month of next year, Mr. Li will come back, but there won't be much time to delay.

Hey. When he heard that Jia Zheng was coming back, the book boy stood up and said in a panic, Something big is going to happen. If the second master knew that after he left, the second master Bao didn't read the book seriously for a few days, then It’s not just you who gets beaten.

Seeing his appearance, Pan You'an became more and more determined to leave. He said that he wanted to send something to Mr. Bao and hurriedly stood up to leave.

That's fine, why is it your turn to give something to our master? The book boy was surprised. You, Pan You'an, are just an inconspicuous servant in the house. Do you want to imitate someone and try your luck in front of Baoyu?

It's my cousin. She was working for the second girl. The second girl made some things for winter and ordered her to deliver them to the second master. Unfortunately, the cousin also had something to do and couldn't leave the second girl's house. Ask me to make this trip. Pan Youan explained patiently, fearing that he would offend the people around Baoyu.

The book boy ignored Pan You'an, and Si Qi knew it too. He just waved his hand and let the other person go. Pan passed through the second gate again and went straight to the Grand View Garden. There were many female servants along the way, but he didn't dare to take a second look, fearing that there was a precious treasure hidden among them.

When we arrived at the entrance of Yihongyuan, we happened to see a handsome man walking out. Pan You'an took another look, hurriedly cupped his hands and said, Sir.

What's wrong with me? Jia Yun smiled and waved her hands. He had just come to Baoyu and made a circle of eyes. You, brother, look at me, how can you call me old with just one sentence?

Jia Yun's life has been good recently. With her clever mouth, she got the job of planting trees in Jia's family from Wang Xifeng. The poor life of my family was getting better before my eyes. When I see people all day long, they are all smiling and cheerful. We are all people who have gone through hard times, so don’t make things difficult for anyone.

Pan You'an has secretly regarded Jia Yun as his role model and said: No one in the house knows what Master Yun is capable of. Little Pan You'an, please give me my regards.

Seeing his respectful look, Jia Yun couldn't help but think about herself. In the early years, he entered Jia's mansion. Even if he is a book boy or a boy in the house, he may not have looked at him in private. It was just that I was lucky enough to get a benefit, and when it came to Pan Youan's mouth, it became a famous name known to everyone.

He thought more for a while, but still said politely: It's all for the appreciation of the elders of each government. He knew that this was not the place to talk, so he just wrote down Pan You'an's name and left quickly.

Pan was relieved again and immediately shouted respectfully at the door before being led into the house by Baoyu's maid. After walking around inside, he saw Baoyu flipping through a book at the table. He hurriedly explained clearly his purpose of coming and what he had prepared for the Spring Festival.

The latter was very anxious about his homework, so he just asked him to put down his things and leave quickly. Pan You'an was not in a hurry and just bowed out respectfully. On the way, he saw Tan Chun coming with Baochai and Xiang Yun. He hid in a corner again, avoiding these ladies, and then left cautiously.

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The sun is really coming out in the west. Xiangyun laughed as soon as he entered the room, Brother Bao also knows how to open a book.

When Baoyu saw them coming together, the depression in his heart was swept away. He immediately stood up and said happily: What my sister said, why am I a person who doesn't like books. I have always loved reading this book.

I just don’t like reading serious books. Tanchun thought in his mind, only showing a strange smile, What is the second brother looking at?

Before Baoyu had time to explain, Shi Xiangyun boldly stepped forward to check. When he saw the title of the book, he laughed: I said there was a ghost and dragged the two sisters here. Look, what the second brother is reading.

Baochai walked forward slowly and saw that it was the famous North and West Chamber. She smiled noncommittally and said, Maybe I am tired from reading other books and want to change my mind with another book.

That's right. Baoyu was overjoyed and moved by Baochai's thoughtfulness. Before you guys came, I held Mencius in my hands and read it for a long time. Now that I'm tired, I picked it up and looked through it.

North and West Chamber is a book of disaster in the mouths of many old scholars, and there are many indescribable plots in it. Being discovered by several sisters, Baoyu felt both embarrassed and undeservedly excited.

The smile on his face grew stronger, he pulled his sisters to sit down, and quickly asked each other about their purpose of coming. Xiangyun is a quick talker and can explain things in a few words. It turned out that they were discussing a poetry meeting in Baochai's room before, but because there was no green leaf to support them, and Yingchun and Xichun were not present, they felt bored and came to Baoyu's place to have fun.

Our Haitang Poetry Society has been established for a while. Shi Xiangyun was straightforward and thought to himself, Why do I always feel that something is missing.

Baoyu also felt something in his heart. After thinking about it for a long time, he understood the crux. His mood immediately dropped and he just sighed silently. Seeing his appearance, Shi Xiangyun knew that he had said the wrong thing and hurriedly stopped talking.

Tanchun on the side really couldn't understand that even though Sister Lin was so good, she only met her cousin a few times. Although it's hard to compare with Sister Bao, whom I spend time with day and night, I can definitely compare her with her. Why is my second brother so distracted when he mentions Sister Lin? What an injustice.

Baochai looked at Baoyu's appearance again and again, and his mood was inexplicably complicated. I don't know what she was thinking, but she actually said: Speaking of which, we haven't seen Sister Lin for a while. How about taking this opportunity to invite her over.

When Baoyu heard this, he was overjoyed at first. With a bit of excitement in his eyes, he looked towards Baochai. He was about to agree, but he thought of Chen Heng's annoying face.

If she wanted to invite Sister Lin, she would definitely bring her brother with her. But without him, Sister Lin probably wouldn't agree to their invitation. After worrying for a while, he hesitated and said, How about Sister Bao come forward and invite Sister Lin to come over?

Even Shi Xiangyun lost his teeth hearing these words. Before she could speak, Baochai already responded with a smile, Okay.

Baoyu felt hot and reciprocated: Sister Bao's cousin has just come to the capital as a guest. It's good for us to invite her to join us in the fun.

After saying goodbye to Xiangshan Temple, he had learned about Baoqin's true identity from his sister Tanchun, and he was even more looking forward to seeing the other party dressed as a woman.

Okay. Baochai also agreed. This really confused Shi Xiangyun. I can't figure out what my sister is thinking.

In my opinion, let's just set this date at twenty-six or twenty-seven. Baoyu began to make further progress.

He has a good mind and has already thought of Chen Heng as a court official. You can only take one day off on the eight days of each month. With such an arrangement, even if Sister Lin wanted to take her brother with her, she might not be able to.

Xiangyun was very angry when he saw his overjoyed look. After sitting for a while, he dragged Baochai to leave first. Halfway through, she couldn't help but ask: Sister Bao, what exactly do you think?

Sister, don't ask... Baochai said while walking on the road, I don't know either.

Hearing this, Shi Xiangyun turned his head and looked at Sister Bao. I found that the face that had always been calm in the past was full of indescribable confusion.

Tanchun waited until the two outsiders left, then took the opportunity to complain to Baoyu, Second brother, what on earth do you think? Everyone in the house is saying that my aunt intends to propose a marriage to Madam, why are you still thinking about Lin every day? elder sister.

Looking back this year, Sister Bao will be eighteen years old. It is already too late to get married at this age. She was worried about Baochai and Baoyu's affairs. Normally, the two of them got along day and night, and they should have bloomed flowers long ago. Why was Brother Bao still unable to make up his mind day by day?

How did Baoyu know about the rumors in the house? He quickly showed his sorrow, Sister, I don't know either. In this life, no one has treated me like her. As soon as I saw her, I panicked. In a few quick words, I can’t even tell.”

Tanchun almost felt angry. This brother was so confused. He told him about Sister Bao, but he only thought about Sister Lin. He said, If you continue like this and Sister Bao marries someone else, I will not care about you.

When Baoyu heard this, he became even more panicked and said repeatedly: That's not good, that's not good either.

How can people tolerate such an attitude of wanting and wanting at the same time? Tanchun was so angry that he stood up and left angrily.

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When Daiyu got Baochai's invitation, she felt strange at first, but without thinking much about it, she told her brother about it.

Chen Heng has been busy with foreign affairs recently, and he couldn't get away from the table just after dinner. When he heard the news about his sister, he smiled and said, Even if she invites you, just go and play and have fun. He thought for a moment and added, It's been cold these days, and it's hard to say it's snowing first. It’s coming soon, remember to put on some clothes when you go out.”

Daiyu smiled happily and moved her head to Chen Heng's desk. Seeing him writing the official document, she asked curiously: Brother, why did you even write down what you said to Hongmao Fan?

Chen Heng smiled and explained to his sister: This is the first time that His Majesty knew the benefits of Honglu Temple. He deliberately took this matter as a precedent and showed it to others in the future, so he asked me to write everything down clearly.

While the two were talking, Daiyu noticed that her brother's fingers were somewhat red and swollen under the candlelight. Her expression darkened, and she immediately felt distressed: Isn't there even a hand stove in the yamen? Why are my good hands so frozen?

Seeing the sadness on Daiyu's face, Chen Heng laughed hurriedly, kept making gestures like stretching out his fists, and said comfortingly: You didn't tell me, I didn't even notice. That is to say, the weather suddenly got cold, and I didn't even notice it. , Xinda naturally won’t notice it.”

Daiyu secretly noted this matter. Now that she has received the elder's promise, her thoughts towards her brother are also changing. He said directly: I have a hand stove in my room. I will bring it in a moment. Remember to take it with you when you go out tomorrow.

Zicuckoo, the most sensible person, had already left the room when he heard this and quietly turned around to look for the lady's boudoir. Chen Heng thought that the person in front of him was his fiancée, so there was no need to separate them. Then he smiled cheekily and said, They all say it's good to have someone who cares about you. Only when you see your sister acting like this do you know what it means to be someone who cares about you.

Listening to Chen Heng's laughter, Daiyu turned her head. The previous sadness was replaced by an inexplicable shame. The half of his face illuminated by the candlelight turned sideways and said, Brother, it's better to rest for a while. You can tell me the rest of the words, and I'll write them.

Chen Heng was a little surprised, Our handwriting is very different. How can I ask my sister to write for me?

Hearing this, Daiyu smiled slyly, took a pen from the pen holder, dipped it in some ink, and wrote the word Chen on the blank white paper. She said proudly: Brother, look again.

Chen Heng probed his head and saw that the character was very different from his own handwriting. Only in the subtle hooks can one see the difference in writing power. He immediately laughed and asked: When did you learn my calligraphy?

The characters written on the memorials are mostly in Guange style. The most important thing about this calligraphy is to be impartial every stroke. Although it is easy to write, if you don't deliberately copy it, it will never be so similar.

In addition, Chen Heng's handwriting is already very impressive. He only needs to pass the last one or two hurdles to become his own brand. I don’t know how much time and effort Sister Lin spent secretly. It’s really touching.

Daiyu snickered, unwilling to reveal anything. Chen Heng smiled to hide his emotion. He also felt that this situation was very interesting, so he put down his pen with a smile, folded his hands and started dictating.

After Chen Hengping finished speaking like this. A new candle had been replaced in the lampshade. Chen Heng picked up the words written by Dai Yu and praised them profusely: It really looks like it. Fortunately, my sister is one of my own. Otherwise, I would have to sleep if I thought about someone like my sister outside. Open half an eye.

You are not one of our own. Lin Daiyu rolled her eyes, covered her mouth and smiled, Tomorrow, I will take my brother's letter and go out to write more IOUs. I will keep you in good health and be in debt.

The salary is not much. Chen Heng shook his head helplessly and sighed, Sister, don't write too much, I'm afraid it won't be finished.

Lin Daiyu was amused by his appearance, and lay on the table with a half-smile. After a long time, she said: That's not possible, brother, you still owe me a yard. This money is all my money.

As soon as you said this. Chen Heng suddenly became energetic and said immediately, You said that I did a good job this time and earned so much money for His Majesty. Will Your Majesty reward me with a better yard...

After all, it was because the salary was low. Chen Heng thought that if he could get it for free, he could get it for free. The money saved could also be used to buy betrothal gifts in the future. Lin Daiyu misunderstood the meaning and thought that her words had brought unnecessary pressure to Chen Heng. She only murmured: It's okay even if it's a little worse...

That won't work. Chen Heng shook his head hurriedly, There are many people in our house. The yard is too small, and we won't be able to live in it in the future.

He is the grandson of Chen's family, and taking care of his elders is a matter of course. Thinking about the scene of family reunion in the future, it would be a waste of time for a large family to live together. He himself was thinking about the benefits that Li Zhi was about to give.

Daiyu, however, is always thinking about something different. He blushed with embarrassment, grabbed his handkerchief and ran away.

Chen Heng didn't know what he said wrong, so he had to hold the hand stove sent by Zijuan and copy over the official document Daiyu had just written. His sister had done all the specific wording modifications and polishing for him. The rest is extremely simple and easy to do.

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On the 27th, the weather was bad. In the freezing cold wind, Daiyu and Baoqin were invited to the Grand View Garden. As soon as the two met each other, they were both surprised and surprised by each other's appearance.

Walking into Hengwuyuan hand in hand, they were surrounded by Baochai, Tanchun and others with smiles. As soon as we said goodbye to Xiangshan Temple, it was more than a month ago. Several sisters were chatting and laughing, and Bao Qin said first: Sister, this courtyard is really nice. It's my luck to see the famous Grand View Garden before leaving Beijing.

Baochai was surprised after hearing this. He asked, Do people outside also spread the word about this courtyard?

This is the disadvantage of going out less, Bao Qin nodded. If it is spread outside, it will be easy to hear. She only picked out some good rumors and told them to these hosts.

Counting this time, Xiangyun had only met Baoqin twice. I noticed that in the girl's words and deeds, there was a kind of openness and openness that was rare for a lady from the capital, and I also felt that she was very close to her.

While everyone was talking, a cough suddenly came from outside. Baoyu, who had changed his clothes, walked in shyly. When they saw Daiyu and Baoqin, they first saluted and said hello: I heard that the Haitang Poetry Society is holding a gathering today, so I came to join them.

When he saw Baoqin still dressed as a young man, he couldn't help but feel pity. Baoyu has always been curious about how stunning such a person would look in women's clothing.

As soon as Baoyu arrived, the Li sisters and Xing Xiuyan were naturally indispensable. The latter didn't ask everyone to wait for long, and Baoyu was just as far apart as his front and back feet.

It's been freezing recently, so the young master in the capital has to go out hunting for fun. The deer legs they ate today were obtained by Xue Pan and Feng Ziying when they went out to play.

It's not the ladies' turn to handle the ingredients. Everyone gathered around the stove, waiting for the maids and servants outside to prepare the venison. During the break, Baochai took Baoqin and asked quietly: Is your family going back?

Yes. I have been out for such a long time. In a few days, I will go back to Yangzhou to celebrate the New Year. Baoqin nodded, My parents heard that I came to see my sister today and asked me to bring some gifts to you. Treat it as a New Year. Congratulations.

Baochai felt even more sad when she heard it. It's time to say goodbye, and she still hasn't had the chance to meet her elders. But thinking about it carefully, her mother didn't want to go over and meet her. How can a girl trapped in a house make decisions without permission?

Baoyu ignored the whispers of the Xue girl. Ever since Daiyu appeared in front of her, she couldn't look away. It was strange that this sister never said anything back to him except when greeting him. In subsequent conversations, he avoided himself intentionally or unintentionally.

There were so many girls in the room today, and everyone was divided into two or three tables. Daiyu deliberately avoided Baoyu and only sat with Sanchun and others. As the host, Baoyu was placed at the table of the Li sisters and Xing Xiuyan.

Tanchun deliberately asked his brother to give up, so he suddenly asked Sister Lin about Chen Heng's current situation. Originally, this matter was not something that could not be discussed. But Lin Daiyu and Chen Heng are different now, and she can't say when they will get married. He just said that he didn't know, so as not to show off his brother's good deeds.

The failure of Tanchun's plan was secretly strange. In the past, when Sister Lin mentioned her brother, she would definitely start the conversation and talk endlessly. Why did he become so quiet this time?

Baoyu, who was listening clearly, secretly thought that it must be someone named Chen, who has been annoying his sister recently. Shi Xiangyun, who was feeling happy in his heart when he took the meat skewers from outside, suddenly ran in with surprise and said: Go out and take a look, it's snowing!!

When everyone heard this, they quickly turned their heads and looked at the sky outside the window. In the gray sky, small pieces of snowflakes fell without knowing when.

Brother's crow's mouth really made him hit the mark. Daiyu was a little troubled because the Lin family only had two carriages. The snow came so suddenly, the two carriages must have gone to pick up the father and brother first. I can't tell, I'm going to borrow my grandma's car to drive.

Shi Xiangyun now lives in Grand View Garden, not far from him. Seeing the arrival of the first snow, I hurriedly called everyone to go out and play. The ladies rarely had the pleasure of going out, so they had a great time.

The scenery of Hengwu Garden is also interesting, and the white snow gradually becomes beautiful, which makes it even more wonderful. Although everyone can't play in the snowdrifts, they can feel the beauty of the white snow falling on their shoulders, which is also refreshing.

After eating venison, I wrote some snow poems on the porch. Everyone went back to the house, made tea around the stove, and listened to Baoyu talk about their recent experiences. Baoyu has a fun-loving temperament and is even more energetic when speaking in front of a group of girls. An ordinary piece of fun became very interesting through his eloquence.

When Baochai heard the funny thing about an outside trading company desperately spending money to rob people, Baochai quickly looked at Baoqin and asked: Sister, you must know about it, right?

Bao Qin secretly smiled, not only did she know about it, but she also had a good knowledge of it. Thinking of helping her cousin one last time, she gave an overview of what might happen in the future. Shi Xiangyun was really excited when he heard that a girl had such knowledge and experience.

I really envy my sister. Although she is a girl, she can go out and do things like men. Seriously...

Tanchun also nodded. If she had a choice, she would also like to be a woman like Baoqin.

You don't know something, and it's not just me. Baoqin explained repeatedly, There is also an imperial merchant family named Xia in the capital. Their eldest daughter is also the head of her own family and manages the family business. Unfortunately, I don't agree with her. I'm familiar with her, I just heard that she has a thunderous look when she does things.

Can my daughter's family be exposed now? Li Qi came from a scholarly family, and it was really unbelievable to hear such things.

Baoqin didn't delve into the meaning of these words. He just nodded with a smile and said firmly: There will be more and more in the future.

The Li sisters looked at each other and felt that it was completely contrary to the teachings they had heard on weekdays. Since they were all guests, they had no choice but to respond briefly.

Baoyu moved the stool closer to Daiyu and said hurriedly: Let me tell you, women are not necessarily inferior to men. As long as they are good at what they do, anyone can do it.

As soon as he said this, the others who heard it were also surprised. Baoyu was the one who said it unintentionally, but he found that he had unexpectedly received a different look from all the beauties. He was secretly happy in his heart and suddenly became more interested in chatting.

Everyone had been gathering together for a long time. Seeing that the sky was getting dark, Daiyu had to think about going home. She glanced at Bao Qin, who understood and just said goodbye.

But Baochai said reluctantly: You have to go back to Yangzhou tomorrow or the day after, or stay here tonight. How about we talk together like we did when we were kids?

Baoyu was very happy when he heard this, and also advised: You sisters have reunited after a long separation, and now we have to say goodbye after seeing each other a few times. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to keep it...

As he spoke, he looked at Daiyu. If Bao Qin stays, Sister Lin might as well leave first. To put it bluntly, isn't it because the Jia family does not treat guests well and favors one thing over another.

Tanchun, Xiangyun and others also advised, saying that when the snow falls thickly tomorrow, everyone would take the opportunity to go out for some fun. Suddenly a maid came running outside, entered the curtain and said: Miss Lin, someone has come to pick you up at your house. The carriage is waiting at the door, waiting for you to come over.

When Daiyu heard this, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. A group of sisters had just persuaded her to stay, but it was hard to resist their hospitality. Even if she had a sharp tongue, she couldn't persuade them.

Who is here? Lin Daiyu asked as usual, and the maid who delivered the message hurriedly said: The person who came said he is the young lady's brother.

When everyone heard this, they all looked at Daiyu. The girl's pretty face was slightly red, she only said goodbye to the sisters softly, and then, under Baoyu's reluctant eyes, she put on her windbreaker and left.

All the way to the door, Daiyu led Zijuan quickly onto the carriage, and immediately saw Chen Heng who had not yet taken off his official robe. The latter smiled proudly: When I saw it was snowing, I was worried that it would be inconvenient for you to go home, so I came here to ask.

If you don't tell me, I will know. Daiyu raised her hand to be afraid and sat not far away. Seeing Chen Heng holding the hand stove he had given him again, he felt a burst of joy in his heart unconsciously.

Hey, I didn't come at the right time. Bao Qin stood on the carriage frame at some point, with a teasing look on his face that was half-smiling.

Sister, come in quickly. Daiyu called out after an outsider broke her expression.

Chen Heng also took the initiative to move the steps, How could it be? My second brother came at the right time.

It doesn't matter. Bao Qin walked in with a smile, You two still have a long time to live in the future. Today, let's be a good Samaritan and give me a ride.

Chen and Lin both chuckled and invited Baoqin into the carriage. The Xue girl just sat down and asked with a smile: Brother, the folks in Yangzhou asked me to ask you, they also want to get involved in Nanyang's good things now.

Chen Heng knew that this man did not go to the Three Treasures Hall for any reason, and immediately replied: This matter will be handed over to His Majesty for decision in the future. In my opinion, Your Majesty will arrange for someone else to handle the errands.

Even if it means trouble. Bao Qin was a little helpless. In terms of financial resources, how could these merchants from Yangzhou compete with Shanxi and Hui merchants. Not to mention that the salt merchants in Yangzhou City came from these two places.

Chen Heng thought for a while and said, Not necessarily. I'll look back and see if I can think of a way.

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As soon as Lin Daiyu left, the poetry meeting lost most of its interest. Everyone didn't sit still for a long time, and each found an excuse to disperse. When Baochai had some free time, she came to Aunt Xue's house. She was thinking that she would go out to see her second uncle and his family off tomorrow.

Mom, where is eldest brother? Baochai looked around the room and saw Aunt Xue alone at home, so she asked a lot.

When will he stay at home? Aunt Xue pulled Baochai to sit down. She had mentioned her daughter's marriage to Mrs. Wang recently. Seeing that this matter was about to be revealed, she was very happy. She couldn't help but remind her, Don't worry about playing these days. I think you might as well make some things for spring and give them as gifts. Let's go to Baoyu's house.

Baochai's face darkened, and she pretended not to understand what her mother meant. As soon as she explained her purpose of coming, Aunt Xue's face darkened. Seeing that her mother refused to let go, Baochai couldn't get the law and was about to get up and go back to the Grand View Garden.

Suddenly a boy ran outside, stood outside the door and shouted: Madam, madam.

Hearing that the servant was so flustered, Aunt Xue quickly asked, What's wrong? You're so flustered.

Our uncle got into a fight with someone outside.

Go out for dinner first, then come back and polish it slowly. Hahahaha, I have a lot of work during the day and only have time to write at night.