Chapter 15

As the weather grew colder, Xie Meng came out to train one morning and was surprised to not be exchanging any blows with Zhang Xiujuan. The old lady was basking under the sun in the courtyard, nodding off in sleep.

“Grandma.” Xie Meng wiped his sweat, “Go in to sleep, it’s cold outside.”

Zhang Xiujuan’s eyes squinted in a smile. After November, she would be turning 70. Recently, she had not been as energetic as before.

“Suddenly, I really do feel my age,” Zhang Xiujuan tucked in her white hair behind her ear. She patted the seat next to her, “Come sit down with your grandmother.”

Xie Meng sat down next to her and rubbed at her hands, “Now, the ones who call themselves old are actually not old at all.”

“That’s different,” Zhang Xiujuan said lightly. “When I say I’m old, I’m really old. I know it myself.”

It was rare that Mo Suyuan would wake up early on Saturday to go fishing with Ji Shanrong in Xishan. She had already been used to her son running and training in the morning.

“Would you like me to prepare anything when you bring your friend over to play?” Mo Suyuan yawned as she rummaged through the refrigeration, mumbling, “There’s not enough snacks…”

Ji Qinyang wore his shoes, pulling his headphones on. “He can do it himself, don’t worry.”

Mo Suyuan gave him a look. “How can you let the guest do it themselves?”

Then, she was a little uncertain, “Is it really not a girl?”

“It’s my boyfriend.” Ji Qinyang raised his brow, speaking in a manner where it was not certain if he was lying or not. “His name is Xie Meng, I’ll introduce him to you next time.”

Mo Suyuan thought he was joking. She waved at him, preparing to wait for her son to leave before taking the strawberries from the fridge into the kitchen to wash them.

Xie Meng opened the gate to the courtyard, waiting for Ji Qinyang to stop his bicycle. When the boy was locking his bike, he suddenly asked, “Hey, why doesn’t the key fit?”

“Let me take a look.” Xie Meng did not doubt him. When he bent over, Ji Qinyang suddenly turned his head and planted a light, butterfly kiss on his lips.

Xie Meng, “…”

Zhang Xiujuan called out from inside the house, “Street were few and far. Ji Qinyang pushed his bicycle, walking silently next to Xie Meng. The light and shadows came and went, blurring their expressions like it was an old-fashioned movie.

“Are you angry with me for not telling you about Zhongyin?” In the dark, Ji Qinyang suddenly spoke up. Only when they were about to approach the next streetlight did he hear Xie Meng sigh.

“No.” Xie Meng stood under the streetlight, a glow cast upon his face. The boy’s face was gentle, “I’m only a little surprised…”

He deliberated, “I’m very happy for you that you are able to go to Zhongyin. Really, it’s terrific.”

Ji Qinyang frowned, “But you don’t want to go to Beijing.”

Xie Meng bit his lip. He avoided Ji Qinyang’s eyes, trying to speak as calmly as possible, “Even if I don’t go to Beijing, there wouldn’t be any changes…”

“You want to be in a long-distance relationship with me?” Ji Qinyang’s tone was a little rushed, icy and sharp. “Or, do you think that it’s fine if we break up because of the distance?”

Xie Meng’s eyes widened, his expression complicated and angry. He opened his mouth, refuting, “What are you saying…?!”

“You never tell me anything, and I also don’t know what you’re thinking.” Ji Qinyang stared at his face, “I’m just like a hot-headed fool.”

Xie Meng clenched his fist. He seemed to be holding himself back, and spoke coldly after a moment, “Then, did you tell me about going to Zhongyin? You would rather tell Qi Fei, then talk to me about it!”

The lane was empty and quiet, and the light from the streetlamp scattered across Ji Qinyang’s feet. He turned his face away, his voice stiff, “I don’t want to quarrel with you.”

Xie Meng was silent. He watched as Ji Qinyang swung his leg over his bicycle. Supporting himself on one foot, the boy leaned over slightly, and placed a somewhat forceful kiss on his brow bone.

“I’m going back,” Ji Qinyang said lowly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”