Chapter Ten
The second day, I accompanied Jiang Rui to the examination venue once again. When he alighted, Jiang Rui broke into smiles “Look, Jie, I didn’t lie to you. Your destined other is here!”
He was his usual mischievous self as he dragged me over. “Zhuang Fei, Brother Zhuang.” he greeted cheerily.
That was how I came face to face with Zhuang Xu.
Suddenly, all I could hear was Jiang Rui’s faint ramblings in the background. Zhuang Fei and he were deep in conversation while Zhuang Xu stood quietly beside me. There was no one as handsome as him in the throngs around us. I suddenly realised what Jiang Rui was hinting at by ‘destined other’ and my annoyance flared. I couldn’t understand how he could be bothered with such childish pranks while taking his National examinations.
After some time had pa.s.sed, I heard Zhuang Xu say “It’s about time you guys went in.”
“Let’s go let’s go.”
Jiang Rui winked at me before entering the school compound. I pretended to watch their retreating backs until they disappeared completely from view. Now that there was no pretense to hide behind, I had no choice but to acknowledge him, “What a coincidence.”
“Not really.” Zhuang Xu paused. “Actually, I had no intention of coming initially.”
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
If someone else were to say it, I would most likely interpret it a hundred different ways. For example “I didn’t want to come initially but knowing you’re here …” etc. But since it’s Zhuang Xu … I didn’t bother with grand illusions. I figured that since I’d already acknowledged him, I could take my leave.
Before I could say anything, he pre-empted me “Where did you guys eat yesterday?”
I was a little thrown by his question. I couldn’t fathom why he was interested.
“Thank you for looking after Zhuang Fei. Lunch will be on me today.” He looked away.
It was a revelation! So this was his purpose for being here. Zhuang Xu was still his same old self, never willing to “owe” me a single cent. Since I treated his brother to a meal, he wanted to return the favour no matter how packed his schedule was.
I recalled back when I loaned him money, he returned the sum to me in full with an added ten percent interest rate. He made me seem as though I was some loanshark.
He and me … I guess he would never rest easy until all outstanding debts of money or grat.i.tude have been cleared.
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
“Nie Xi Guang.”
His voice brought me back to the present. My eyes hurt and I didn’t want to look at him. I replied softly “I’ll bring you there.”
We were back in the same hotel. We found a seat and both of us obtained a copy of the menu. I stared in a daze at the pictures on it. I could sense Zhuang Xu looking at me. Then, without asking me for my preference, he completed the order.
The dishes he ordered were many times more sumptuous than the ones I ordered yesterday.
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
The waiter left after noting down our order. He then said “You sent my brother home yesterday …”
I didn’t wait for him to finish as I interrupted “You don’t have to thank me. The fuel expense has already been covered in your lunch treat.”
From the corner of my eyes, I could see his fist tighten. I couldn’t help but look up and chanced upon the awkwardness that flashed across his eyes.
I knew I had spoken too harshly but I couldn’t help myself. We lapsed into silence. I couldn’t bring myself to apologise but I also couldn’t bear being there anymore. I rose and said nonchalantly “I’m going to shop. I’ll be back when it’s time.”
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
There was nothing worth shopping in the vicinity but I still went through the motions. When I saw that it was almost time, I bought a book before heading back. I didn’t even take note of the t.i.tle. I just wanted to prove that I had been shopping with a goal in mind.
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
When I rounded a corner, the hotel came into view. I stopped at the intersection. From afar, I could see Zhuang Xu through the gla.s.s.
His lonesome self was sitting ramrod straight as he looked out the window. He emanated melancholy.
His mood was infectious, suddenly I felt downcast as well.
He was not like that earlier. Did that mean my words had hurt his feelings?
I must have lost it. It wasn’t his fault that he didn’t like me so why did I have to injure his feelings? It wouldn’t kill to be on the receiving end of grat.i.tude. In fact, there was nothing to lose by being reciprocated.
I was a bag of emotions as I stood and stared at him. He must have sensed it because he abruptly turned in my direction and looked straight at me.
We remained in this manner for a while.
Finally, he got up, walked out and approached me, “They’re almost done.”
I nodded silently and we headed back to pick them up.
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
Jiang Rui was as jubilant as ever and Zhuang Fei was more cheery than the previous day. Perhaps he felt more at ease with his brother present. When the dishes were served, Jiang Rui exclaimed “Wow! This is more delectable than yesterday. This must be Brother Zhuang’s doing. Only men understand each other.”
Although I was feeling troubled, I still felt an urge to punch him.
“Haha there’s also my favourite ribs! Jie, and your favourite sweet and sour pork. Do eat more.” He picked a piece with his chopsticks and placed it on my plate as he winked at me.
Zhuang Fei laughed shyly “Yesterday, brother asked me what we ate.”
Jiang Rui’s eyebrows went into overdrive “Brother Zhuang is so thoughtful~”
When we finished, Jiang Rui and Zhuang Fei went to rest. I was about to come up with an excuse to leave when Zhuang Xu beat me to it “I have some matters to attend to so I’ll leave for a while.”
I nodded “Okay.”
“Remember to …”
He stopped mid-sentence. I looked at him confused.
“Nothing.” Then, he turned and left.
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
The book I had purchased was not bad but I couldn’t immerse myself in the story. In the end, I decided not to read it so as not to do injustice to the author.
I was lost in thought for a period. When I noticed that it was almost time, I got up to wake them. I had just stood up when my phone rang.
It was Zhuang Xu. Perhaps he had a message for Zhuang Fei? I answered it and it turned out to be a reminder for me “It’s almost time. Remember to rouse them.”
“Yup. I was just about to.”
“I’ll only be back when they’re almost done.”
“Alright, I’ll inform Zhuang Fei.”
He didn’t have anymore to add but he didn’t hang up either. Perhaps he was being polite? I hesitated before finally pressing the red key.
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
I didn’t return to the hotel after sending them back to the examination venue. Instead, I chose a random spot to sit down. Although the sun was blazing, it felt good to be amongst the uncles and aunties who were busy chatting. It was much better than being alone. After some time, an aunty near me started engaging me in conversation.
“Here to accompany your younger sibling to the examinations?”
“Yes, my brother.”
“Are his results good?”
“It’s pretty good. In his prelims, he was first in school …”
Two hours flew by while chatting casually. Suddenly I heard someone call out “Nie Xi Guang”.
Aunty’s eyes curled into little crescents “Oh your boyfriend is here too.”
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
He must have heard it because he stopped in his tracks. I glanced at him, he was unusually quiet as he looked back at me. He didn’t explain himself probably because he wanted me to take the initiative to clarify lest I was embarra.s.sed.
Thus I replied politely “No. He’s also here for his younger brother.”
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
We headed to the school gate together.
“Nie Xi Guang, you sent my brother back yesterday …”
I forced a smile. Must he insist on thanking me? Although I had thought things through earlier, my heart still ached.
“Does that mean you’re no longer angry with me?”
I was taken aback. The midday heat was scorching and the glare was in his face so I couldn’t make out his expression.
“That had nothing to do with you.” I slowly added “But I’m no longer angry.”
Also.
“Thank you for your paper.”
Although you did it for Rong Rong’s sake.
He paused. Then he avoided my gaze and replied “No problem.”
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
Jiang Rui and Zhuang Fei finally emerged. Both of them looked relieved. Once again, Jiang Rui invited Zhuang Fei and Zhuang Xu to leave with us.
However, Zhuang Fei shook his head. “Not today. We’re going towards Xin Jie Kou. It’s not convenient for you.”
Zhuang Xu furrowed his brows “Why are we going there?”
Zhuang Fei stared at him curiously “Didn’t Rong Rong Jie inform you? She said she’s treating us to dinner to celebrate the end of my examination. Mom will be there too.”
Zhuang Xu was at a loss for words and he looked at me immediately.
I had no idea why he was looking at me but I nodded “Then we’ll get going.”
translation has been posted without the permission of the translator.
He seemed really shocked, perhaps Rong Rong intended it to be a surprise?
I turned and boarded the car. When we had driven some distance, I glanced back. Zhuang Xu still remained in his spot.
He must be waiting for a ride … It wasn’t easy to get a taxi during peak hours.
I turned away and stared silently at the steady stream of vehicles that pa.s.sed by. Suddenly, Jiang Rui called out “Jie.”
I looked at him.
“If it’s not on the way, then forget it.”
“Let’s find one who is travelling the same route. With my Jie’s qualifications …”
I couldn’t suppress my laughter. Then I executed my earlier yearning by brutally punching him twice.