[Gone with the Wind] Back to the beginning

Four weeks later, Scarlett finally embarked on a journey back to Atlanta.

In the end, Gerald couldn't go with her, because the cotton field lacked an overseer, and he was really needed in everything.In addition, Ellen also persuaded him to sell the cotton together after this year's cotton harvest, so Gerald reluctantly stayed.Scarlett was very happy. After all, when she persuaded her father to sell cotton to support the Confederacy, she thought that it would be better to donate it than to be burned.But now she can get money in exchange - she has to think hard about how to keep the money!After all, giving the Confederacy is also in vain.

It's just that she hasn't figured out a good way yet.

The Atlanta station was buzzing with people, Scarlett stepped into the carriage with light steps, and let out a long breath.Forget it, think about it tomorrow, I will definitely come up with a solution tomorrow.Looking at Atlanta, which was busier than before, she felt a sense of fighting spirit in her heart.No matter what, she is going to a new battlefield!

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The days in Atlanta were more exciting than Tara's, and Scarlett handled the easier tasks in her previous life with ease.After all, no one would let an unmarried girl take care of a seriously wounded man with bare chest and back!And within a few days after returning to Atlanta, Scarlett was pleasantly surprised to find that Rhett had conquered the gate of Aunt Pete's house.

For months after the bazaar, Rhett made sure to visit Aunt Pete's whenever he was in town.The redeemed ring had won him Melanie's sincere affection, and his childish Aunt Pitt could hardly resist his flattery and kisses.What's more, Rhett often brought her all kinds of beautifully packaged small gifts from Nassau.When Aunt Pete saw the gift, she couldn't help but want to unwrap it. Once she unwrapped it, she couldn't refuse it.Had to reluctantly accept Reiter's visit.

Of course Scarlett is happy with such a result, but whenever Merry praises him for his noble character, Scarlett still can't help but slander him secretly.Speaking of which, Rhett has always respected Meili, but he lacks respect for her.When he looked at her with interested eyes, Scarlett felt as if she had been stripped naked, and he could see her inside and out.This often makes her secretly angry, but there is no good way to deal with it.

"Maybe it's because of our similarities." After losing another quarrel, Scarlett thought angrily, "He sees me through. But why can't I understand him? I didn't understand him before, and it's not much better now. .”

In the months after returning to Atlanta, Rhett made frequent visits.Scarlett felt in her heart that he was here for her, but every time she saw his mocking and arrogant expression, all the sweet words she was going to utter turned into stiff choking.On the other hand, Rhett seemed to be happy to see her angry, and did all kinds of seduction and teasing just to make her furious, and even praised her cute and charming appearance when she was angry.God knows which of his words are true and which are false!If Scarlett made up her mind to give him a cold shoulder, Rhett would come to the door with the cheek to give her a box of her favorite candies, or change to the seat next to her at a concert, or at a dance. Keep an eye on her.Scarlett was often overwhelmed by him, and once she smiled, she had to forgive him until the next time he made her angry again.

Kerrett treated Meili with respect and courtesy, without any sarcasm or ridicule.Although Scarlett understood that he always respected Meili's character, she still couldn't help being jealous when she treated her differently.

One day at noon, Melanie and Pete went back to their rooms for an afternoon nap, leaving only Scarlett and Rhett in the living room.Scarlett couldn't help asking angrily: "I don't understand why you treat her so much better than me?"

Just now, Mei Li was winding the ball of thread, and Rhett stretched the thread for her.For a long time, Merry was talking about Ashley's combat bravery, Rhett politely echoed.But obviously he never looked down on Ashley.

"I'm obviously much smarter and more capable than she is," Scarlett went on.

A smile flashed in Rhett's black eyes: "It turns out that in Miss O'Hara's mind, intelligence and ability are the criteria for measuring an outstanding woman? Then you are outstanding enough—can you understand that this is out of jealousy?" ah?"

"Bah, don't be presumptuous!" Scarlett hated her slip of the tongue, and turned to provocation with a thought, "Captain Butler, I just found that your judgment standard is different."

Scarlett didn't know it herself, but Rhett was keenly aware that her attitude towards him was a little intimacy from the very beginning, and she could get a glimpse of it from the changing address—she could understand it after a long time of acquaintance. He used the word "you" instead, and only changed back to "you" when he was angry, which is extremely unruly in the south.However, seeing that Scarlett called nature without realizing it, Rhett didn't say anything.There was interest in his eyes, and he said with a smile, "I would like to hear more about it, Miss O'Hara."

Scarlett found her train of thought now, and the exit became smoother.The more she spoke, the more certain she became, and her green eyes shone with determination:

"Captain Butler, you clearly have no affirmation of the Old South—you believe only in yourself, not in cause. You advocate courage, action, and progress, and you disdain passive sinking. Like yourself, and The South breaks apart and works hard to make itself well."

"If by 'efforts' you mean smuggling and swindling, so be it—go on, Miss O'Hara."

Scarlett glanced at his smiling black eyes, but suddenly lost her confidence.He broke with his family, and his last behavior in the last life——if my mother was still alive, would she have done it?If she did it, would she betray her family?After sorting out her thoughts, her tone was no longer as brisk as before, Scarlett said slowly:

"It doesn't fit the southern point of view, but the fact is you're doing fine and you're happy with your life. Maybe people will call you a scum, but you're doing great now, and you don't necessarily care what they say." She twitched her lips, "Just like you refused to marry that girl, you are rebellious and bold, and I am the same. Meili meets all the requirements for a lady in the south, so it is difficult for me to understand that you are both convinced and Respect her attitude."

Seeing her speak so deeply about herself, Rhett's eyes flashed strangely.

"There's nothing contradictory, it's just two different ideas, the old South—and a new South destined to be rebuilt. Like Mrs. Wilkes, destined to be the backbone of the new South. As for people like us Well, it’s just the dross that opened the way.” He said, his expression was stern and fearless, and when he looked down at her, he smiled again, “Scarlett, I didn’t scare you, did I?”

The titles of the old and the new south have hinted at the impending defeat of the north.Scarlett shook her head.Before this conversation began, no one expected to go so deep.Rhett spoke again, in Charleston's drawl.

"Character at any time - this thing is ridiculous to say, maybe you will be relieved to lose it. But it will always be passed on, and in the end you will find that you are the one who was lost." Rhett laughed softly as he said, " The ideal Old South is indeed beautiful, charming and well-proportioned, like a Greek work of art—”

At this moment, his gaze resembled Ashley very much, but it was only for a moment.Sharpness and alertness soon returned to those dark eyes.

"But that's just an ideal state, and reality will always break everything. The Yankees are greedy for our slaves and money..." He suddenly returned to the topic at the beginning, "Scarlett, Mrs. Wilkes is the old South The most perfect dream that could be bred. Her strength and resilience will keep her alive and a pillar of the New South. While the Old South will crumble, not everything is destroyed. To live is for the enterprising, But it's the same with noble virtues--speaking, Scarlett--sorry, I shouldn't call you by your Christian name."

—According to the custom in the south, he should call her "Miss Scarlett" after three years of acquaintance.

"...But can it last until then?" Old South. "Forget it, Rhett, I'm not angry." Scarlett waved her hand.

Rhett looked into her green eyes and suddenly laughed.

"Scarlett, you are so brave, self-willed, and lovely." This compliment was sincere, but the second sentence immediately became hateful, "You are so brave to point out the similarities between us, it seems I really have to treat you better in the future."

"You—" Scarlett blushed, and it was as if she was showing love!

Seeing her like this, Rhett smiled even more happily.

"Don't be angry, Scarlett. I respect Mrs. Wilkes very much, but I also like you very much." Rhett said brazenly, "You are so dark-hearted, selfish and only think about yourself, sometimes you hide Sometimes you can't vomit. And you still have insight, but you are indifferent to the rebellious remarks I said today. Scarlett, I really like how cute you are!"

It's fine to confess honestly, what's the matter with this funny tone?Scarlett jumped her feet in anger, and she retorted angrily: "To hell with you! Rhett Butler, you really have a thick skin!"

"Thank you for the compliment." He grinned suddenly, picked up his hat from the sofa, and bowed, "Scarlett, farewell."

Scarlett subconsciously got up to see him off, seeing his figure disappear behind the door, she couldn't help but feel a little empty in her heart.After Rhett had walked out of the gate, Scarlett realized belatedly that the relationship between the two of them seemed to have taken a big step forward today.

At least she can call him Rhett the next time they meet, without putting on airs and calling Mr. Butler, and worrying about slipping the tongue all the time!