'SEE YOU MORNING' 020 Journey 《晓欣卿》020旅程
After bidding Qin Wenjing farewell, he had to leave her behind for several days on this journey, for the destinations ahead were quite far apart. They set off early in the morning. Li Haojun chose a faster lifting-body air taxi heading for Boise. The general aviation industry in the region had long been squeezed out by unmanned aerial vehicles, leaving no commercial short and medium-haul feeder air services whatsoever.
告别了覃文静，这次的旅程需要离开她几天，因为几个访问地点相距较远。一早就出发，李皓珺选择了更快速的升力体款空中出租车前往博伊西，国内通用航空被无人飞行器市场挤压，早已经没有了商业中短程支线航空。
The tandem two-seat cabin was a little cramped inside, yet it offered lower frontal drag, making it ideal for high-speed flight. With greater speed and a higher cruising altitude, they could overlook the landforms of the continent. After takeoff, the aircraft flew straight toward the south-east. The alluvial plains gradually gave way to river valleys and mountainous areas. The rivers below looked almost threadbare, yet they carved deep gullies across the valleys. In an instant, the white river water reflected the intense sunlight like a mirror, winding forward as if endowed with life and shimmering brightly.
双人串列的座舱，内部空间略显局促，但是正面风阻更小，更适合高速飞行。更快的速度与更高巡航高度，可以俯视大陆地形，起飞之后一路直飞向南偏东，从冲积平原，逐步过渡到河谷山地，河流几乎纤细不可见，却在山谷中刻画出深深的沟壑，就在某一瞬间，白水如同镜面一样反射强烈的阳光，蜿蜒仿佛如有生命，熠熠生辉。
They arrived at the store of Elegant Charm Hall in Boise, a modern-style building constructed with metal frames and stained glass. It was a modestly sized direct-operated experience store. Li Haojun walked into the lobby, only to find the reception area empty. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass supported by metal grids set at various angles, casting patches of light across the floor. Color blocks overlapped softly and sharply all around. The whole place exuded a leisurely atmosphere, as if stepping into an exhibition hall of time where moments from different eras stood still.
到达博伊西雅姿丽颜堂门店，这是一座现代风格的建筑，金属与彩色玻璃的架构，规模不大的一个直营体验店。李皓珺走进大厅，前台空无一人，阳光透过各种角度金属格支撑的彩色玻璃照在大厅的地面上，各种色块，或柔和或犀利地叠加着，一切都显得那么悠闲，仿佛置身于一座时光的展馆，不同的时光在此停滞了。
Li Haojun walked closer to the vacant reception desk, looking for a call bell or similar device for guests. He did not wish to appear before the staff like someone conducting a surprise inspection.
李皓珺走近空无一人的前台，想看有没有供客人使用的铃声呼唤之类的工具，他不想犹如突击检查一般展现在员工面前。
As he drew near, he caught the faint sound of murmuring voices from behind the counter. Suddenly, a young girl stood up. She had a fair complexion, pale blonde shoulder-length hair, an oval face, a small upturned mouth, a flat nose bridge and pale blue eyes. While he was observing her, she spoke.
随着距离减小，李皓珺似乎听到前台后面嘁嘁喳喳的说话声。忽然，一个小女孩在前台后面站起身来，白净的脸庞，淡金色披肩发，鸭蛋圆一样的脸蛋小嘴翘鼻尖，趴趴的鼻梁，淡蓝色的双眼。正打量着，她开口了，
"Ethan? You must be Mr. Li. I am Malaya, Malaya Rodney, your newly appointed personal assistant."
“伊森？你是李先生吧？我是玛莱雅，玛莱雅·罗德尼，新任命的你的私人助理。”
Li Haojun matched her appearance with the personal files he had read earlier. She looked no more than a child, with a childish look and manner. He knew better than to ask about her age, for it was her privacy. He promptly held out his hand to shake hers.
这时李皓珺把她的形象与之前的个人档案印证了。可是她实际看起来就是个孩子，不论是相貌还是行为，都带着稚气。但是不好问女孩的年龄，那是人家的隐私，李皓珺急忙伸手与她握手，
"Yes, I am Ethan Li. I look forward to working with you, and thank you for your support in advance." He shook her hand with moderate strength to show his warmth and sincerity.
“是的，我是伊森·李，很高兴将来与你合作，首先感谢你的支持。”说着李皓珺用适当的力度握了她的手，以表示热情与真诚。
It was then that Li Haojun noticed another young woman sitting behind the reception desk. The two had been talking just now. After they exchanged greetings, Li Haojun turned to Malaya.
这时李皓珺注意到前台后面还坐着一位女生，原来刚才是她俩在交谈。互相介绍之后，李皓珺问玛莱雅，
"Excuse me, are you a staff member of Elegant Charm Hall?" He hoped to be introduced to the store manager and other employees.
“请问，你是雅姿丽颜堂的员工吗？”因为他想被引荐店长和其他员工。
"No. I am your personal assistant, an intern assistant. I have been waiting here to meet you today."
“不是的，我就是你的私人助理，我是实习生私人助理，今天在这等你会面的。”
"I see." Li Haojun then turned to the other girl at the desk. "Are the other staff members present?" As he spoke, he thought about Malaya's reply. She seemed bright, quick-witted and straightforward, and might prove helpful to him in the days ahead.
“哦，好的，”说着李皓珺转向另一个前台，“请问其他员工都在吗？”，说完，他还在回想刚才玛莱雅的应答，感觉好像聪明伶俐很爽快的女孩，或许将来她能帮上我一些忙吧。
"Please wait a moment. The manager will be here shortly. I have already sent for her," the girl at the reception said.
“请稍等一下，店长一会就过来，我已经叫她了。”刚才的前台说，
"Thank you." Li Haojun turned back to Malaya, unwilling to waste time.
“好的，谢谢。”表示完感谢，李皓珺又转向玛莱雅，他不想浪费时间，
"Do you enjoy the work you have chosen?"
“你是喜欢你选择的工作吗？”
"Yes, I do. I love helping and taking care of others," Malaya replied. She walked out from behind the counter and stood beside Li Haojun, not leaning against or holding onto the desk. She appeared quite independent.
“是啊，我喜欢帮助别人，照顾别人。” 玛莱雅回答，说着从前台里面走出来，站在李皓珺身边，身体并没有依靠或者支撑前台，看起来很独立的样子。
Li Haojun smiled to himself. She was so young; how could she take care of others? He did not want to discourage the girl who had just stepped into society, nor could he speak his mind directly. Instead, he asked gently.
李皓珺看着她微笑着心里想这么小的年纪，怎么能照顾别人呢，但是不好这样打击别人，尤其还是刚步入社会的小孩子，又不好直接说，就问，
"I will rely on you from now on. This job requires frequent business trips with me. Do you have any concerns or family commitments?"
“那么将来有劳你了，只是这份工作要经常和我一起出差，你有没有什么顾虑或者家庭负担。”
"It is fine. I love traveling to different places, and I have no family burdens. You do not need to worry about me," Malaya answered readily.
“没关系，我喜欢去不同的地点，我没有什么家庭负担，你不用担心。” 玛莱雅很爽快地回答。
"Very well. Thank you again for your support."
“好的，非常感谢你的支持。”
Just then, Li Haojun looked up and saw the store manager walking over from the dim corridor. At first, only her slender figure came into view. She had a narrow waist contrasting sharply with wide hips, and her shoulder width was even less than that of her hip bones. Her thighs were firm while her calves were slender. She walked with light steps, her elbows held close to her waist as she swung her arms, embodying the soft grace of a woman.
正说着，李皓珺抬头正看见店长过来，从光线较暗的走廊过来，开始只见她身材轮廓，很纤细骨感的身材，但是胯较宽，与细细的腰肢形成鲜明对比，双肩甚至不及胯骨的宽度，同时大腿坚实，小腿纤细，步伐轻盈，摆臂时臂肘紧贴腰线，尽显女性的柔美。
When she stepped into the lobby, the light fell upon her dark brown wavy shoulder-length hair. Within the shadows of her locks, her face looked even softer. She had a pointed chin, gentle cheek lines, a slender nose bridge with narrow nostrils, sensuous lips, elegant brow ridges, exquisite eyes and neat eyebrows. Her upper eye sockets were slightly sunken, lending her a touch of subtle melancholy and enchanting charm every time she blinked.
当她进入前厅，光线打在她棕黑色的大波浪披肩发上，秀发的阴影里，她的脸庞更显柔和，尖尖的下颌，线条柔和的脸颊与修长的鼻梁，窄的鼻翼，下面是唇线性感的嘴，上面是柔美的眉骨，标致的双眼，清秀的双眉。她的上眼窝略深，眨眼间似乎带着淡淡的忧伤，风情万种。
"I am Ava Bishop. It is a pleasure to meet you." She shook hands with Li Haojun, yet quickly pulled her hand away.
“我是艾娃·毕晓普，很高兴见到你。”说着与李皓珺握了手，但是很快把手又抽了回去。
Li Haojun only held the tips of her fingers instinctively. "The pleasure is mine. I am Ethan Li. I have taken up my new appointment and come to Boise to meet all colleagues."
李皓珺下意识地只握了她的手指尖，忙说，“幸会，我是伊森·李，接到新的任命来博伊西见一下同事们。”
Li Haojun realized he had stared at her for too long and lost his composure a little. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Malaya watching their interaction, while the other receptionist’s gaze remained fixed on the manager. She was truly a woman of striking beauty who drew everyone’s attention.
李皓珺意识到自己刚才对她关注的目光有点失态，注视得太久了，他的视线余光也注意到了玛莱雅在观察他们俩的互动，另一名前台的目光一直在店长身上，她真的是众人瞩目的美丽。
As on previous trips, everyone gathered in the meeting room for discussions, exchanged opinions and collected data. However, Kesiya, mentioned in the appointment notice, was nowhere to be seen. Li Haojun had planned to let her learn about the experience items whose data needed collection and analysis, but she did not show up. He considered asking Malaya about her, but decided not to trouble the young girl.
像以往的历程一样，众人在会议室见面，会谈，然后交换意见，采集数据。但是整个过程没见到任命中提到的凯西娅，本来李皓珺计划让她熟悉一下哪些体验但数据需要采集分析，但是她没有到场。李皓珺曾想过问问玛莱雅，但是他没有为难这个小女孩。
After most of the work at the experience store was finished, Li Haojun spoke to Malaya.
直到体验店的事务基本处理完成，李皓珺问玛莱雅，
"We are heading to other experience stores next. You and Kesiya will come with me. Do you have any questions or difficulties?"
“接下来我们要去其它体验门店，你和凯西娅要跟我一起随行，你有疑问或者有困难吗？”
"No problem at all. I should arrange the itinerary for you."
“没问题，我应该帮你安排行程的。”
"Good, thank you. Why did Kesiya not come with you? Where is she?"
“好的，谢谢，那么凯西娅怎么没跟你一起？她在哪？”
"She is at the production plant in Eagle. Shall I call her over?"
“她在伊格尔的生产厂，我叫她过来吗？”
"No need. We will go to the factory to visit her and take a look around the facility as well."
“不了，我们去厂里拜访她，顺便看一下那里的工厂。”
Malaya arranged a vehicle right away. Her efficiency and proficiency took Li Haojun by surprise, for such competence seemed far beyond her years.
玛莱雅很快安排了车辆，精干与熟练让李皓珺有点吃惊，完全与她的年龄不相称。
Eagle was not far from Boise. When they pulled into the parking lot at the factory gate, Kesiya was already waiting for them. Malaya jumped out of the car the moment it stopped and hugged Kesiya. Such vitality was only natural for a girl her age.
距离博伊西不远的伊格尔，达到工厂大门前停车场，凯西娅已经在等待了，玛莱雅一停车就跳了下去，给了凯西娅一个拥抱，小小的年纪本来就应该是那样有活力的。
Li Haojun walked toward them. As Kesiya released Malaya, they stood face to face. She was much taller than Malaya, mature and steady. Her naturally curly brown hair was mostly covered by a headscarf. She had warm brown-green eyes, a tall and slender nose bridge, smooth cheeks that tapered to a narrow jaw and a pointed chin. Li Haojun wondered if she was Muslim, but did not feel right asking directly. He simply greeted her.
李皓珺走向她们，当凯西娅放下玛莱雅时，正好与她面对面，她比玛莱雅高出很多，成熟而稳重，棕色头发有着天然的弯曲，但是用头巾包裹着大部分，一双棕绿色的眼睛，温文尔雅，高而狭长的鼻梁，脸颊平滑过渡到较窄的下颌骨，尖下巴。莫非是穆斯林？李皓珺心中犹豫但是不好直接问，就直接打招呼，
"Hello, I am Ethan Li."
“你好，我是伊森·李。”
"Kesiya Rodney." She stated her name, then smiled faintly, tilted her head, bent her knees slightly, put one arm around Malaya and tugged at the corner of her clothes with her other hand. It resembled an old European lady’s courtesy gesture.
“凯西娅·罗德尼。”，她只是自报家门，然后微微一笑歪了一下头，屈膝左手搂着玛莱雅右手做了一个拉衣角的动作。好像欧洲过去女子的礼节。
Li Haojun was a little surprised and nodded in return, then accompanied them into the factory. This was an older plant with somewhat outdated buildings and equipment, though all necessary industrial data records and control systems remained intact. During their conversation, he learned that Kesiya was also an intern who had joined the factory only recently.
李皓珺有点意外，急忙点头致意，然后陪着她们一起入厂。这是一个建设较早的工厂，设施与建筑都略显陈旧，好在应有的工业数据记录与控制还是健全的。沟通中了解到凯西娅也是实习生，刚到这间工厂不久。
Li Haojun thought to himself that he would have two interns to guide. They were like blank slates, which meant he could train them according to his own working methods. He spent quite some time going over work details with Kesiya, and the afternoon slipped away quickly. Just then, Malaya regained her usual energy.
两个实习生要带，李皓珺心想，没法直接上手需要教她们一些东西，好处是她们就像白纸一样，可以按照自己的工作方式在上面书写。与凯西娅的工作交代多一些，时间很快，这个下午就要过去了，这时玛莱雅的活力又开始工作了，
"Ethan, there are three more destinations on this business trip: Spokane, Seattle and Portland. What order would you like to visit them in?"
“伊森，这次出差还有三个地点，斯波坎，西雅图，波特兰，你想依照什么顺序访问？”
Li Haojun thought for a moment. "We will follow that order."
李皓珺想了一下，“就这个顺序就好。”
"We will arrive in Spokane tonight. Would you like to go home to see your partner? I can arrange transportation for you."
“今晚到达斯波坎，你要回家探望你的伴侣吗？我可以给你安排交通。”
Li Haojun was caught off guard. He had considered the idea but had not made up his mind yet. He did not expect the young girl to be so thoughtful. Faced with her impassive question, he hesitated for a moment before answering.
李皓珺愣了一下，他确实想过这个可能性但是还没有想好，没想到这个小女孩想得这么周到。看着她面无表情的问话，一时间不知道该怎么回答。
"The schedule will be a bit tight. You could get home between ten and twelve o’clock, but it would be a nice surprise for her," Malaya added with specific details.
“时间上可能有一点紧张，你会在十至十二点之间到家，但是你可以给她一个惊喜。” 玛莱雅又具体补述道。
Li Haojun looked into her pale blue eyes. Her childish face stood in stark contrast to her thoughtful mind. After a three-second pause, he replied. "Alright, thank you."
李皓珺看着她那双淡蓝色的双眼，幼稚的脸庞与心思的细致极不相称。停顿了三秒钟才回答，“好，谢谢。”
Malaya then asked about his preferences for transportation and daily schedules, wearing a blank expression and fully focused on her work. The scene was like a teacher checking a student’s grasp of knowledge.
接着玛莱雅又就交通工具的选择，作息时间询问了李皓珺的偏好，面无表情完全沉浸的工作状态。整个过程好像老师在查询学生对知识点的掌握情况一样。
Kesiya stood by silently the whole time. Though reserved by nature, her mature feminine charm was evident in her full figure, slender waist and strong thighs.
整个过程凯西娅在一旁看着一言不发，她很稳重，但是内敛的性格却掩饰不住她丰满的乳房，纤细的腰肢，健硕的大腿，所有这些成熟女性的魅力。
They set off for Spokane aboard a biodiesel unmanned feeder aircraft chosen by Malaya. It was a traditional fixed-wing plane that could only take off and land at airports, yet it boasted a fast cruising speed with low drag and energy consumption.
启程飞往斯波坎，夕阳下，玛莱雅选择的是生物柴油无人驾驶支线飞机，传统的，只能在机场起降的固定翼飞机，但是巡航速度较快，同时低阻低能耗。
Once they reached cruising altitude, the harsh roar of the rear propulsion engine’s turbocharger gradually softened. Li Haojun was admiring the sunset glow on the port side when he heard murmuring from the back seats. It was Malaya again. She always spoke in a flat, emotionless tone during work discussions, yet chatted animatedly in private. Li Haojun had no wish to eavesdrop on their private conversation, but he could not help catching his own name mentioned every now and then. He glanced back several times, but they did not address him, so he did not join their talk.
随着达到巡航高度，后部推进引擎的涡轮增压器的嘶吼逐渐趋于平缓，正在欣赏左舷晚霞的李皓珺听到了来自后排座椅的嘁嘁喳喳交谈声，又是玛莱雅，她在与自己谈论工作时总是面无表情声音平淡，但是私下里的聊天却是热情洋溢。本来李皓珺不想了解两个女生的私人谈话，但是或多或少他总是能听到她们在谈论中提到自己的名字。几次回头看看她们，她们并没有搭茬，所以李皓珺也没有加入她们的聊天。
"Do you love Qin Wenjing?" Malaya suddenly asked from the back seat.
“你爱覃文静吗？”，玛莱雅突然在后排发问。
Such questions were inappropriate in a working relationship. Still, faced with a young girl just starting out in life who sought advice for her own future, Li Haojun did not wish to refuse. He answered honestly.
本来工作关系不应该谈论这些，但是面对一个刚刚人生起步的小女孩，提出这样一个或许可以作为她人生参考的问题，李皓珺觉得不好拒绝回答，便说，
"Perhaps. I am not entirely sure. I lost my memory in a traffic accident some time ago and cannot remember how our relationship began. That is why I cannot give a definite answer."
“或许吧，我不太确定，因为我之前不小心在交通事故中失忆了，我不记得我们是怎么开始的了，所以我也不太确定。”
Kesiya simply listened quietly and rarely spoke to Li Haojun on her own initiative. Malaya, however, was bold and seemingly had no taboo topics.
凯西娅就是在一边旁听，几乎不会主动和李皓珺搭话。玛莱雅很主动，并且似乎没有什么话题会是她的忌讳，
"I have checked the company files on you and Qin Wenjing. You two have been together for many years."
“我查询过你和覃文静的公司档案，你们一起很多年了。”
"That is true, but I cannot recall the past," Li Haojun replied casually. He then sensed something amiss and asked, "We share a working relationship, so it is reasonable for you to check my files. But how did you obtain information about Qin Wenjing?"
“是啊，但是之前的事我已经不记得了，”顺口回答后，李皓珺觉得不对劲，便问，“我和你是工作关系，你可以查询我的资料，覃文静的资料你是怎么查到的？”
"I am your personal assistant. To learn how to cooperate well with you, understanding the people you spend a lot of time with is necessary. My application was approved by the company."
“因为我是你的私人助理啊，为了了解怎么配合你，了解你长期接触的人也是一个途径啊。我的申请公司通过了。”
"I see." Li Haojun sighed inwardly. This young girl certainly had great aspirations.
“哦，”应答着，李皓珺不由内心感慨，这小姑娘这是要高飞的节奏啊。
"What are your feelings for her now?" Malaya pressed on.
“那么现在你对她是什么感觉呢？” 玛莱雅又接着问，
"I miss her and worry about her."
“我会想念她，会惦记她。”
"Do you think this is love?"
“你觉得这是爱情吗？”
"I cannot be certain. What I feel is genuine affection, of that I am sure."
“不确定，是感情，这一点是可以确定的。”
"Do you love Ava?" Malaya asked bluntly once more.
“你爱艾娃吗？” 玛莱雅总是那么直接，