For three days, the two boys suppressed their desires, making sure to control it at all cost as to avoid causing any other injuries to reopen. By this time, both their little cucumber and little chrysanthemum has, more or less, fully returned to their normal functions.
Meanwhile, vacation has finally decided that, it was time to end.
No longer will the days ahead be full of joy or idleness.
Now, they are amongst the population, that had no choice, but to get up early in the morning and sleep late at night.
Early in the morning, Gu Hai drove out, bought breakfast and returned. Meanwhile, Bai Luo Yin was still snuggled tightly within the warm sheets of the bed.
"Baby, wake up, wake up."
Gu Hai gently patted Bai Luo Yin's face repeatedly.
In the silent room, a few hazy groans escaped Bai Luo Yin's soft lips. No matter what sweet, sugarcoated or flattering words Gu Hai used to try and lured him out of slumber, his eyes still refused to open.
Gently, Gu Hai lifted the upper half of Bai Luo Yin's body up in an attempt to wake up him, but in turn, this caused his head to dangle powerlessly. If Gu Hai only loosened his hands up a bit, then the body within his warm arms would, without a doubt, fall back on the bed.
What should I do? Gu Hai became slightly anxious.
He had simply wanted to turn him from side to side to sober him up, even though his hands were rather unwilling to do so……. but, just when he found enough courage to start this seemingly difficult task, Bai Luo Yin fell asleep again, and within seconds, light snores sheathed over the once silent room.
Gu Hai couldn't help but cursed in his head.
Everything about the education system is evil. It ruins a person's body and health while, at the same time, happily strangling their souls as if it's just a plaything.
Look at how tired you've made my wife!
With great determination, Gu Hai had already set his heart on waking Bai Luo Yin wake up softly. One by one, he picked out and, with great care, he gently dressed each article of clothing on Bai Luo Yin's body. However, just as he finished putting socks on for him, Bai Luo Yin ended up kicking him.
Gu Hai became angry, "I bought you food, put your clothes on for you and you fucking kick me? You are too spoiled!"
After saying this, he suddenly clenched his fist and firmly punched Bai Luo Yin's ankle. As a result, Bai Luo Yin was immediately dragged out of his deep sleep by the throbbing pain.
It was as if a cloud of rain was pouring down on him wherever he walked. All of his actions were sluggish as Bai Luo Yin went about with getting ready. He depressingly put his shoes on, depressing washed his face and brushed his teeth, depressingly ate his breakfast, and even worse, depressingly made his way out of the door with Gu Hai right beside him.
The two actually had to run to school.
On the way there, Bai Luo Yin remained silent, not a single word came out his mouth as his face continuously drooped downward.
Gu Hai couldn't but to ask, "I bought you food, put your clothes on for you, and even suffered a kick from you, and you still feel wronged huh?"
"No, it's not that."
"Then who are you showing that scowling face to?"
Bai Luo Yin shot a quick glance at Gu Hai, "I'm not annoyed because of you. It's just, I don't want to go to school."
You're just like a kid…… a settled neatly on Gu Hai face, followed by a light chuckle, then suddenly, with warm eyes, he pinched Bai Luo Yin's cheeks.
As they arrived at the school's gate, Bai Luo Yin caught sight of You Qi.
Yesterday afternoon, You Qi had already returned to campus from his hometown in Tianjin. Since he is one of the student that boards at the school's dormitory during the school year, excluding holidays, he has to arrive earlier.
Just now, he had exited his dorm building and was making his way toward the classroom.
Even though the sun has yet to rise and the sky was still cloaked in a layer of darkness, large groups of students could be seen walking together in groups, conversing about the vacation and assignments.
Nevertheless, Bai Luo Yin was able to easily recognize You Qi with just one glance. There was nothing he could do about it now since he was already quite familiar with, not only, You Qi's walking posture, but also his artificial personality trait.
"You Qi!" called out Bai Luo Yin.
You Qi's footsteps came to a halt as he turned around and looked toward the school's main gate.
Bai Luo Yin quickened his steps toward You Qi's direction.
Gu Hai followed closely behind with a rather cold and indifferent expression, and all the while, a snort escaped the corner of his lips.
Humph! The sky’s so dark and yet you're still able to recognize who the person is. Your eyesight is pretty good huh!
The moment, You Qi saw Bai Luo Yin, his cool and callous face finally exposed a bit of happiness, made visible by the obvious smile that tickled its way onto lips.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you. Miss me?"
All of a sudden, Bai Luo Yin's elbow jabbed into You Qi's stomach. With a brotherly, yet friendly, tone of voice, he replied, "Of course I miss you, How can I not?"
"Don't bullshit me. I sent you so many text messages, and you didn't even bother to reply to any of them."
Bai Luo Yin looked awkwardly to the side and forced a laugh or two, "You already know that I despise sending messages."
You Qi stared attentively at Bai Luo Yin for a long while, then bewilderedly said, "Why do I get the feeling that you've gotten thinner? Don't people usually gain weight when they are celebrating the New Year? How is it that you're getting thinner and thinner huh?"
"I did?" Even Bai Luo Yin, himself, doesn't feel any difference.
You Qi pinched Bai Luo Yin's arm a few times. It seems, there weren't any big changes, it was just that, his chin was a bit sharper.
The two boy's conversation flowed rather smoothly as they continued to exchanged some more words, completely ignoring the person behind them.
The truth is, You Qi also wanted to chat with Gu Hai. But, the thing was, even before he could open his mouth to initiate a conversation, a powerful aura of hostility had already encircled the atmosphere.
—-
During the morning's self study time, every class's representative started to collect the homework that was assigned during vacation. Bai Luo Yin and Gu Hai had already finished the English homework, given to them by the teacher in charge of their class, Luo Xiaoyu. While, the rest of the students, on the other hand, barely completed half of it.
After the first class ended, You Qi twisted his head around again and continued to chatter away with Bai Luo Yin as if he hadn't finish what he wanted to say from earlier. Gu Hai took Bai Luo Yin's school bag, pulled out his cellphone and casually and senselessly, browsed through his messages. Besides, Shi Hui's messages, practically all the others had not been deleted yet. However, very few of them were opened.
Who'd known, this person was so lazy.
It's fine if you’re not willing to reply to any of it, but at least look through a couple of them.
But! He simply doesn't.
When his mood is good, he would only look at the name, and when he was in a bad mood, this cellphone was just another decorative item that he carried around.
By this point, Gu Hai was brimming with pride. All the messages that he sent Bai Luo Yin, Bai Luo Yin had checked and replied to nearly all of them.
We don't hope for him to be intimate with you all day long, or be completely docile and obedient toward to you, but just as long as there is a bit of distinction in your treatment toward him, then Gu Hai would be thoroughly content.[1]
Eventually, he came across the messages that You Qi had sent to Bai Luo Yin.
In fact, there were nothing more than some simple messages, sent during New Year's celebration, wishing Bai Luo Yin well, as well as blessings. Other messages were just random greetings, probably sent out of boredom. Every messages bore no more than ten words and the contents were fairly normal.
There was only one message, that conveyed a bit of warmth in it.
"Yin Zi, I miss you a little!"
Miss him a little?……
Gu Hai pondered over this sentence for a while, before casting an intensely keen glance toward You Qi.
The language and literature teacher, with a rather triangular face and round protruding cheeks, stood at the podium and spoke to every single student.
"I only gave you all one essay to write, and the result is, there are still two students that still hasn't completed their assignment."
The students glanced around the room in all directions, curious to know who those two students were. They continued to guess, left and right, in an attempt to figure it out.
The language and literature teacher spoke again, "Don't make me read your names out loud. If you two have any conscious left at all, take your textbook and kindly go and stand outside of the classroom."
Bai Luo Yin and Gu Hai stood up together and with a very smooth synchronization they walked out of the classroom.
Not a single soul could be seen in the desolate corridor.
The sounds of many teachers' voices could be heard clearly throughout the emptiness of the corridor as they lectured their classes. The voices merged and mingled together. There were men and women's voices, both high and low. The rhythm and cadence of their voices were sporadic, broken, as they scattered into the air……
Who would have known that many years later, the sound of those stereotypical dogmatic teachings would suddenly become so beautiful like this.
It was in this way that, Gu Hai let his gaze fall on Bai Luo Yin. Those pair of passionate eyes, remained fixated and drowned deeply in only that person's visage, in only that person's everything. Without understanding how it came about, time……unknowingly slipped away. It seems easier to stay planted in this spot than to endure and pass the time by staying in the classroom.
Even though, Bai Luo Yin was looking ahead, he could sense that Gu Hai was staring at him. This kind of feeling made him afraid. Then, with darkened eyes, he turned and gave Gu Hai a glimpse. He turned away. A moment, even after he had already turned away, he could still feel Gu Hai's attentive eyes digging into him. Once again, he turned and gave him a warning with just a slight movement of his eyes.
Gu Hai secretly speculated to himself.
Why are you glaring at me huh? It's obvious, you're the one fooling around with me!
Bai Luo Yin turned to the side and took a large stride away. Gu Hai did the same thing and followed closely behind him.
When it was about time for class to end, Bai Luo Yin couldn't help but ask, "Why do you keep on looking at me all the time?"
"Because you’re handsome."
Bai Luo Yin turned his head away, with a 'you're boring' expression painted beautifully on his face.
Who would have expected that Gu Hai would stretch his hand out once again and stroke little Yin Zi.
"Does it still hurt?"
Bai Luo Yin's face was kissed with a tint of red causing his skin to burn. He suddenly gripped Gu Hai's hand and tore it away, before he angrily said, "You fucking idiot!"
The sound of his voice thundered throughout the corridor and dispersed into every class rooms on this floor. Bai Luo Yin became aware of the fact that his voice was a bit too loud. At that moment, he wished he could take some threads and stitch his mouth up, but unfortunately, he couldn't take back what he had just said.
With a grim and unsympathetic expression painted thickly on her face, the language and literature teacher, calmly came out of the classroom, legs stopping right in front of them.
"Are you two not satisfied with staying in the corridor? Go, go and stand beneath the flagpole. Quickly?"
These two pathetic and miserable boys…….their bodies had just recovered and now they had to go and endure the chilly wind. Spring is approaching, yet it was still extremely cold outside.
Gu Hai was afraid that Bai Luo Yin would catch a cold from the chilly wind so, he removed his jacket and, had every intention, to drape it over Bai Luo Yin's body. But, no matter what, Bai Luo Yin refused to let him, even if his life depended on it. Gu Hai shifted to the side and moved closer beside Bai Luo Yin.
Within seconds, less than a foot separated the two of them. Gu Hai made one last move, and practically glued himself onto the other boy's body. Then, he pulled Bai Luo Yin's hands and placed it in his own pocket.
No one saw this, and he wasn't afraid of others seeing it either. He simply thought that, having the chance to clasped their hands together and allowing their fingers to entwined, while being punished to stand like this, was a very beautiful and satisfying feeling.
God has indeed fulfilled Gu Hai's wish.
After that, teachers from every other class demanded that students who didn't complete their assignments must go and stand outside. Luo Xiaoyu was the only teacher that didn't do this. Unfortunately, her assignment was the only one that they had completed.
When school break during the afternoon, the two were finally able to return to their classroom. With their entire body frozen and seemingly covered by ice, he entered the now quiet room.
Just as they finished gathering their belongings and about to take their leave, You Qi called out to them, stopping them in place.
"This is for you. My mom personally made it with her own hands. Take it with you. Just fry it in oil in one go, and you can eat it immediately after. This is considered one of Tianjin's[2] local specialty!"
You Qi handed Bai Luo Yin a paper bag, that was already saturated with grease.
Just as Bai Luo Yin received the bag, he could immediately smell the content's fragrance. Suddenly, a cheerful expression played out across his face.
He patted You Qi's shoulder, "This is awesome!"
Gu Hai stood to the side, neither hot or cold. Indifferently, he said, "Can you be a bit more mature? Is what he gave you, really that good?"
"At least it's a lot tastier than what you make."
All of a sudden, Gu Hai's face became a shade of green. Green with envy and somewhat angry, that is.
Bai Luo Yin turned around and happily looked at You Qi, "Tell auntie I said thank you for me!"
"If you think it's delicious, then come to our house another day so that my mom can cook you some homemade meals!"
Without thinking much about anything, Bai Luo Yin replied back, "Okay!"
—-
When they arrived at home, Gu Hai went into the kitchen to cook some noodles.
Bai Luo Yin remembered that he still has the bag of delicious food in his school bag. He pulled the bag of spring rolls stuffed with beef out and hand it over to Gu Hai and warned him, "Remember to deep fry it in one go."
After saying those words, he went to the bedroom to work on his school assignments.
Gu Hai squinted his eyes and stared hatefully at the beef spring rolls. Jealousy swum deeply in those eyes of his as his grip tightened on those helpless rolls, wishing he could immediately toss them all in the trash.
But in the end, he didn't do that, because after all, he was also hungry. Moreover, he discovered that these things, actually smelled really good.
As a result, he poured half a container of oil into the pot and when it was warm enough, he placed the beef spring rolls in.
As he pushed the beef spring rolls around in the oil here and there, making sure it would cook well, the fragrance floated, with much ease, toward his nostrils, assailing it. Gu Hai couldn't resist it any longer. He immediately fished out a few of them and tasted it.
Once Bai Luo Yin smelled the alluring fragrance, he stopped his task and ran toward the kitchen. By the time he arrived, he couldn't see any of the beef spring rolls anymore.
"Hey, where's the bag of delicious beef spring rolls that You Qi gave me?"
Gu Hai pointed at the burnt and twisted things, lying lifelessly on the plate and said, "Those are it!"
"You………you overcooked them?" asked Bai Luo Yin depressingly, sorrow clearly written on his face, "I remember that it was yellow before!"
"Don't blame me. It was black to begin with!"
Bai Luo Yin doesn't believe it, not even one bit. He picked up a piece and tried a mouthful of it. UGH! The taste has already gone bitter. Even after he put some cream on it, the taste was still not as good as the smell.
Gu Hai laughed mockingly at Bai Luo Yin as he looked at him.
"How's the taste?"
Bai Luo Yin was still not convinced, "I clearly smell that unique aroma just a moment ago, how is it possible that it doesn't taste the same huh?"
With no sense of shame at all, Gu Hai replied back, "You must have smelled wrong. That good smell was from the noodles that I cooked."
Translator's Note:
[1] The author left this mini paragraph in third person narrative. I like the way it sounds in third person since it puts the readers into the storyline and allow us to be a part of the novel. But it might seem a bit strange, so read here to fully understand that paragraph.
"We [the readers] don't hope for him [Yin Zi] to be intimate with you [Gu Hai] all day long, or be completely docile and obedient to you [Gu Hai], but just as long as there is a bit of distinction in your [Yin Zi] treatment toward him [Gu Hai] {in comparison to other}, then Gu Hai would be thoroughly content."
[2]Tianjin is one of the four municipalities, located in the northeastern region of China. Its name means ‘the place where the emperor crossed the river’. Facing the Bohai Sea, Tianjin, the one-time imperial port, serves as Beijing’s vital gateway to the sea. In recent years it receives more and more attention from visitors due to its illustrious historical heritage and other natural resources.
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