Short, Light, Free

"I do not wish to be interviewed . The hotel is in front, you say? Can you tell me the name of it?" I asked, pointing ahead .

"It"s a 5-star hotel . You can"t go in even if I tell you the room number . Plus, we"re unsure . This is Beijing after all . Don"t be so hostile toward us, Mr . Luqiao . We"re not recording right now and are just asking out of curiosity . We saw you from afar, getting dragged out of the car by the driver," the reporter stated .

"So what?" I asked .

"Rest easy, sir . We"re not recording your words . We"re just curious, really . "

I thought about ways to get them to reveal some information .

"How about we get into the car first? We can"t stop here for too long," the cameraman suggested .

"Yeah, would you follow us so we can chat elsewhere? We can help you contact Xiaoyu," the reporter added .

The reporter slid the side door open before hopping onto the front seat .  

I entered the van and closed the door .

"Where do we go now?" the cameraman asked the reporter .

"Let"s find a cafe," the reporter answered .

The minivan moved off and I thought about what I could do next to no avail .

"Do you know the law?" I asked .

"I worked as a manager in the commerce industry before I became a reporter," the reporter said with a forced smile .

The cameraman started laughing . "Hey, I also graduated from public policies and global affairs . " 

"Do you know much about custody and guardians?" I inquired .

"Will I be here if I know that?" the cameraman said laughingly .

"But you graduated?" I asked .

"I stayed in the dorm for all four years, skipping every single cla.s.s," he explained .

I shuddered at that . I was in the same position as well . Then again, I wouldn"t have met Xiaoyu if not for that .

The reporter turned around to look at me . "Custody? Over Xiaoyu? We"ve tried finding information about her parents but there"s nothing . Are you her sole guardian right now?"

"I can"t divulge that story, I"m sorry . "

"What about her parents? Are you her brother? Her surname"s Pang, so are you Pang Luqiao?"

"We"re not blood-related but I"ve been requested to look after her . "

The cameraman parked the car by the side . "Let"s get out . "

The three of us entered the cafe and ordered some coffee .

When all three cups were placed on the table, the reporter smiled and said, "Do you have Weibo or something? You"ve probably become a hot topic by now . "

"What do you mean?" I asked . I fished out my phone and was surprised to see 99 new messages .

I opened my app and saw a spike in the number of fans . Over 4,000 .

My inbox was flooded . Everyone wanted to know what Xiaoyu meant when she said I was the only one who won against her .

Many tagged me to a news with the headlines: The mystery man who defeated Xiaoyu in a game – Luqiao . His Weibo: @luqiao .

I switched my phone off .

"I guessed right, didn"t I?" The reporter smiled knowingly .

"So what?" I challenged .

"We would like to know your story . Share it with us and we might be able to help you publicize it . "

"Right, you"re a reporter, aren"t you? You can enter the broadcasting station?"

"Yes, why?"

"Can you take me to the compet.i.tion hall?"

"Yes, but you"ll have to let us interview you . "

"Alright, but you can only publish it after the compet.i.tion . Deal?"

"This . . . " The reporter turned to the cameraman .

"I can promise not to share the information with other media companies," I added .  

The reporter nodded enthusiastically .

"Do you have a pen and paper?" I asked .

"Of course . I"m a reporter," he answered, looking a bit offended .

"Let"s do up a contract," I proposed .

"Do we have to go that far?" the cameraman commented .

"I draft contracts in my company so I"ll write it . Just sign your names when I"m done . "

"But there"s no seal or even a red pen . What are we signing it with?" the reporter asked, puzzled .

"Boss! Do you have pancakes? Fries will do, too . A lot of ketchup or strawberry sauce on the side please!" I shouted .

"That works?" the cameraman asked, flabbergasted .

"Rules are dead but we"re alive . Take out your pens if you want some exclusive scoops!"

When the contracts were done up, I had them leave their thumbprints on both copies with the help of some ketchup .

I started sharing my story, leaving her parents out of it .  

I talked about how I got to meet and win her over, about the president"s decision to look after her, and his illness .  

"And that"s why I"m here," I finished .

"That"s all? Oh, my G.o.d," the reporter exclaimed .

"I don"t have proper rights to become her guardian but I"ll need to see her once more tomorrow . Do you understand?" I asked .

"We do have tickets to the show and we are even permitted to bring an SLR in . You"ll take the cameraman"s place tomorrow and we can blend in with the audience . How about that? It"s the best we can do for you," the reporter offered .

I nodded .

The next day, at the broadcasting station main hall, I disguised myself as a cameraman by wearing a cap and gla.s.ses .

The reporter brought me right to the front row .

"Wow!" I expressed in amazement .

"You won"t be able to go the backstage, okay?" the reporter told me .

"This is good enough," I said . I just needed Xiaoyu to spot me .

Perhaps she would change her mind if she sees me .

The host stood in front, memorizing his script as the contestants streamed onto the stage .

I caught sight of Xiaoyu . She was looking up at the ceiling listlessly .

It was the finals between China and Australia .

The score was 2-2 and it was Xiaoyu"s turn .

Cheers erupted and the host smiled . "This is the last game and it will be slightly different since we have our top two contestants with us today . On the left, representing China, Pang Xiaoyu . On the right, representing Australia, we have Aria . Xiaoyu is very strong but so is Aria!"

I noted that they were both young girls .

I pointed at Aria . "What"s her background?"

"She"s also a child prodigy . Highly retentive memory . Human camera, they call her . They"re on par, I would think," the reporter threw in his two cents .

"Human camera?" I repeated .

"Ultra memory," he explained .

Supporters from both sides roared upon hearing their representative"s name .

The host continued, "Let"s have the first three rows of the audience up on the stage . "

"What"s going on?" I whispered .

"No idea . "

We walked onto the stage and waited .

I hid at the back, adjusting my cap and lowering my head .

I spotted Xiaoyu"s manager . We were separated by five other audience members .

The host continued, "There are 63 members on the stage right now since there are 21 in each row . On the left is a numbered ball pit, and I need all of you to get one each . Then, from left to right, you will flash the number in your hands, one after another, without stopping . The contestants must add the numbers up mentally, and the one who produces a number closer to the answer will win . There will be a playoff if they give the same answer . Do you understand, everybody?"

The partic.i.p.ants on the stage nodded .

"Alright, one minute to pick a ball!" the host announced .

First round, a draw .

Second, a draw .

"We will increase the difficulty if it"s a draw again," the host added .

"One minute to pick a ball!" he announced again .

After two draws, Xiaoyu was starting to sweat .

I thought about how to solve it and an idea struck me .

I pulled the reporter aside . "Follow me . "

Seeing that Xiaoyu"s manager had already gotten a ball from the pit, I dragged him to her .  

"Do you want Xiaoyu to win?" I asked from behind her .

The manager turned around, shocked to see me . "Why are you here?"

"We only have one minute to select the b.a.l.l.s . Do you want her to win? Xiaoyu"s sensitive to numbers but she doesn"t have a good memory like her compet.i.tor . This game requires her to add all the numbers but she"s at a disadvantage and might lose if the host were to increase the difficulty . " 

"You have a way for her to win?" she asked, looking straight at me .

I bent down, pretending to pick a ball and the reporter followed suit .

"40 seconds left . Promise to have her visit the inst.i.tution and I"ll tell you the method . Accept my offer or risk having her lose to that human camera . Think about it . You know that I"m the only one who"s ever defeated Xiaoyu," I said .

"So that"s your only condition? A visit to the inst.i.tution?" the manager clarified .

"25 seconds to decide," I replied .

"Why do you think she"ll lose?"

"15 seconds to buy an a.s.surance . Your choice . I won"t have any more ideas if he increases the difficulty . "

"Alright, but we"ll cancel the deal if your method doesn"t work . "

I picked up a number 9 ball from the ground . "Let"s all pick a 9 . "

I pointed at the line under the 9 . "This is to differentiate a 6 and a 9 . We"ll show it to Xiaoyu this way," I instructed, covering the line but holding it straight up, showing a 9 .

"When we show it to the Australian girl, we flip it around," I continued, demonstrating how the 9 could become a 6 as the two of them looked on, wide-eyed

"Selection over . Please stand in a row, everyone . "

"Pick a 9, hurry!" I urged, pointing at the ball pit before joining the row .

They quickly rummaged through the b.a.l.l.s and returned their respective spots .

I lifted my cap a little, looked over at the position of the camera before walking forward with the ball in my hand .

Because my face was no longer half covered, Xiaoyu recognized me .

I raised the ball up, winked and gave a thumbs up before putting my hands down .

I then walked over to Aria and raised the ball again after making sure that the camera wasn"t focusing on me .

As she was about to say something, the next audience member raised the ball in his hand for her .

She could no longer verify if my ball was a 6 or 9 . I smirked .

Half the battle had been won .

The audience member then revealed their numbered b.a.l.l.s to the rest of the audience . When it was my turn, I turned the ball around again to show them before throwing it back into the pit .

Shortly after, I was joined by the reporter . "Followed your instruction . Too much . "

"Catching the loophole of the game, that"s all . "

After the reveal, both contestants started writing their number on the blackboards .

Xiaoyu wrote down 365 while Aria"s answer was 356 .

The host spoke, "Things have become interesting! We have different answers, finally . There"s going to be a winner so look forward, everyone!"

A lady walked out from the side .

"We"ll have our lady pick the b.a.l.l.s up to verify the answer," the host invited .

"1st ball is 3 . "

"2nd is 7, so the total is 10 . "

"61st is 354 so the next two b.a.l.l.s must add up to 2 for Aria to be correct . "

"62nd ball is 2, which brings the total number to 356 . "

"The last ball is key now . Is it a 0 or a 9? Or any other numbers? Doesn"t this feel scripted? Let"s have our lady reveal the answer . "

"It"s a 9, which brings the final number to 365 . Our champion has emerged . Congratulations, Miss Xiaoyu of China!" the host declared .

Applause and cheers filled the theatre .

I walked over to the manager downstage . "Remember what you promised . "

After the award ceremony, the reporter and I exited the hall and I went straight to the airport after leaving my contact number with him .

All I heard on the way were discussions about the compet.i.tion and Xiaoyu"s flawless performance .

Epilogue .

Yet another day of work has ended .  

I exited my office building and saw a girl leaning against the wall in front, her eyes closed .

It was Xiaoyu .

I nudged her awake . "Why are you here?"

She handed a bank card to me . "Bring me home, Guardian . "

"What?" I asked .

Looking down at the card, I wondered if it contained the 3,000,000 the president promised .

She continued, "Sister Xiaomei shared the reason for my victory and sent me back to the inst.i.tution . I read the letter he left on his desk and saw this card inside . He wants me to follow you until I turn 18, and you must settle my lodging and food for the next five years . "

"What about the interviews? Your career? Aren"t you the world champion now?" I questioned with a smile .

"But I don"t want to be a star . A mathematician is what I aspire to be," she responded .

"You sure? And how did you know I"m working here?

"The inst.i.tution has your university address, and your university has your company"s receipt . A pity I don"t know your home address, or I"ll be waiting outside your place now," she explained .

"I . . . "

"Let"s go, Guardian . " She laughed and pulled my hand .

"Stop, stop . My house isn"t that way . Actually, how much have you earned so far? Wanna buy me a house? Mine"s too cramped for a big Buddha like you . . . " I teased, grinning .

I do not wish to be interviewed . The hotel is in front, you say Can you tell me the name of it I asked, pointing ahead . It 39 s a 5 star hotel . You can 39 t go in even if I tell you the room number . Plus, we 39 re unsure . This is Beijing after all . Don 39 t be so hostile toward us, Mr . Luqiao . We 39 re not recording right now and are just asking out of curiosity . We saw you from afar, getting dragged out of the car by the driver, the reporter stated . So what I asked . Rest easy, sir . We 39 re not recording your words . We 39 re just curious, really . I thought about ways to get them to reveal some information . How about we get into the car first We can 39 t stop here for too long, the cameraman suggested . Yeah, would you follow us so we can chat elsewhere We can help you contact Xiaoyu, the reporter added . The reporter slid the side door open before hopping onto the front seat . I entered the van and closed the door . Where do we go now the cameraman asked the reporter . Let 39 s find a cafe, the reporter answered . The minivan moved off and I thought about what I could do next to no avail . Do you know the law I asked . I worked as a manager in the commerce industry before I became a reporter, the reporter said with a forced smile . The cameraman started laughing . Hey, I also graduated from public policies and global affairs . Do you know much about custody and guardians I inquired . Will I be here if I know that the cameraman said laughingly . But you graduated I asked . I stayed in the dorm for all four years, skipping every single cla.s.s, he explained . I shuddered at that . I was in the same position as well . Then again, I wouldn 39 t have met Xiaoyu if not for that . The reporter turned around to look at me . Custody Over Xiaoyu We 39 ve tried finding information about her parents but there 39 s nothing . Are you her sole guardian right now I can 39 t divulge that story, I 39 m sorry . What about her parents Are you her brother Her surname 39 s Pang, so are you Pang Luqiao We 39 re not blood related but I 39 ve been requested to look after her . The cameraman parked the car by the side . Let 39 s get out . The three of us entered the cafe and ordered some coffee . When all three cups were placed on the table, the reporter smiled and said, Do you have Weibo or something You 39 ve probably become a hot topic by now . What do you mean I asked . I fished out my phone and was surprised to see 99 new messages . I opened my app and saw a spike in the number of fans . Over 4,000 . My inbox was flooded . Everyone wanted to know what Xiaoyu meant when she said I was the only one who won against her . Many tagged me to a news with the headlines The mystery man who defeated Xiaoyu in a game Luqiao . His Weibo luqiao . I switched my phone off . I guessed right, didn 39 t I The reporter smiled knowingly . So what I challenged . We would like to know your story . Share it with us and we might be able to help you publicize it . Right, you 39 re a reporter, aren 39 t you You can enter the broadcasting station Yes, why Can you take me to the compet.i.tion hall Yes, but you 39 ll have to let us interview you . Alright, but you can only publish it after the compet.i.tion . Deal This . . . The reporter turned to the cameraman . I can promise not to share the information with other media companies, I added . The reporter nodded enthusiastically . Do you have a pen and paper I asked . Of course . I 39 m a reporter, he answered, looking a bit offended . Let 39 s do up a contract, I proposed . Do we have to go that far the cameraman commented . I draft contracts in my company so I 39 ll write it . Just sign your names when I 39 m done . But there 39 s no seal or even a red pen . What are we signing it with the reporter asked, puzzled . Boss Do you have pancakes Fries will do, too . A lot of ketchup or strawberry sauce on the side please I shouted . That works the cameraman asked, flabbergasted . Rules are dead but we 39 re alive . Take out your pens if you want some exclusive scoops When the contracts were done up, I had them leave their thumbprints on both copies with the help of some ketchup . I started sharing my story, leaving her parents out of it . I talked about how I got to meet and win her over, about the president 39 s decision to look after her, and his illness . And that 39 s why I 39 m here, I finished . That 39 s all Oh, my G.o.d, the reporter exclaimed . I don 39 t have proper rights to become her guardian but I 39 ll need to see her once more tomorrow . Do you understand I asked . We do have tickets to the show and we are even permitted to bring an SLR in . You 39 ll take the cameraman 39 s place tomorrow and we can blend in with the audience . How about that It 39 s the best we can do for you, the reporter offered . I nodded . . . . The next day, at the broadcasting station main hall, I disguised myself as a cameraman by wearing a cap and gla.s.ses . The reporter brought me right to the front row . Wow I expressed in amazement . You won 39 t be able to go the backstage, okay the reporter told me . This is good enough, I said . I just needed Xiaoyu to spot me . Perhaps she would change her mind if she sees me . The host stood in front, memorizing his script as the contestants streamed onto the stage . I caught sight of Xiaoyu . She was looking up at the ceiling listlessly . It was the finals between China and Australia . The score was 2 2 and it was Xiaoyu 39 s turn . Cheers erupted and the host smiled . This is the last game and it will be slightly different since we have our top two contestants with us today . On the left, representing China, Pang Xiaoyu . On the right, representing Australia, we have Aria . Xiaoyu is very strong but so is Aria I noted that they were both young girls . I pointed at Aria . What 39 s her background She 39 s also a child prodigy . Highly retentive memory . Human camera, they call her . They 39 re on par, I would think, the reporter threw in his two cents . Human camera I repeated . Ultra memory, he explained . Supporters from both sides roared upon hearing their representative 39 s name . The host continued, Let 39 s have the first three rows of the audience up on the stage . What 39 s going on I whispered . No idea . We walked onto the stage and waited . I hid at the back, adjusting my cap and lowering my head . I spotted Xiaoyu 39 s manager . We were separated by five other audience members . The host continued, There are 63 members on the stage right now since there are 21 in each row . On the left is a numbered ball pit, and I need all of you to get one each . Then, from left to right, you will flash the number in your hands, one after another, without stopping . The contestants must add the numbers up mentally, and the one who produces a number closer to the answer will win . There will be a playoff if they give the same answer . Do you understand, everybody The partic.i.p.ants on the stage nodded . Alright, one minute to pick a ball the host announced . First round, a draw . Second, a draw . We will increase the difficulty if it 39 s a draw again, the host added . One minute to pick a ball he announced again . After two draws, Xiaoyu was starting to sweat . I thought about how to solve it and an idea struck me . I pulled the reporter aside . Follow me . Seeing that Xiaoyu 39 s manager had already gotten a ball from the pit, I dragged him to her . Do you want Xiaoyu to win I asked from behind her . The manager turned around, shocked to see me . Why are you here We only have one minute to select the b.a.l.l.s . Do you want her to win Xiaoyu 39 s sensitive to numbers but she doesn 39 t have a good memory like her compet.i.tor . This game requires her to add all the numbers but she 39 s at a disadvantage and might lose if the host were to increase the difficulty . You have a way for her to win she asked, looking straight at me . I bent down, pretending to pick a ball and the reporter followed suit . 40 seconds left . Promise to have her visit the inst.i.tution and I 39 ll tell you the method . Accept my offer or risk having her lose to that human camera . Think about it . You know that I 39 m the only one who 39 s ever defeated Xiaoyu, I said . So that 39 s your only condition A visit to the inst.i.tution the manager clarified . 25 seconds to decide, I replied . Why do you think she 39 ll lose 15 seconds to buy an a.s.surance . Your choice . I won 39 t have any more ideas if he increases the difficulty . Alright, but we 39 ll cancel the deal if your method doesn 39 t work . I picked up a number 9 ball from the ground . Let 39 s all pick a 9 . I pointed at the line under the 9 . This is to differentiate a 6 and a 9 . We 39 ll show it to Xiaoyu this way, I instructed, covering the line but holding it straight up, showing a 9 . When we show it to the Australian girl, we flip it around, I continued, demonstrating how the 9 could become a 6 as the two of them looked on, wide eyed Selection over . Please stand in a row, everyone . Pick a 9, hurry I urged, pointing at the ball pit before joining the row . They quickly rummaged through the b.a.l.l.s and returned their respective spots . I lifted my cap a little, looked over at the position of the camera before walking forward with the ball in my hand . Because my face was no longer half covered, Xiaoyu recognized me . I raised the ball up, winked and gave a thumbs up before putting my hands down . I then walked over to Aria and raised the ball again after making sure that the camera wasn 39 t focusing on me . As she was about to say something, the next audience member raised the ball in his hand for her . She could no longer verify if my ball was a 6 or 9 . I smirked . Half the battle had been won . The audience member then revealed their numbered b.a.l.l.s to the rest of the audience . When it was my turn, I turned the ball around again to show them before throwing it back into the pit . Shortly after, I was joined by the reporter . Followed your instruction . Too much . Catching the loophole of the game, that 39 s all . After the reveal, both contestants started writing their number on the blackboards . Xiaoyu wrote down 365 while Aria 39 s answer was 356 . The host spoke, Things have become interesting We have different answers, finally . There 39 s going to be a winner so look forward, everyone A lady walked out from the side . We 39 ll have our lady pick the b.a.l.l.s up to verify the answer, the host invited . 1st ball is 3 . 2nd is 7, so the total is 10 . . . . . . . 61st is 354 so the next two b.a.l.l.s must add up to 2 for Aria to be correct . 62nd ball is 2, which brings the total number to 356 . The last ball is key now . Is it a 0 or a 9 Or any other numbers Doesn 39 t this feel scripted Let 39 s have our lady reveal the answer . It 39 s a 9, which brings the final number to 365 . Our champion has emerged . Congratulations, Miss Xiaoyu of China the host declared . Applause and cheers filled the theatre . . . . I walked over to the manager downstage . Remember what you promised . After the award ceremony, the reporter and I exited the hall and I went straight to the airport after leaving my contact number with him . All I heard on the way were discussions about the compet.i.tion and Xiaoyu 39 s flawless performance . Epilogue . Yet another day of work has ended . I exited my office building and saw a girl leaning against the wall in front, her eyes closed . It was Xiaoyu . I nudged her awake . Why are you here She handed a bank card to me . Bring me home, Guardian . What I asked . Looking down at the card, I wondered if it contained the 3,000,000 the president promised . She continued, Sister Xiaomei shared the reason for my victory and sent me back to the inst.i.tution . I read the letter he left on his desk and saw this card inside . He wants me to follow you until I turn 18, and you must settle my lodging and food for the next five years . What about the interviews Your career Aren 39 t you the world champion now I questioned with a smile . But I don 39 t want to be a star . A mathematician is what I aspire to be, she responded . You sure And how did you know I 39 m working here The inst.i.tution has your university address, and your university has your company 39 s receipt . A pity I don 39 t know your home address, or I 39 ll be waiting outside your place now, she explained . I . . . Let 39 s go, Guardian . She laughed and pulled my hand . Stop, stop . My house isn 39 t that way . Actually, how much have you earned so far Wanna buy me a house Mine 39 s too cramped for a big Buddha like you . . . I teased, grinning .