CH 6

Shen Wenqiu didn’t have a penny in his pocket, let alone any money. The clothes he wore and the shoes on his feet were all bought by Lu Yong.

After walking a few steps, he was dumbfounded. He hadn’t lived in H city before and hadn’t been out much, so he didn’t recognize the way at all. He just walked along the road, going forward aimlessly. This area seemed to be an old city district, and something was being renovated. On the left was the blue building partition that was placed upright, and on the right was the old stores.

There was no construction at night, and the place looked quiet and desolate.

There were no vehicles and pedestrians passing by on the narrow road, only he walked alone on the deserted street.

At this point the stores closed one after another, and the iron gates were locked. At a glance, he saw only one kiosk that was still open, and the glass door was pasted with words such as “tobacco”, “wine”, “mobile top up” and so on that were missing some strokes.

It looked like an old shop, and the decoration style was similar to the ones ten years ago. 

Shen Wenqiu stopped and couldn’t help but wander.

The cicadas producing noises like “chirps” in his ears, bringing his thoughts back to the summer twelve years ago——

Military training1 in the hot weather was hell.

As soon as the squadron dispersed, everyone rushed into the school’s canteen to buy ice water and iced drinks. Shen Wenqiu noticed that Lu Yong never bought water and snacks. He always brought an old thermos cup that had chipped off of paint and drank the free boiled water from the school.

The two had already made friends without knowing it. Shen Wenqiu became more familiar with the classmates in his class, but within a few days, a small group had been vaguely established, with Shen Wenqiu as the center.

Lu Yong was among them, but he was still brought into the group by Shen Wenqiu, and the relationship with the others was pretty standard.

When everyone went to the supermarket together, Lu Yong would also go with them behind Shen Wenqiu’s butt. When everyone else bought stuff, he didn’t buy anything. But he didn’t seem uncomfortable, and he didn’t seem thirsty watching others drink. However, Shen Wenqiu felt a bit awkward.

Of course, Shen Wenqiu was not short of that little amount of money. He was willing to treat Lu Yong, but if he only paid Lu Yong’s share, it would look like he was treating Lu Yong specially. Shen Wenqiu thought about it and decided to treat everyone directly, so it would be inconspicuous to treat Lu Yong.

Lu Yong was so kind to him, so Shen Wenqiu always wanted to pay Lu Yong back. Shen Wenqiu was pampered and spoiled since childhood, and his housework was done terribly. Every night, Lu Yong silently helped him make the bed and even wanted to wash his clothes. Shen Wenqiu refused. It was as if he was spending money to buy a young servant. He privately talked to Lu Yong, and said, “My dad is just joking. You don’t have to take care of me specially.”

Lu Yong said, “It’s okay, I see you’re not quite used to it. The clothes you washed last time, they’re still dirty. Why don’t I wash it for you to make it cleaner?”

He was a two-handed person and still can not work as well as someone with one hand, what was wrong with him?

Shen Wenqiu felt annoyed and ashamed. He was a real young master, but when he was found to be squeamish, he felt embarrassed. After all, he is a boy, and liked to look good in front of others.

However, he knew in his heart that Lu Yong was genuinely good to people, so he couldn’t remain indifferent to his kindness. Otherwise, what else does he take this person for? A young servant? What era is this?

Lu Yong hesitated, and then said to him, “Xiao Baa, you don’t have to treat everyone so frequently. Although you have a lot of pocket money, if this goes on, they will always make you pay for them. That’s not good.”

“You are kind and cute. Even if you don’t spend money to treat people, everyone would still like to be friends with you.”

Shen Wenqiu froze at the time, his expression changed.

Hearing what Lu Yong said, it made it seem like he was a fool.

I am actually taking care of you! But he couldn’t express what he was saying in his heart, Shen Wenqiu let out an “um” from the bottom of his nose, and walked away with a dark expression.

Damn, he’s really ignorant of people’s good will. Shen Wenqiu grumbled and gulped a bottle of milk.

When studying in school, students seemed to be equal, they all wore the same uniform and attended the same class. However, gradually one would find that it was really difficult to make friends with those who have a large gap in family background and expenditure. Shen Wenqiu did not want to force himself and live a difficult life with Lu Yong, but directly or indirectly giving Lu Yong money would seem to hurt his self-esteem. He couldn’t also let Lu Yong follow him, spending that much money.

How should they compromise on this matter? Either he makes his own life difficult, or Lu Yong lets go of his self-esteem.

He wondered if it was not suitable for him to be particularly close friends with Lu Yong; perhaps, it’s better to be an ordinary friend.

He just doesn’t have to care about Lu Yong so much.

Then, Shen Wenqiu didn’t talk to Lu Yong for two days, and didn’t spend any money recklessly to treat people.

In the evening, he saw Lu Yong playing with a flashlight under the quilt in the middle of the night, not knowing what he was doing. He didn’t ask, wanting to gradually lose touch with Lu Yong.

The last day of military training came around in a blink of an eye.

Shen Wenqiu thought he wouldn’t be staying in school anyway. He somehow relied on Lu Yong inexplicably, in a similar fashion as a chick depending on its mother. Since he wouldn’t see him every single day after this, he wouldn’t feel this way anymore.

After the military training was over, the teacher roughly explained some matters needing attention after school reopens. The meeting then adjourned and they returned to the dormitory.

Shen Wenqiu felt that Lu Yong was following step by step behind him. When he arrived at their dorm, he sat down on the bunk and changed his shoes. Lu Yong then walked up to him. Lu Yong was too tall, so he bent down slightly and said to him, “Xiao Baa, will you stop living in school after school starts?”

Shen Wenqiu’s was in turmoil, “I don’t know.”

Lu Yong didn’t question any further, “I have something to give you.”

Shen Wenqiu looked up at him.

Lu Yong handed it over, there was a lamb made of straw in the palm of his hand. It was round and cute.

Shen Wenqiu’s eyes lit up because of its cuteness. He blinked his eyes, and didn’t know whether to accept it or not. Since he was a child, he liked all kinds of lamb-themed dolls and toys, but this was the first time he received handmade products.

Shen Wenqiu looked at Lu Yong, and Lu Yong looked back at him too.

Shen Wenqiu took the lamb and asked, “You’ve been sneaking around these days at night making this, eh? I thought you had started studying in advance.”

Later, he discovered that Lu Yong never stayed up late to study, nor did he attend any tuition classes. He would easily get the idea by just reading the textbooks, even thinking through things by himself when creating something. He hadn’t learned from anyone at all.

Lu Yong smiled, “I’m glad you like it.”

In the afternoon.

Shen Wenqiu’s dad came over and fetched him home.

Shen Wenqiu’s hand was held by his father’s. It was a hot day, the palms of his hands were sweating, and he was secretly playing with the lamb with the other hand. He whispered and said, “Dad, I… I think it’s good to live at school. Can I live at school?”

He tried to cover up and added, “I think it’s not that inconvenient to live in school, and I can sleep more in the morning.”

He thought, Lu Yong was so lonely and gloomy, if he didn’t befriend Lu Yong, wouldn’t Lu Yong have to live a school life being isolated? Wouldn’t it be too pitiful? It’s not a big deal anyway. For him, it’s just like flipping the back of his hand.

Because of Lu Yong, he lives in the school dormitory quite comfortably.

His dad smiled, “Oh my, our Xiao Baa has grown up, taking the initiative to live independently. It seems that military training is very effective! A special application is required for day school, and there’s no need for one to live on campus, so of course you can.”

…

Now that he thought about it, he was more or less not in touch with reality and was too self-centered.

“Haih.”

Shen Wenqiu raised his head, looked at the night sky without stars and moon, and let out a deep sigh. It was still embarrassing to think back on it, and he really wanted to erase those stupid and arrogant youthful days.

“Shen Wenqiu!”

There was a sullen voice calling him.

Shen Wenqiu looked back and saw Lu Yong on the other side of the street.

Shen Wenqiu quickly turned around, and without saying a word, he walked quickly in the opposite direction. He walked faster and faster, as if he was about to run. His heartbeat became more rapid as Lu Yong’s footsteps approached.

Lu Yong’s dark and wide palm grabbed Shen Wenqiu’s shoulder from behind. As he was anxious, he didn’t control his strength and he forced the person backward by grabbing him. Shen Wenqiu felt like he had been thrown down and captured by a large beast that nearly bit his throat.

Lu Yong panted heavily, his eyes were frightening. He stared at him angrily and anxiously, “Where are you going?”

Shen Wenqiu’s heart sank for a moment and smiled shamelessly, “What are you doing? I just came out for a walk.”

“Stop holding me. My bones are almost broken because of you.”

Lu Yong took a deep breath, evened it out, slowly let go of his hand, and said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. Did I hurt you?… You didn’t say a word, I thought you were leaving without saying goodbye.”

“You don’t have a job or a place to live now, so where can you go? I’m worried.”

Neither of them mentioned the WeChat notification, and silently understood to not say anything about it.

Shen Wenqiu went back with Lu Yong.

Shen Wenqiu originally wanted to mention it, but when the words came to his lips, he swallowed.

What can he explain? He was a bad person in the first place. How can he explain that he was not a bad person? Or only in front of Lu Yong, he is not a bad person? Is it important?

The night breeze was blowing.

Suddenly, Shen Wenqiu realized one thing, he shouldn’t come to Lu Yong. Lu Yong was too kind and soft-hearted. He couldn’t even bear to see the stray puppies passing by. If he still retains a good impression in front of Lu Yong and commits suicide… Lu Yong will definitely be sad for him.

In this world, no one would cry for him in the first place.

All because he did an extra move.

Might as well let Lu Yong think of him as a rotten person.

Yes, he should let Lu Yong be deeply disappointed in him! So, even if he heard about his death, Lu Yong would only sigh with sorrow: He deserved to be punished!It’s a good thing. Shen Wenqiu figured out a plan and made up his mind secretly.

On the way back, there was a traffic jam at the intersection, and they were waiting for the traffic light.

Lu Yong held the steering wheel with both hands and tapped his fingers lightly.

Suddenly Lu Yong said, “I’m sorry, I haven’t looked for you in ten years.”

“It’s okay.” Shen Wenqiu replied, “I was the one who warned you not to look for me. It has nothing to do with you that I degenerated into what I am now. “

Perhaps because it was too dreary, Shen Wenqiu actually had something to ask, “Lu Yong, have you inquired about me these years?”

He knew it wasn’t right, but his heart still jumped up without authorization, waiting for Lu Yong’s answer anxiously

Then he heard Lu Yong say, “No.”

He felt like a heavy stone falling down, and killed by a gun.

Shen Wenqiu knew Lu Yong was a good man with a stubborn personality.

Lu Yong would never lie.

But he was a liar, he turned his head and said, “Me too.”

Military training is a (sometimes compulsory) subject in schools and colleges.