Spare Tire

By Wang Dingjun

Zhang wanted to pursue romantic interests with one of his female colleagues, and asked Li to act as his “scout.”

After three months of hard work, he asked Li, “What do you make of the situation?”

Li replied, “Up until now, you're just her spare tire.”

“How do you know?”

“After you guys get off work in the afternoon, you all sit around chatting in the office. If there are married men present, she will act very sweetly towards you. But, if the guys there are mostly single,she will be very cold.”

Zhang let out a sigh.

(From Inspiration, Zhejiang Literature and Art Publishing House. Translation: Sam Bowden)

备 胎

文/王鼎钧

小张追求他的一个女同事，请老李做观察员。

经过三个月的努力之后，他问老李：“你看情况怎么样？”

老李说：“到目前为止，你是她的备用轮胎。”

“何以见得？”

“中午下班以后，你们男同事女同事自由聊天，如果在座的男同事都是结过婚的，她对你的态度就很温柔；如果在座的男同事里有几个独身的，她就对你冷冷淡淡。”

小张深深地叹了一口气。

（摘自《灵感》浙江文艺出版社）