Times of Our Lives - Chapter 17

Not long after the class division was over, the final exams were approaching. Classes 3 and 6 were conveniently on different floors, allowing Ji Qinyang to leave early almost every day and wait specifically on the second floor for Xie Meng.

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan had seen this scene so many times that he had gotten used to it. One time, he couldn’t help but comment, “You two are like an old married couple, aren’t you tired of this every day?”

 

During the three days of final exams, Chinese was in the morning on the first day, followed by math in the afternoon. Ji Qinyang finished his papers early and leaned against the wall near Class 3’s door, wearing headphones.

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan’s expression showed clear disdain when he saw Ji Qinyang.

 

“I’m not waiting for you,” Ji Qinyang said, hanging his headphones around his neck as he watched Xie Meng come out. Xie Meng was wearing a white down jacket, his features handsome, with bright black eyes.

 

“How did the exams go?” Xie Meng smiled and casually rubbed the back of Ji Qinyang’s head.

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t we agree not to ask the academic underachiever about exams?”

 

Xie Meng looked at him. “You act like you’re any better.”

 

“I am.” Ji Qinyang lazily draped himself over Xie Meng’s back. “My math is terrible, as you well know.”

 

Ji Qinyang rode his bike while Xie Meng sat on the back, drinking hot milk. When they stopped at a red light, Ji Qinyang turned to look at him.

 

“Let me taste it.”

 

Xie Meng stood up and held the straw to Ji Qinyang’s lips.

 

Ji Qinyang took a sip from his hand. “Isn’t it sweet?”

 

“Original flavor.” Xie Meng smiled, then leaned down and kissed Ji Qinyang’s lips. “Let me add some sugar for you.”

 

Zhang Xiujun was sunbathing in the yard. She opened her eyes when she saw Xie Meng return. “Little Ji is here too.”

 

Ji Qinyang called her “good grandma,” and Zhang Xiujun smiled back, saying, “Good grandson.”

 

Xie Meng went inside to help the old lady take out the radio and fetch a blanket.

 

“Don’t stay outside too long,” Xie Meng covered Zhang Xiujun’s legs. “Call me if you feel cold.”

 

Zhang Xiujun had been feeling unwell lately. She had been to the hospital and had tests done, but the doctor only said she was old without specifying any particular illness.

 

In her twilight years, nearing the end of her life.

 

Xie Meng didn’t dare to think too much, just trying to spend as much time with her as possible.

 

Ji Qinyang left after dinner. Xie Meng walked him to the alley, and they walked side by side for a while before holding hands.

 

Xie Meng’s palm was warm and moist. Initially, they just held hands casually, but later Ji Qinyang’s fingers gripped his hand tightly, almost painful, yet neither of them let go.

 

Ji Qinyang stopped at the entrance of the alley. “You should go back.”

 

Xie Meng hummed in agreement, but his hand still held on.

 

“Don’t casually discard the recommendation letter for the conservatory,” Xie Meng suddenly said. “If you pass, it would be a shame not to go.”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t say anything. He looked at Xie Meng, exerting a slight force to pull him into his arms.

 

After three days of exams, the results were announced, and more homework was assigned for the winter break. Celebrating Chinese New Year late, Zhang Gang complained about it for several days.

 

“Only kids like Chinese New Year,” Qi Fei teased him. “Do you think you’re still a kid?”

 

Zhang Gang disagreed. “We had red envelopes before marriage. What’s not to like about Chinese New Year?”

 

Qi Fei hadn’t received red envelopes for years. Not only did he not receive any, but he also had to take care of the kids during the holidays, so he had no interest in Chinese New Year at all.

 

On the other hand, Zhuo Xiaoyuan and Xie Meng couldn’t understand the troubles of having too many relatives at home. Zhuo’s parents worked outside, and Zhuo had been ill for many years, dragging on year after year. Every day Zhuo Xiaoyuan cherished like it was stolen.

 

“How’s Zhuo been recently?” Ji Qinyang asked.

 

“He went to the hospital a few days before the exams. He’s back home now and should be able to spend Chinese New Year at home.” Xie Meng encouraged him with a pat on the shoulder.

 

“How about your grandmother?” Zhuo Xiaoyuan asked.

 

Xie Meng replied calmly, “Same as usual.”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan nodded. He smiled mischievously, his eyes looking sharp. “Having fewer people during Chinese New Year is less troublesome. There’s not much stuff, so there’s no need to fuss.”

 

They chatted for a while, and only Ji Qinyang possibly traveled abroad for Chinese New Year.

 

“Not decided yet.” Ji Qinyang sat in Xie Meng’s seat, his smile casual. “My mom wants to go out, but I don’t mind.”

 

Qi Fei joked, “Your mom and your dad are like immortals together. You’re just extra.”

 

Ji Qinyang wasn’t offended. “Yeah, that’s right. That’s why I don’t feel like going out either. I have no idea what they’re up to when they’re both playing.”

 

“Then come to my house for Chinese New Year,” Zhang Ganggang was always the type who enjoyed having many people around: “My mom has mentioned many times about bringing friends home, but none of you give me face…”

 

Ji Qinyang glanced at Xie Meng and smiled, saying, “Let’s discuss it later. Anyway, you won’t be spending it alone.”

 

It had snowed before New Year’s Eve. When Xie Meng woke up in the morning, he found the yard covered in white. He exhaled deeply, went back to his room to put on a padded jacket, and came out to practice boxing.

 

Zhang Xiujuan stood under the eaves holding a bowl of soup, watching her grandson practice boxing and chatting with him.

 

“We’ll go to the market later. We need to buy a chicken.”

 

Xie Meng executed a swift turn, sweeping a thin layer of snow off the ground. “What else?”

 

Zhang Xiujuan chattered on, “Buy cakes, buy vegetables, buy noodles… Also some roasted snacks, and don’t forget the candy.”

 

Xie Meng executed an outward flip, combining gentleness with strength. “There are no guests, no need to waste money on snacks.”

 

Zhang Xiujuan retorted, “What if Ji Qinyang drops by?”

 

“…,” Xie Meng stopped his movements. He considered explaining that Ji Qinyang might be traveling abroad, but decided against it, returning indoors to fetch money. “I’ll go buy them. It’s cold outside, don’t stay in the sun too long.”

 

The market was not crowded; many people had gone home for the New Year. Xie Meng bought a chicken, visited a snack shop for melon seeds, haw flakes, and dried pork strips, and then bought a portion of stinky tofu from a stall on the bridge.

 

“Happy New Year,” the stinky tofu vendor greeted cheerfully.

 

Xie Meng took the bowl and handed over the money. “Happy New Year,” he replied.

 

The courtyard gate was open, which struck Xie Meng as odd. He noticed a familiar bicycle parked nearby. Ji Qinyang rolled up his sleeves and stepped out from inside, lazily smiling when he saw Xie Meng.

 

“Bought everything,” the young man approached, naturally taking the items from Xie Meng’s hands and casually inspecting them. “Hey, you got stinky tofu too?”

 

Xie Meng looked at him in disbelief. “You didn’t go abroad?”

 

“Nope,” Ji Qinyang replied casually. “My parents are inseparable, as you well know. I couldn’t be bothered to play Pikachu.”

 

“…,” Xie Meng stood there in surprise as Ji Qinyang took the chicken into the kitchen.

 

Ji Qinyang glanced back at him and waved a hand in front of his eyes. “Are you dumbstruck with happiness?”

 

Xie Meng opened his mouth but said nothing. “Do you want some candy?” he asked awkwardly.

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow. “I’m not Zhang Ganggang.”

 

Not paying attention to Ji Qinyang’s response, Xie Meng hurriedly arranged the snacks on the table. “I bought haw flakes, melon seeds, dried pork strips, and hawthorn plum candies… Do you want some?”

 

Ji Qinyang suddenly reached out and hugged Xie Meng tightly.

 

Xie Meng blinked. “?”

 

Ji Qinyang turned his head and kissed Xie Meng’s cheek. “In the new year, I’ll love you well.”

 

Xie Meng held him silently for a moment before whispering, “Me too.”

 

They kneaded the dough, mixed the filling, rolled out the wrappers, and wrapped dumplings. Xie Meng pitted jujubes and stuffed three into each dumpling. Ji Qinyang smiled when he saw it.

 

Xie Meng blushed a little. “One for each person, a New Year’s gift.”

 

The three of them prepared a table full of dishes. Ji Qinyang carved the chicken and cooked two special dishes. Zhang Xiujuan was delighted, had a little wine, and set the radio aside, playing a drama.

 

At eight o’clock, they tuned in to watch the Spring Festival Gala. Ji Qinyang hadn’t done this in a while, and Xie Meng turned on the TV while he was still trying to remember.

 

“Grandma likes this.” Xie Meng tuned in to a central channel. Zhang Xiujuan turned off the radio and watched TV intently.

 

“Oh, right.” The old lady suddenly clapped her hands and fished around in her pocket for a while, pulling out two red envelopes. “One for each.” Zhang Xiujuan smiled and said, “Go outside and watch the fireworks, no need to accompany me, old lady.”

 

Xie Meng grabbed a large scarf, wrapping it around himself and Ji Qinyang, and the two of them walked up Shan Tang Street. The snow hadn’t melted completely, and they could hear the crunching sound under their feet.

 

On New Year’s Eve in Sucheng, it was cold and quiet. Apart from a few children playing with fireworks and firecrackers, there were hardly any other people in sight.

 

Red lanterns hung on both sides of the bank, their light reflecting on the flowing water. Ji Qinyang and Xie Meng sat side by side on a bridge pier, watching children set off fireworks.

 

“Want to play one?” Ji Qinyang smiled and asked.

 

Xie Meng produced a few sparklers from somewhere. “Let’s play with these.”

 

They borrowed a lighter from nearby kids, crouched together, and lit the sparklers. The sparks from the sparklers weren’t very hot. Xie Meng cupped his hands around them as if cradling fireworks.

 

The firelight highlighted Ji Qinyang’s delicate features. He lowered his head, quietly watching Xie Meng.

 

“Last one,” Xie Meng lifted his face and met Ji Qinyang’s gaze. “…Aren’t you going to let go?”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled gently. “I’ll watch you release it.”

 

Xie Meng also smiled. He lit the last sparkler and watched the sparks burn out.

 

“Let’s go back,” Xie Meng stood up, shaking his scarf. He lowered his head and pressed his lips against Ji Qinyang’s forehead. “Happy New Year.”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t immediately get up. He held Xie Meng’s hand, and Xie Meng’s fingertips touched something hard in Ji Qinyang’s hand.

 

“…What?” Xie Meng turned his wrist, and Ji Qinyang slowly released his grip.

 

Xie Meng looked down and saw a pair of pure silver earrings in his palm.

 

Ji Qinyang reached out and touched his earlobe. “Go get your ears pierced.”

 

In the second half of their sophomore year, Ji Qinyang began taking music theory classes in preparation for the art exam, so he wasn’t as stressed about academic subjects as other students.

 

Xie Meng enrolled in an extracurricular tutoring class outside of school, where Zhang Ganggang also joined. Upon entering, they found Han Dong there too.

 

“Even top students get lonely,” Han Dong found a reason. “When there’s nothing to do, all you can do is study more.”

 

Because he was in the same school group chat, Zhang Ganggang naturally felt a little nervous when he encountered students from the same school in reality.

 

Han Dong looked at him expressionlessly.

 

Zhang Ganggang: “…”

 

Han Dong nodded slightly. “Hello.”

 

Zhang Ganggang sat obediently next to him. “H-hello…”

 

Xie Meng introduced them, “Han Dong knows Rou Rou. If you have any questions, you can ask him.”

 

Zhang Ganggang’s eyes lit up. “R-really?!”

 

Han Dong remained reserved and only nodded faintly after a while.

 

Xie Meng looked at him strangely.

 

“What does Rou Rou look like?” Zhang Ganggang asked cautiously and eagerly.

 

Han Dong raised an eyebrow and calmly replied, “Short black hair.”

 

“Short hair…” Zhang Ganggang looked a bit disappointed.

 

Han Dong scoffed, “What? You don’t like short hair?”

 

Zhang Ganggang hurriedly denied, “Of course not… It’s just different from what I imagined.” He observed Han Dong’s expression and tried to please him, “Actually, short hair is nice too…”

 

“Is that so,” Han Dong remained noncommittal. “Do you like it?”

 

Zhang Ganggang hesitated, “I…”

 

Han Dong furrowed his brows impatiently. “Do you like it or not?”

 

Zhang Ganggang gathered his courage and stared back at him. “…I do.”

 

Under Han Dong’s “say you don’t like it and you’re dead” gaze, Zhang Ganggang compromised with humiliation.

 

Near the tutoring class, Ji Qinyang was in a nearby café. He sent a text to Xie Meng and ordered a takeaway cup of pure milk at the counter. When Xie Meng came out, he saw Ji Qinyang waving with a plastic bag in his hand.

 

“How long have you been waiting?” Xie Meng took the milk, holding Ji Qinyang’s hand. Ji Qinyang leaned forward and rubbed his forehead against Xie Meng’s.

 

Ji Qinyang smiled, “Not long.” He looked past Xie Meng and Han Dong nodded expressionlessly at him.

 

“Hello.”

 

“Hey,” Ji Qinyang greeted.

 

Zhang Ganggang sniffed and muttered, “You guys are too lovey-dovey… No one came to pick me up.”

 

Han Dong looked down at him. “Do you want me to drive you home?”

 

Zhang Ganggang was a bit startled. “N-no need…”

 

Han Dong stared at him expressionlessly.

 

Zhang Ganggang shrunk his shoulders, weakly saying, “O-okay… Thank you.”

 

Xie Meng sighed. He watched Zhang Ganggang reluctantly walk towards Han Dong’s car and glanced disapprovingly at the instigator. “Don’t bully him too much. What if he cries?”

 

“Let him cry,” Han Dong stuffed the scarf into his coat, in a very good mood and looked straight at Xie Meng’s earlobe, smiling. “You two are more suited.” He pointed at Ji Qinyang: “Don’t be too high-profile.”