Work Text:
A peculiar abode known as "Complaint House" suddenly materialized on the street.
Its exquisite signboards and decor defied belief that this was a place one could visit without cost.
Initially, folks paid it little mind. Who could spare the time to visit such a place for grievances?
But gradually, the number of visitors grew, curiosity morphing into compulsion.
The inviting glow of Complaint House welcomed all, offering a total of five rooms, each furnished with a chair and a decorative wall with an open slot.
Inside, attendants managed all five rooms concurrently. They could hear the murmurs, observe the attire, and catch the tone of those who came to vent, all from behind the veil of the wall.
Yet, more often than not, nothing was visible, for the staff would move stealthily behind the partition.
Today was a day of heightened emotions for many.
A guest entered the establishment, clad in a black T-shirt, their elegant chin contour betraying a person of great comeliness.
The perpetual curve of their mouth seemed to droop at that moment.
"Is this place genuinely confidential?" they inquired upon taking a seat, receiving no reply, as the rules dictated that staff remain silent.
They sighed and massaged their temple in distress.
"Then I shall proceed," they declared, taking a sip of water.
"Today, a few children came to my residence," they began their narrative.
"My husband was called away for urgent matters, leaving me to oversee their homework. Being a teacher myself, I consented."
"I advised them to work independently. If they encountered any difficulties, they were to find me in the study."
"These children were sharp, and I had little cause for concern."
"While I was in the study, the clamor from outside seemed to grow louder."
"It appeared that the youngsters were getting overly exuberant."
"So, I decided to investigate."
"As it turns out... I stepped towards the desk and accidentally slipped on a puddle. My foot gave way, and I stumbled."
"It's not the first time I've taken a tumble."
"But... I fell onto my husband's cherished piano."
"This piano, a guqin, is not just valuable in terms of price. It has been my husband's companion for over a decade. He even named it after himself, underscoring its significance."
"How can I break this news to him? Given my husband's temperament, he won't scold me, but the piano means the world to him. I'm truly in anguish!"
"I lay the blame on the water! Why was there water on the floor? I didn't even notice if my slippers were slippery!"
"The children witnessed the piano's demise and they are thoroughly terrified of my husband. I'm at a loss as to how to rectify this situation. For now, I can only implore them to remain silent."
"Please, offer your advice."
Silence greeted them, though they sensed a deepening breath from behind the wall.
"Ah—," they took another sip of water, having roused themselves from their contemplations. Not all of their soliloquy had been aired, and they left in a state of vexation.
...
A half-hour later, a boy in a white shirt entered.
"Hello," he bowed towards the wall as he entered, his voice apologetic.
"This may not be a grave matter, but it weighs heavily on my conscience."
"Today, I visited my teacher's residence with two friends."
"While the teacher instructed us to work independently, a fellow student and I quarreled."
"He asserted the answer was 48, but I was certain it was 36."
"The teacher had already provided the solution during class. I am certain of my correctness."
"I implored him to recalculate using my method, but he refused."
"The altercation escalated, and I inadvertently knocked over a cup, dousing my classmate's work."
"We then continued to dispute this matter."
"And in doing so, we inadvertently knocked over another glass of water."
"This glass, too, drenched my homework."
"However, as fortune would have it, the teacher, disturbed by the commotion, emerged from the study and stepped into the puddle on the floor."
"The piano on the shelf bore the brunt of his fall."
"We were all dumbstruck, and naturally, no one noticed that my book had also been soaked."
"While there may be no great issue in re-doing the work, my heart remains unsettled."
"Yet, considering they acted without malice, I can accept it to some extent."
"I apologize for burdening you, but I feel considerably better now."
With a nod and a bow, he collected his bag and departed.
...
The man in the black T-shirt returned.
"Listen to this," he began.
"I reached out to a friend at a music company. They assured me the piano can be repaired, so I've entrusted it to them."
"Still, I cannot find it in me to confess to my husband. He plays it several times a day, and its absence will not escape his notice."
"I've devised a plan to keep him away from the piano recently."
"When he returns, I shall offer myself as a distraction...."
"Yet, you know how he is once he starts. How could he stop within a few hours?"
"I trust I shall be able to muddle through."
With newfound assurance, he confidently strode away.
...
Lan Wangji exited the establishment through the rear door.
Though Complaint House was established by Lan Xichen, its true owner
remained a secret.
Today, Lan Xichen was pressed for time and thus entrusted his brother with the task.
Given that the proprietor's identity was confidential, Lan Wangji could only inform Wei Wuzhen that he had urgent matters to attend to.
As the clock struck half-past five, it was time to leave.
Lan Wangji returned home.
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original text:
http://www.lofter.com/like?act=qbdashboardlike_20121221_01