Times of Our Lives - Chapter 5

The final exam results were not much different from the mid-term ones, but Zhang Ganggang had made significant progress and squeezed into the top ten.

 

“I can finally take back my New Year’s money…” Zhang Ganggang was so excited he almost cried. “I was afraid I’d lose it if I did poorly in exams.”

 

Xie Meng collected the papers and casually asked, “What are you going to do with so much New Year’s money?”

 

Zhang Ganggang thought seriously for a moment. “First, I want to treat you to a meal.”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Zhang Ganggang continued, “And I want to buy a gift for Rourou.”

 

Xie Meng didn’t immediately respond. “What are you going to buy?”

 

“A gift,” Zhang Ganggang counted on his fingers. “Valentine’s Day is coming soon.”

 

Xie Meng: “… What do you plan to buy?”

 

Zhang Ganggang said, “That lavender bear seems to be very popular now.”

 

Xie Meng: “… Don’t just buy anything randomly. What if it gets infested with bugs?”

 

Zhang Ganggang murmured, “Will it really get bugs?” Then he asked Xie Meng, “Will you accompany me to buy it?”

 

Xie Meng couldn’t refuse Zhang Ganggang’s hopeful puppy face.

 

Even during the winter vacation, Xie Meng’s daily routine didn’t change much: waking up at 6 a.m., having hot milk, boxing practice, and being wary of Zhang Xiujian’s surprise attacks, followed by a half-hour sparring session.

 

“I’m going out for lunch today. I’ve warmed the food for you,” Xie Meng said as he pushed Zhang Xiujian aside.

 

Zhang Xiujian extended her palm and brushed past Xie Meng’s chin. “Oh, a date.”

 

Xie Meng tilted his head to dodge. “It’s with a male friend.”

 

Zhang Xiujian halted her move and smiled. “Male friends are rare too. You’ve never brought a friend home.”

 

Xie Meng: “There will be opportunities in the future.”

 

Zhang Xiujian didn’t believe him. “You said the same thing in middle school, but none ever came.”

 

Xie Meng: “It’s different now compared to back then.”

 

Zhang Xiujian asked, “Which is better?”

 

Xie Meng thought for a moment. “Now is better.” He paused and added, “I’ve met many people and I’m happy.”

 

Zhang Ganggang said he would treat to a meal with great fanfare, but his baby face, wrapped up like a ball, led the waiter to hand the bill to Xie Meng.

 

“I’ll pay! I’ll pay!” Zhang Ganggang insisted, forcefully slapping his red envelope on the table. “Pick any you want!”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Waiter: “…”

 

In the end, the two of them only spent a little over 200 yuan on the meal, largely due to Zhang Ganggang’s conspicuous red envelope. Xie Meng decided to go buy a wallet first.

 

“How much New Year’s money did you get?” Zhang Ganggang asked Xie Meng sneakily.

 

“We don’t have many relatives,” Xie Meng picked a light brown wallet and asked, “How about this one?”

 

Zhang Ganggang glanced casually. “It’s good… Didn’t your grandparents give you any?”

 

Xie Meng: “I live with my grandmother. My parents have passed away.” He signaled to the salesperson to remove the tag and didn’t bother with a bag. Turning back, he saw Zhang Ganggang with a deathly expression.

 

Xie Meng: “… What are you thinking? My parents have been gone since I was in elementary school. It’s okay to talk about it.”

 

Zhang Ganggang almost wanted to engrave “I am a sinner” on his face. He grunted twice. “It’s the New Year. Let’s not talk about this. Let’s be happy.”

 

Xie Meng smiled. “I am happy. You invited me out for a meal, which makes me happy.”

 

He looked at Zhang Ganggang and said with a smile, “Thank you.”

 

As for the gift for Rourou, two inexperienced people chose a very old-fashioned plush bear. Because it was too big, Zhang Ganggang had to carry it back on his back.

 

“How are you going to give it to her?” Xie Meng couldn’t help asking.

 

Zhang Ganggang: “I’ll send it to her. Bringing it directly to school might cause trouble for Rourou.”

 

Xie Meng: “… You’re really considerate.”

 

Zhang Ganggang didn’t mind others calling him considerate. In their family, they had a model where the man took care of household chores while the woman managed external affairs. Being considerate as a man wasn’t derogatory to him.

 

After buying the bear, they strolled around the streets for a while. Zhang Ganggang wanted ice cream, and Xie Meng bought it for him. They took turns carrying the bear, and by the end, they were both a bit exhausted.

 

“I can’t go on… Let’s sit down…” Zhang Ganggang, sweating profusely in the cold, decided to carry the bear back. “How about coming to my house for dinner tonight? My mom has been asking about you.”

 

Xie Meng: “Not today. Another time. You can come to my place too.”

 

Zhang Ganggang naturally had no objections, so he climbed onto the bus with a bear-like appearance that looked comical. He waved to Xie Meng through the bus window.

 

“Be careful,” Xie Meng pointed at his bear, “he’s for delivery.”

 

“I know,” Zhang Ganggang smiled back at him.

 

After seeing off Zhang Ganggang early in the winter night, Xie Meng didn’t rush home. He pulled the hood of his down jacket over his head and walked alone towards Daoqian Street.

 

With the city lights just coming on and the festive atmosphere of the New Year not yet completely faded, the taillights of cars resembled weaving neon lights. Xie Meng crossed the road, where remnants of red paper from fireworks were scattered around the streets. The cultural market had reopened since the fifth day of the new year, and many students were busy purchasing study materials for the upcoming semester.

 

Xie Meng browsed through a row of bookshelves, preparing to bend down and search, when someone behind him accidentally tapped the back of his head with their arm.

 

The person lowered their head and somewhat uncertainly called out Xie Meng’s name.

 

Xie Meng looked up, somewhat surprised. “Han Dong?”

 

“Long time no see,” Han Dong nodded in greeting. “How have you been?”

 

Xie Meng shrugged slightly, smiling. “Can’t complain.”

 

Han Dong scrutinized him carefully for a moment.

 

“Happy New Year,” he finally said.

 

The cultural market was very close to S High School, with many coffee shops nearby where students could study. Qi Qinyang sat in front of a cup of snow peak milk coffee, idly waiting for Ji Molian to pick out a cake.

 

“I want both of them…” Ji Molian pouted in distress. “Let’s buy both.”

 

Qi Qinyang glanced at her. “You gained six pounds over the New Year, isn’t that enough?”

 

Ji Molian rolled her eyes and sat back in her seat. She had been studying at S High for half a semester, not doing particularly well academically but familiar with the surrounding coffee shops. Taking advantage of the book-buying opportunity, she had convinced her cousin Qi Qinyang to accompany her for snacks.

 

The wind chimes at the entrance of the shop rang a few times, causing Ji Molian to instinctively look up. When she saw someone approaching, she quickly recoiled.

 

“What’s wrong?” Qi Qinyang raised an eyebrow. 

 

“Shh!” Ji Molian nervously hushed. “I saw Han Dong! He’s like a celebrity in our international class, handsome and a top student. He’s my new boyfriend.”

 

Qi Qinyang was puzzled. “You’re hiding from your boyfriend?”

 

Ji Molian said seriously, “I’ve self-declared him as my boyfriend, he doesn’t know.”

 

Qi Qinyang: “…”

 

Ji Molian peeked again. “He’s out with a guy… Hmm, that person looks familiar?”

 

Before Qi Qinyang could turn around, Ji Molian suddenly realized, “Ah! I saw him on the middle school section’s website of our school’s BBS! His name is Xie… Xie Meng?”

 

Han Dong bought coffee and asked Xie Meng, “What would you like to drink?”

 

Xie Meng glanced at the drink menu. “Just plain milk.”

 

“Still the same habits,” Han Dong paid. “You always drink milk when you come.”

 

Xie Meng didn’t respond. He chose a seat by the window where a bunch of green plants conveniently blocked his view.

 

Han Dong gestured, “Let me show you something.” He took out his phone and scrolled through some screenshots in his album, pushing them towards Xie Meng.

 

It happened to be the chat records from the day when Zhang Ganggang had a heated debate in the S High group.

 

“…,” Xie Meng frowned. “You guys bullied him?”

 

Han Dong chuckled, “That’s not the main point.” He tapped on his phone screen, “These few were all promoted directly from middle school. They’re quite skilled to keep harping on this issue. Although the original posts were closed, they weren’t deleted. They sank to the bottom, but you know what the click counts mean.”

 

Xie Meng remained silent, taking a sip of milk before speaking after a while, “It doesn’t matter now, anyway I’m at W School.”

 

Han Dong looked at him, “Lin Hengjing has been discharged from the hospital. The school is investigating the incident. If he wants to avoid losing his teaching credentials, he’ll have to prove the allegations of coercion against you.”

 

Han Dong sighed, “You were too impulsive. The angles in those photos were well-captured. The one who got beaten up ended up looking like the victim.”

 

Accessing the school’s internal BBS wasn’t quick. Ji Qinyang logged in using Ji Molian’s account and scrolled for a long time to find the already closed post titled [Shocking].

 

Three photos were posted in the first comment, all taken sneakily from the side, making it appear as if Xie Meng was forcefully kissing someone against a wall.

 

“Wow,” Ji Molian covered her mouth, “this is our experimental building… it’s so intense.”

 

Ji Qinyang squinted and scrutinized the photos for a while, then suddenly said, “These are screenshots; originally they should have been videos. The person who posted this only captured a few frames.”

 

Ji Molian blinked, “Are you saying…?”

 

Ji Qinyang gestured lightly with his index finger near his lips.

 

Xie Meng’s milk had turned cold in front of him. He looked out the window expressionlessly, his face as if covered with frost. Condensation clung to the glass, the sky was dark, and the city lights at night were dim.

 

“I found out who took the photos, and Lin Hengjing will naturally find out too,” Han Dong motioned for the waiter to bring the cafe’s business card and a pen, “His name is Zhuo Xiaoyuan. It’s quite coincidental that he also got into W School. I don’t know if he’s contacted you, but he has the evidence, and Lin Hengjing will surely find a way to reach him.”

 

Xie Meng hesitated for a moment, then finally took the business card.

 

“Thanks,” Xie Meng said sincerely.

 

Han Dong nodded, “I’ve always believed in you.”

 

Xie Meng nodded, “I know. The Academic Affairs Office didn’t dismiss me in the last few months… it was because of what you said for me.”

 

“Friends should support each other,” Han Dong stood up, patting Xie Meng’s shoulder, “Let’s go, I’ll drive you home.”

 

Qi Fei’s family was always bustling, especially during the New Year when gatherings often extended past the eighth day. When Ji Qinyang called, he was holding the daughter of a certain cousin, who had just peed on his leg.

 

“Hey hey!” Qi Fei held the little girl in one hand and answered the phone with the other, “Who’s this?!”

 

Ji Qinyang’s voice carried a hint of amusement, “Are you being cornered by aunts and uncles again?”

 

Qi Fei sighed, “…” “Can you come rescue me?”

 

“Can’t help you with that,” Ji Qinyang chuckled.

 

Qi Fei was annoyed, “Then why are you calling to stir things up…”

 

“But this is important,” Ji Qinyang lowered his voice, unusually serious, “Do you know someone named Zhuo Xiaoyuan?”

 

Qi Fei thought for a moment, “Sounds familiar… isn’t he in Class 6?”

 

Ji Qinyang asked further, “Who is he close to?”

 

“How would I know…” Qi Fei was puzzled, “Why are you suddenly interested in others?”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t answer immediately. After thinking for a while, he suddenly said, “Alright, I’ve got it. I’ll hang up first.”

 

“Hey hey…” Qi Fei didn’t have time to clarify, Ji Qinyang had already hung up.

 

The little girl on Qi Fei’s leg widened her eyes, sucking on her finger as she stared at her brother, “Gege… hug!”

 

Qi Fei was exasperated, “Damn it! Don’t wipe your saliva on my arm!”

 

This wasn’t Xie Meng’s first time riding in Han Dong’s car. The driver also knew him, and Han Dong gestured for him to get in first.

 

“Why do I remember it wasn’t this one before?” Xie Meng looked towards the trunk, “When did you change it?”

 

Han Dong shrugged, “New Year’s gift, just driving around.”

 

“…”

 

Changing the subject, Xie Meng asked, “By the way, do you know a girl named Rourou?”

 

Han Dong hesitated for a moment, his expression somewhat subtle. “Why do you ask about this?”

 

Xie Meng explained, “It’s about Zhang Ganggang, the one who argued in your group. He’s very close with a girl named Rourou. I don’t know if you know her and what she’s like.”

 

Without hesitation, Han Dong replied, “Of course, she’s very nice, extremely nice.”

 

“Hmm?” Xie Meng looked at him suspiciously. “You’re quite close to her?”

 

Han Dong nodded, beginning to list, “She comes from a good family background, excels in academics, looks good, impeccable character, respects teachers, loves classmates.”

 

Xie Meng interrupted, “…I didn’t need to know all that.”

 

Han Dong continued, “You can tell your friend.”

 

Xie Meng considered it reasonable.

 

“What about him?” Han Dong suddenly asked, “How’s your friend doing?”

 

“Zhang Ganggang?” Xie Meng replied seriously, “He’s doing well, very likable, outgoing, and diligent in his studies.”

 

Han Dong requested, “Do you have a photo? Show me.”

 

Xie Meng showed him a group photo of himself with Zhang Ganggang.

 

After looking at it for a while, Han Dong frowned slightly, somewhat dissatisfied. “Don’t you have a solo one? Send me one.”

 

Xie Meng hesitated.

 

Han Dong’s car could only drop off at Shantang Street. Xie Meng got off, bidding farewell to Han Dong through the car window.

 

“If you have any trouble, let me know,” Han Dong watched him. “I’ll help if I can.”

 

Xie Meng nodded gratefully. “I know. Thank you.”

 

Han Dong waved his hand, instructing the driver to turn around, and mouthed a “goodbye” to Xie Meng.

 

The New Year’s celebration on Shantang Street was still ongoing, with bustling vendors lining the streets. Han Dong’s car struggled through the crowd, its red taillights blinking amidst the endless neon lights.

 

The dragon dance troupe blocked Xie Meng’s view as he slowly walked onto the arch bridge. An elderly lady he recognized from the bridge handed him a freshly made cotton candy. “Happy New Year, young man.”

 

“Happy New Year,” Xie Meng smiled back.

 

He sat on the bridge pier, where he could lower his head and see the black boats cruising at night, rowers singing songs. A single pole shattered the reflections of lanterns on both banks, while the dragon meandered across the bridge, lighting up the pink walls, dark tiles, pavilions, and towers on either shore.