Times of Our Lives - Chapter 2

After that, their gazes often met for some reason. Sometimes it was unconscious; other times, one was intentionally looking at the other.

 

During math class, Xie Meng was frequently called to the blackboard to solve problems. From the moment he stood up from his seat, Ji Qinyang’s gaze seemed to stick to his back. Of course, it could have been an illusion, as many people were watching him, especially Zhang Ganggang, whose admiring gaze was so intense it was almost worshipful. Over time, Zhang Ganggang developed the habit of leading the applause whenever the teacher confirmed Xie Meng’s answer was correct.

 

Each time, Xie Meng would awkwardly return to his seat amidst enthusiastic applause mixed with jeers. Whenever he glanced at Ji Qinyang during these moments, their eyes would often meet. Ji Qinyang’s smile was deep, but his eyes were playful, and he too was clapping.

 

Zhang Ganggang clapped until his hands were red, very excited. “You haven’t even been taught this type of question by Mr. Mi Le Fo, and you already know it!”

 

Xie Meng calmly replied, “I previewed it.”

 

Zhang Ganggang exaggerated his blind admiration, “That’s still amazing!”

 

Xie Meng glanced at him, opened his book, and pointed to an example problem. “See this? It’s exactly the same, just with different numbers. Memorize the process, and you can do it too.”

 

Zhang Ganggang looked closely and realized it was indeed the same.

 

“If you memorize it, you’ll be able to do it too,” Xie Meng said as if discussing what to eat today. He patted Zhang Ganggang’s arm encouragingly, “Next time, you go up and try it. If you get it right, I’ll clap for you.”

 

Mr. Mi Le Fo taught math well and was quite humorous. He even carried an ant toy when teaching geometry, like teaching little kids. But among his students, the only one who behaved like a kid was Ji Qinyang.

 

Only Ji Qinyang would jokingly ask him, “Teacher, why would the ant climb the cube? Is there sugar on it?” And only he would think that ( a + b ) should equal ( ab ) when learning algebra.

 

Mr. Mi Le Fo was so frustrated he almost swore, but he couldn’t do anything about Ji Qinyang. Although the boy lacked ambition and didn’t follow the rules, he never skipped class, never fought, and never slept during class. It was hard to even scold him for not taking his studies seriously.

 

“You should work harder,” Mr. Mi Le Fo advised patiently. “Learn from Xie Meng, preview before class, and review after.”

 

It was evening self-study. Students and the teacher were having a one-on-one conversation in front of the podium. Ji Qinyang’s voice was lazy.

 

“I do,” he smiled, “but I don’t have that talent. My skill points weren’t allocated there.”

 

Xie Meng, who overheard this, instinctively looked up. Ji Qinyang happened to look over at the same time. He made a goofy face by pushing his lips down with his tongue and rolling his eyes, making Xie Meng burst out laughing.

 

“…What’s wrong?” Zhang Ganggang asked, bewildered.

 

Xie Meng coughed and composed himself. “Nothing, just choked on water.”

 

Zhang Ganggang gave him a look that said, “I don’t believe you, but I’ll let it go.” He had spent the whole morning telling Xie Meng about a new online friend he had met, speaking with enthusiasm and excitement. “She’s so cute and gentle, and she writes poetry with such amazing talent…”

 

Xie Meng listened while glancing at the podium. Ji Qinyang had already looked away, continuing to lazily bicker with Mr. Mi Le Fo as if nothing had happened.

 

A few days before the midterms, Ji Qinyang invited Qi Fei to play basketball. They played for half a day with a group of upperclassmen and were finally let off the court during halftime.

 

Qi Fei was the boy who had asked Ji Qinyang if he was close with Xie Meng. “I heard the sophomore class formed a band. Are you interested?”

 

Ji Qinyang lay on the ground with his arms behind his head, indifferent. “Just a small-time thing, not interested.”

 

“Don’t be so sure,” Qi Fei laughed. “I heard the lead singer is Yin Luoxue.”

 

Ji Qinyang paused at the mention of her name. “What’s she getting involved for?”

 

Qi Fei shrugged. “How would I know? She’s chasing you all the way… When did you two break up?”

 

Ji Qinyang snorted. His smile remained, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I have nothing to do with her. She can do whatever she wants.”

 

Qi Fei clicked his tongue. “She seems really into you. I heard she transferred to W High just because you were there. I saw her during military training, practically staring holes into you.”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t respond. The temperature had cooled significantly in November. After lying down for a while, he sat up and put on his jacket, noticing Qi Fei copying answers from a test paper.

 

“Since when did you get so diligent?” Ji Qinyang teased, leaning over to take a look. “Whose answers are you copying?”

 

“Xie Meng’s,” Qi Fei replied.

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Since when were you so close with him?”

 

“It’s not about being close,” Qi Fei said nonchalantly. “I asked him, and he gave it to me. He’s a nice guy.”

 

Ji Qinyang’s expression turned subtle. He suddenly grabbed Xie Meng’s test paper, ignoring Qi Fei’s protests.

 

Xie Meng’s handwriting was as neat and efficient as his persona. It wasn’t particularly beautiful but was tidier than most boys’. Ji Qinyang lost interest after a brief look and tossed the paper back to Qi Fei before putting on his jacket.

 

“How long are you going to copy?” Ji Qinyang kicked Qi Fei’s knee. “Let’s go.”

 

“What are we eating?” Qi Fei slowly gathered his papers. “Lamb?”

 

Ji Qinyang shook his head. “I promised my mom I’d eat at home.”

 

“Is Fairy Sister cooking today?” Qi Fei asked.

 

Ji Qinyang shot him a look. “Who told you to call my mom that?”

 

“Oh come on, what’s wrong with Fairy Sister? Last time we went to play dance machine, a college student hit on her, and you didn’t seem mad.”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t say anything. He reached out and pressed down on Qi Fei’s head, with a force that carried a hint of warning.

 

Xie Meng was reminded by someone that his phone in his jacket pocket was vibrating. The caller ID showed Zhang Ganggang’s name.

 

“Where are you?” Zhang Ganggang sounded quite anxious. “I’ve called you several times!”

 

“…What’s up?” Xie Meng sighed.

 

Zhang Ganggang said, “I can’t solve many problems on the practice test we got earlier… Rou Rou hasn’t been around recently. Where’s your test paper?”

 

Xie Meng replied, “I gave it to Qi Fei.”

 

Zhang Ganggang screamed, “Why’d you give it to him? We’re close, why didn’t you save it for me?”

 

Xie Meng rubbed his nose and finally said, “Why don’t you come find me? I’ll teach you in person.”

 

“Okay, okay!” Zhang Ganggang said, “Give me the address, I’ll come right over!”

 

“XX Road, OO Number, 3rd floor, Room 2,” Xie Meng replied.

 

Zhang Ganggang muttered, “3rd floor… Room 2…” He paused, then his tone became cautious. “Isn’t that the famous martial arts center in the city…?”

 

“Yes,” Xie Meng’s tone was gentle and calm. “I’m in the Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) area. Make sure you don’t go to the wrong place.”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “…”

 

When Ji Qinyang got home, Ji Shanrong was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper. He didn’t look up when he saw his son, only saying, “You’re back.”

 

Ji Qinyang responded with a hum. Mo Suyuan came out of the kitchen carrying a large pot. “Go wash your hands,” his mother urged. “Your dad brought crabs home. Eat a couple more today.”

 

Ji Qinyang wasn’t particularly fond of crabs. He washed his hands and sat down at the table, idly fiddling with the crab legs. Ji Shanrong, a geologist who spent his days traveling far and wide for research, had a passion for rocks that far exceeded his interest in his son.

 

Mo Suyuan busily shelled crabs for the father and son, casually chatting with Ji Qinyang.

 

“Is school fun?” Since Ji Qinyang started high school, Mo Suyuan never seemed worried. She always asked if it was fun, as if her son was going there to play, not study.

 

Ji Shanrong piled up crab roe, dipped it in vinegar and ginger, and handed it to his wife, reminding her, “Slow down, it’s hot.” He watched her eat happily.

 

“…Even dogs need to be treated well,” Ji Qinyang muttered, feeling overwhelmed by the display of affection.

 

“What are you saying?” Mo Suyuan laughed and tapped Ji Qinyang on the head, then asked again, “Is school fun?”

 

Ji Qinyang bit into a crab leg and said noncommittally, “It’s alright… pretty interesting.”

 

Mo Suyuan asked, “Are there any pretty girls?”

 

Ji Qinyang mumbled, “…Didn’t notice.”

 

Mo Suyuan continued, “What about boys?”

 

Ji Qinyang paused, and Xie Meng’s face flashed through his mind, causing him to frown slightly.

 

Mo Suyuan blinked, then laughed. “Really? Better looking than you?”

 

Ji Qinyang glanced at his mother, then looked at his father. Ji Shanrong was still slowly shelling a crab leg. The father and son exchanged a look, and the old man pretended to cough. “Why are you interested in some boy?”

 

Mo Suyuan smiled sweetly and teased, “Are you jealous?”

 

Ji Shanrong had no way to deal with his wife, who still acted like a young girl despite her age. Helplessly, he replied, “Yes, yes,” and put some crab meat into her bowl.

 

“Make more friends,” Mo Suyuan finally said, ruffling her son’s fluffy hair. “School is supposed to be fun.”

 

Zhang Ganggang stood outside the dojo, clutching his bag nervously. When Xie Meng greeted him, he entered the arena. Though Xie Meng’s figure seemed slender, he moved with resilience while sparring. His fitted silk tunic flowed gracefully as he struck, creating arcs with his sleeves.

 

After exchanging about thirty or forty moves with his master, Xie Meng ended the bout, wiping sweat as he walked out.

 

“Where’s the paper?” Xie Meng asked, looking at Zhang Ganggang’s bag. “Which parts don’t you understand?”

 

Only then did Zhang Ganggang remember why he was there. He hurriedly took out the papers from his bag.

 

Xie Meng draped a towel around his neck and began marking the paper with a pen. Zhang Ganggang watched him, noticing the damp strands of hair hanging over Xie Meng’s forehead.

 

“Substitute this directly, then find the sum after extracting the root…” Xie Meng paused, his eyes falling on Zhang Ganggang’s distracted face. He sighed, “Are you listening?”

 

Zhang Ganggang replied, “You’re so handsome.”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “When did you start learning Sanda?”

 

Xie Meng: “When I was a kid, my health wasn’t good, so my grandma sent me to learn… This geometry problem…”

 

“Let’s set that aside for now, no rush.” Zhang Ganggang’s focus had completely shifted. “Is learning this useful? For fighting or self-defense…”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “Hero saving a damsel in distress?”

 

Xie Meng looked at him speechlessly.

 

“Helping the needy?” Zhang Ganggang struck a heroic pose.

 

Xie Meng finally couldn’t hold back. “I just learn Sanda, I’m not Superman or Spider-Man. What are you thinking?”

 

Zhang Ganggang persisted, “Then what’s the use of learning it?”

 

Xie Meng reluctantly said, “First, to strengthen the body…”

 

Zhang Ganggang’s eyes sparkled. “And then?”

 

“Then… maybe…” Xie Meng felt uneasy under his gaze, finally forcing out, “to defend the country… perhaps?”

 

“No matter what,” Zhang Ganggang said seriously, “you’re really cool.”

 

Xie Meng: “…Thanks.”

 

By the time Xie Meng finished helping Zhang Ganggang with the questions, it was already past dinner time. They ate dinner at a lamb shop near the martial arts school.

 

“Rou Rou has been busy lately; they seem to have exams too.” Zhang Ganggang slurped his noodles. “She also tells me to study hard and make progress every day.”

 

Xie Meng was carefully picking garlic out of his noodles. When he heard the phrase “study hard and make progress every day,” he paused. His dark, clear eyes fixed on Zhang Ganggang through the steam from the lamb soup, without saying a word.

 

Zhang Ganggang seemed to understand what Xie Meng was doubting. His baby face turned red, and he stammered, “We, we don’t, don’t have an early romance… It’s just mutual encouragement… sharing…”

 

“You don’t like her?” Xie Meng finally finished picking out the garlic. He lifted some noodles and blew on them gently. “Besides asking me about homework, all you talk about is Rou Rou… How did you meet her?”

 

Zhang Ganggang’s face was still red, looking awkward and shy. “We met in a study group chat…”

 

“…” Xie Meng didn’t understand what a study group chat was.

 

“It’s a group where lots of good students gather to discuss homework and stuff…” Zhang Ganggang explained, embarrassed. “I secretly joined S High’s group.”

 

Xie Meng gaped, “To exchange answers?”

 

“Of course not!” Zhang Ganggang was startled and firmly denied it. “Rou Rou is amazing! They discuss very difficult questions and take it very seriously!”

 

Xie Meng couldn’t imagine that scene. After thinking for a while, he asked, “Do they know you’re from W High?”

 

“No…” Zhang Ganggang’s face fell. “I’m too embarrassed to say. Their questions are very difficult, and I don’t understand them… Once, I accidentally asked about something I didn’t understand, and only Rou Rou responded.”

 

Xie Meng said nothing. He patted Zhang Ganggang’s arm, remained silent for a while, then finally said, “It’s okay. Not knowing the answers isn’t shameful. It’s their problem for not responding to you.”

 

Zhang Ganggang smiled, “That’s what Rou Rou said too.”

 

Xie Meng nodded, “She must be very outstanding.”

 

Zhang Ganggang blushed again, grinning foolishly as if he himself had been praised.

 

“You’re also outstanding.” Zhang Ganggang lightly nudged Xie Meng’s shoulder. “I think you could answer those difficult questions too. It’s just that you’re not at S High. So what?”

 

Xie Meng couldn’t help but laugh. He nudged Zhang Ganggang back, saying slowly, “There are only two things in the world that are fair: knowledge and time. Once you understand that, it doesn’t matter which school you attend.”

 

Zhang Ganggang, with a mouth full of noodles, looked at Xie Meng with admiration and gave a thumbs up.

 

“Yeah,” Xie Meng leisurely finished his lamb soup, “But I didn’t come up with that last sentence.”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “…”