Times of Our Lives - Chapter 24

“This is your student ID card. You can pick up your military training gear in front of the Friendship Hall, and your dorm room is 403… Oh, do you know where the Friendship Hall is?” Mo Shanshan, who was in charge of welcoming new students, couldn’t help but chatter. She stared at the young man filling out the form, almost unable to look away. “Do you want me to take you there?”

 

Ji Qinyang looked up. His features were delicate and handsome, with a silver earring dangling from his left ear, glinting brightly in the sunlight.

 

“No need, senior sister,” the young man smiled. “I know the way myself.”

 

Mo Shanshan opened her mouth but was rendered speechless by his smile. Her mind went blank for a second.

 

Ji Qinyang finished filling out the form, got the dorm key, and went alone to the front of the Friendship Hall.

 

On the way, he kept receiving advertisements for various clubs.

 

After picking up his things, Ji Qinyang went to the dormitory. Because he arrived early, he was the only one in the dormitory. Just as he was almost done organizing his things, someone pushed open the door.

 

“Oh, you’re already here.” The newcomer spoke in a Beijing accent, with only half of his upper body dressed, cheerfully greeting, “Hello, hello, I’m Guo, Guo Luoluo Shi Yi Fei, Guo Lin’an.”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and shook hands with him. “Ji Qinyang, from Ji Xianlin.”

 

Guo Lin’an quickly added, “Nice, both of us are descendants of famous people. What a coincidence.”

 

He familiarly chose the bunk above Ji Qinyang’s, immediately unpacked his luggage, put on a clean T-shirt, and kept chatting, “Hey handsome, where are you from?”

 

“Suzhou, Jiangsu.” Ji Qinyang finished organizing his things and locked the cabinet.

 

Guo Lin’an jumped down from the upper bunk enthusiastically. “Suzhou, a great place! A land of beauty and talents. There are a lot of beauties there, right?”

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow. “Beijing also has quite a few.”

 

Guo Lin’an gave him a thumbs-up. “Bro, you’re quite eloquent!”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled back. “You’re pretty good at chatting too.”

 

Guo Lin’an asked him, “How about we have dinner together later?”

 

“Not today.” Ji Qinyang took his wallet and phone. “I have plans with someone else.”

 

He left the school and found the bus stop at Fuxing South Station. While sending a text message, he waited for Bus No. 4, got on it, rode 13 stops, and walked 270 meters to arrive at Renmin University.

 

It was also the first day of registration for new students here. As he walked into the campus, he was bombarded with recruitment advertisements.

 

“Where are you?” Ji Qinyang held his phone and looked around. His height and face attracted a lot of attention from people nearby.

 

“Mingde Square.” Xie Meng’s voice on the other end was somewhat noisy, as if someone was talking next to him. He said, “Just wait a moment.”

 

Ji Qinyang listened to the polite refusal from the young man, “I can’t dance… and I can’t sing either… I’m really sorry…”

 

“Business seems to be booming,” Ji Qinyang joked. “Stay where you are, I’ll come find you.”

 

Xie Meng laughed too. “You make it sound like I have no choice… Wait, I see you.”

 

Ji Qinyang turned around and saw Xie Meng walking towards him.

 

The young man seemed to have just sweated, with some damp hair sticking to his forehead. When Xie Meng approached, Ji Qinyang couldn’t help but reach out and flick it.

 

“…,” Xie Meng simply lifted his bangs and murmured, “It’s grown… I need to cut it.”

 

“Now?” Ji Qinyang asked.

 

Xie Meng thought for a moment. “Sure.”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and openly hugged his shoulder without any reservation.

 

The two chatted about the Beijing subway and Ji Qinyang asked about Xie Meng’s dormitory.

 

“I came out alone,” Xie Meng carefully studied the map routes. “I arrived early and haven’t seen anyone from the same dormitory.” He looked at Ji Qinyang. “What about you?”

 

“I met a local guy, pretty talkative,” Ji Qinyang said. 

 

Xie Meng: “Beijingers seem to be quite good at chatting.”

 

Ji Qinyang: “Yeah, southerners are too reserved.” Ji Qinyang found a nearby hair salon using his phone, took Xie Meng’s ID to buy subway tickets. “This works. Say whatever you want, no need to hold back.”

 

Xie Meng replied with an “Hmm,” not arguing. They got on the subway together, the car quite crowded. Ji Qinyang leaned against the carriage, almost holding Xie Meng in his arms.

 

Just before they reached the hair salon, Zhang Ganggang called.

 

“This is my new number!” Zhang Ganggang’s voice was energetic on the phone. “Quickly! Write it down!”

 

“Alright.” Xie Meng agreed, saving the number. He casually asked Ji Qinyang, “Did your school give it to you?”

 

Ji Qinyang: “They did, but I haven’t changed it yet. I’ll tell you later.”

 

Zhang Ganggang exclaimed, “Yi Mei is next to you? How come you didn’t invite me out?!”

 

Xie Meng: “…I’m going to get a haircut.”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “You should have called me too! The Media College is so far away, wuwuwu, but there are so many pretty girls around the Foreign Languages Department…”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

He sent Zhang Ganggang his location and gestured to the hairstylist to trim his bangs. Ji Qinyang sat beside, seeming interested in getting his hair done too.

 

“Change the color,” Ji Qinyang gestured over his head in a circle, asking Xie Meng, “What color do you like?”

 

Xie Meng thought for a while, somewhat troubled. “Seems like any color would suit…”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled cheerfully and said, “Then let’s pick one.”

 

The hairstylist standing behind also joined in, suggesting, “How about ash blonde? With your fair skin and natural fluffy hair, ash blonde would definitely look good.”

 

Ji Qinyang remained silent, seemingly determined to let Xie Meng decide. Xie Meng, uncertain, looked at many pictures and compared for a long time before finally deciding, “Then let’s go with ash blonde… What about the style?”

 

The hairstylist looked in the mirror and said, “Any style would be fine. Your friend has a perfect face shape.”

 

In the end, Xie Meng chose a hairstyle for Ji Qinyang with his bangs styled upwards in a slightly messy and decadently charming look. When everything was done, even the designer couldn’t resist taking a camera to take photos with Ji Qinyang.

 

“Will you pay me for advertising?” Ji Qinyang joked, patting the stray hairs off his clothes and tilting his head to look at Xie Meng. “Does it look good?”

 

Xie Meng sighed, “It looks too good. I regret letting you cut it like this.”

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow and, taking advantage of Xie Meng’s distraction, leaned close to whisper in his ear, “Then hide me away, I’d be more than willing.”

 

Xie Meng chuckled, feeling somewhat helpless, and reached out to tousle the hairstyle that had just been styled.

 

Upon seeing Ji Qinyang, Zhang Ganggang was in a daze for a while. After a long contemplation, he finally said deeply, “Looks aren’t the main thing; having good looks is the way to go.”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t mince words and playfully flicked his forehead.

 

After dinner, a few of them went to the supermarket for groceries. Xie Meng bought some necessities while Ji Qinyang picked up lip balm.

 

“What’s this for?” Xie Meng leaned over and found that Ji Qinyang had also bought hand cream and moisturizer.

 

Ji Qinyang replied, “For you. These are all essentials; you must be uncomfortable coming here.”

 

Xie Meng stared at the lip balm. “Do I need to apply this too?”

 

“Yeah,” Ji Qinyang paid and opened the lid, saying, “Open your mouth, Ah…”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Ji Qinyang applied it for him and used his fingertips to wipe away a little excess from the corner of his lips, gesturing for Xie Meng to press his lips together.

 

Xie Meng sighed, “It feels weird.”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and said, “You’ll get used to it.” He packed away the lip balm and hand cream for Xie Meng. After finishing everything, he noticed Xie Meng was still looking at him.

 

“Why aren’t you applying?” Xie Meng asked.

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow, lifted the shopping bag to shield their faces, and quickly leaned down to kiss Xie Meng’s lips.

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Ji Qinyang: “I’ve applied it for you.”

 

Zhang Ganggang, more traditionally, bought a bunch of snacks and instant noodles. He wasn’t surprised to see Xie Meng holding lip balm. “Ah, Han Daye bought this for me too.”

 

“Han Dong?” Xie Meng asked in confusion. “You’ve met him?”

 

Zhang Ganggang shrugged. “He was the one who picked me up when I registered at the Media College. Rich guy, got a car as soon as he came to Beijing… You guys don’t know how bad the traffic is here. Tsk tsk, truly a big city.”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Zhang Ganggang proudly said, “We’ll have a car to roam around Beijing in the future. How about Sanlitun, Zhongguancun, Wudaokou?”

 

“Don’t even think about it,” Ji Qinyang teased him. “Those places are still jammed. If we drive, we’ll just be stuck in traffic. We can just enjoy the view from the rooftop.”

 

Since Zhang Ganggang’s school was far away, he left after dinner. Ji Qinyang escorted Xie Meng back to school, and they wandered around Renmin University for a while.

 

“I’ll walk you back to your dorm,” Ji Qinyang shook Xie Meng’s hand. “So I know the way and can come find you directly next time.”

 

Xie Meng smiled. “Next time, I’ll come find you at the Central Conservatory of Music.”

 

“Sure, Building 6, Room 403. You’re welcome to spend the night,” Ji Qinyang teased.

 

Xie Meng rolled his eyes. “That’s if there’s enough space to sleep.”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t say anything. He made a small move, and Xie Meng quickly reacted, countering with a move. They sparred for about ten moves, with neither gaining the upper hand.

 

“You’re improving too fast,” Xie Meng sighed. “In a while, I probably won’t be able to beat you.”

 

Ji Qinyang reached out and pinched Xie Meng’s neck. “A master teaches the trade, but the cultivation depends on the individual.”

 

Xie Meng smiled and shook his head. “If you don’t strive, how will you succeed?” Ji Qinyang hooked his arm around Xie Meng’s shoulder. In the shallow night, he kissed Xie Meng’s temple. “I’m your man.”

 

Ji Qinyang returned to the dormitory just one or two minutes before curfew. Guo Lin’an saw him and exclaimed, “Back from your date.” Guo Lin’an leaned over the top bunk and noticed Ji Qinyang’s changed hairstyle. “It looks so cool now.”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and glanced at the two new roommates.

 

“Zhai Lin.” A boy sitting by the door lowered his head and smiled as he introduced himself, “From Sichuan Chongqing. And where are you from?”

 

Ji Qinyang chuckled at his strong Sichuan accent. “I’m from Suzhou.”

 

“That’s pretty close to where I’m from.” The boy at the far end of the room climbed down from his bunk and shook hands with Ji Qinyang. “I’m Bai Xintian, from Ningbo, Zhejiang.”

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow. “What a coincidence. I just visited Xiangshan this summer.”

 

“Was it fun?” Bai Xintian grinned proudly. “Seaside towns, fishing boats at sunset. Did you feel the vibe?”

 

“Yeah,” Ji Qinyang nodded. “It’s a great place.”

 

Bai Xintian continued enthusiastically, “My home is nearby. Come visit when you have time. My mom cooks the best seafood.”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and agreed. After chatting for a while, the boys went to shower and returned to find their hot water flasks filled.

 

There were various snacks on the table, and Ji Qinyang even saw a jar similar to a pickled vegetable jar.

 

Zhai Lin climbed down to get a drink and explained, “My mom made these pickled vegetables herself. They’re so delicious, they’ll make your tongue fall off.”

 

“Thanks,” Ji Qinyang raised the canned food in his hand and climbed onto his bed. He saw Guo Lin’an smiling at him mischievously from across the room.

 

“What’s up?” Ji Qinyang lazily closed his eyes and rested his arm on the pillow. “What time do we have to be at the military training base tomorrow?”

 

“Bright and early at 6:30. It’s a full day of exercises,” Bai Xintian answered.

 

Guo Lin’an added, “It’s not just a day. It’s two weeks of drills, drills, drills!”

 

“And don’t forget the third week of drills!” Zhai Lin added seriously. “Drills, drills, drills!”

 

Ji Qinyang: “…”

 

Guo Lin’an laughed so hard he almost fell off the bed. “Hahaha, why are you so funny?”

 

Zhai Lin choked and complained, “Where did I go wrong?”

 

Bai Xintian joined in the laughter, “Hahaha!”

 

The four of them were in high spirits, with Guo Lin’an sitting cross-legged on the bed, saying, “Come on, let’s chat. Handsome guy, you go first.”

 

“About what?” Ji Qinyang’s voice carried a playful tone. “Besides, there’s more than one handsome guy here.”

 

Bai Xintian agreed, “Zhai Lin looks good too. By the way, Shu area produces handsome men and beautiful women… Zhai Lin, do you have a girlfriend?”

 

“I have a shovel,” Zhai Lin replied with a hint of frustration. “But I look too young, so I get rejected every time I try to find a girlfriend.”

 

Guo Lin’an teased again, “Come on, come on, pots don’t reject you.”

 

Zhai Lin chuckled and retorted, “Get lost.” After a while, he added, “Who else in our dorm has a girlfriend?”

 

“Only single dogs here,” Guo Lin’an raised his hand. “My name is Lonely.”

 

Ji Qinyang hadn’t spoken yet when Guo Lin’an shouted, “I know you have a girlfriend, Handsome. No public displays of affection!”

 

Ji Qinyang chuckled. “There’s really not much to say.”

 

“What about Bai Xintian?” Zhai Lin ignored Guo Lin’an’s wailing and continued, “Didn’t I see a beauty accompanying you when you came?”

 

“Yeah,” Bai Xintian didn’t hide it and admitted generously, “She’s my girlfriend. She got into the Central Academy of Drama this year.”

 

Ji Qinyang asked, “Did you two start dating in high school?”

 

Bai Xintian smiled, “Yeah, we planned to audition together. We faced difficulties together and persevered. It wasn’t easy, but we both love each other deeply.”

 

Guo Lin’an rolled on the bed holding his head, “Heartbreaking… Can’t we just have fun together? I also want someone to accompany me in striving and fighting!”

 

Zhai Lin grumbled, “Why are you so chatty? I’ve been rejected for three years! I’m also a dog!”

 

Bai Xintian turned to Ji Qinyang, “How about you? Did you start dating since high school too?”

 

“Yeah,” Ji Qinyang smiled in the darkness. “But he’s more talented than me. He got into Renmin University.”

 

“That’s lucky to be in the same city. There were several couples in our class before, but they broke up after the college entrance examination,” Bai Xintian commented.

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t say anything. He lifted his arm to cover his forehead. Zhai Lin and Guo Lin’an were still arguing. Ji Qinyang listened for a while, then took out his phone and held it up.

 

Xie Meng had sent a WeChat message a minute ago: “Can’t sleep a bit… Everyone in the dorm is excited. How about you?”

 

“Same here,” Ji Qinyang replied. “When is your military training?”

 

“They say it’s in the second year, at the Shenghua Talent Training Base.”

 

“We won’t see each other for half a month then. I miss you so much.”

 

“…” Xie Meng replied with ellipses.

 

Ji Qinyang couldn’t help laughing out loud. Bai Xintian shook his bed rail from behind the mosquito net, “Are you texting your girlfriend?”

 

“Yeah,” Ji Qinyang finished typing and looked at Bai Xintian in the dim light of the phone screen. “Aren’t you going to text?”

 

Bai Xintian replied, “After three years together, we’re not that clingy. But we still talk on the phone every day.”

 

Zhai Lin exploded, “Damn it, making dogs suffer all night long! If you keep this up, I’ll bark bark bark at you!”

 

Guo Lin’an joined in, “Woof Woof Woof Woof!”

 

Zhai Lin sighed, “…”