I'll Wait for You in the Future - Chapter 6: Someone's Thinking of You

We let loose with those close to us,
because we think they’ll always accept us.
But we often forget to tell them this.

“Everyone has secrets; some give us the courage to live,
some are things we want to hide forever, things we don’t want to face.”

Weixiao was sorting mail in the broadcasting room when Liu Dazhi stealthily walked in.

“I have big news!”

“I’m busy.”

“It’s really big news.”

Liu Dazhi snatched the letter from Weixiao’s hand, looking directly at her, speaking rapidly, “Last night, my mom was knitting at home, and there was a letter hidden in her yarn ball. I saw it was a love letter from my aunt to a police officer named Zhijun. Then my mom called Aunt over in the middle of the night. Aunt took the letter away. Before leaving, I heard them say that Zhijun later married someone surnamed Cheng.”

Weixiao clearly didn’t understand, “You’re saying all this, but Dingdang’s still angry with you; coming to me won’t help.”

Liu Dazhi mysteriously said, “Chen Tong’s father is a police officer named Zhijun, and his mother’s surname is Cheng; she’s my mom’s junior high school classmate.”

Weixiao stopped and turned, “What do you mean?”

Liu Dazhi nodded vigorously.

Weixiao asked uncertainly, “So… it’s…?”

Liu Dazhi continued nodding vigorously.

“In other words…?” Weixiao understood and became nervous, “Don’t tell anyone this, especially Dingdang.”

Dingdang pushed open the broadcasting room door.

The three of them looked at each other.

“What’s this secret you’re not supposed to tell me?” Dingdang asked, frowning.

Liu Dazhi looked at Weixiao, Weixiao looked embarrassed, and he looked at Dingdang.

“Oh, nothing, it’s been years; it doesn’t matter now. Dingdang, do you know who your mom dated before?”

Weixiao couldn’t stop him.

Hao Hongmei picked up an eight of bamboos, “Oh dear, I should have kept the eight of bamboos…”

The next player happily said, “One pair.”

Hao Hongmei regretted it instantly.

Dingdang suddenly pushed open the door, her face dark, “Mom, where’s dinner?”

Hao Hongmei looked up, “It’s still early; what are you eating so early for?”

Dingdang shouted, “Why are you always playing mahjong?!”

Hao Hongmei also scowled, “How do you talk to adults?!”

The mahjong players were embarrassed, “Maybe we should reschedule…”

“Wait, wait, wait, I’m about to win with seven pairs!”

“I’ll beat you!” Dingdang overturned the mahjong table.

The mahjong players didn’t know what to do.

Hao Hongmei’s face fell, and she grabbed a broom and hit Dingdang, “I’ll beat you to death, you little brat, daring to overturn my table!”

Weixiao carefully peeled an Andy Lau poster off the wall.

The housekeeper, Zhang Yi: “Xiaoxiao, you have a phone call.”

Weixiao continued carefully removing the poster, “In a minute.”

“It’s Dingdang; her voice sounds a little off; you should go.”

“Okay, Aunt Zhang, hold this for me; don’t let it get damaged!” Half the poster was peeled off, hanging down.

Dingdang’s crying came through the phone.

Weixiao said into the phone, “Don’t cry, don’t cry, what happened?”

There was no sound on the other end.

“You’re really going to drive me crazy! Where are you now? I’m coming to find you!”

The street was deserted; the dim streetlights stretched Weixiao’s retreating figure into a long shadow. Dingdang sat on a bench beside the garden; Weixiao stood beside her.

“My mom doesn’t like me at all. I’ve always felt something was wrong—other mothers dress their daughters beautifully, but my mom just finds me annoying.”

“What are you talking about? Your mom is pretty good to you, and she’s always there for you. What else could you possibly want?”

Dingdang realized she’d said the wrong thing: “Weixiao, that’s not what I meant. Do you know how miserable I am? I don’t even get to eat properly every day. She only plays mahjong. My mom doesn’t buy me new clothes either. Every day, I wonder if I’ve done something wrong. It turns out she never liked my dad. My dad and I are both mistakes; no wonder she’s always been so cold towards this family, only knowing how to shop, shop, shop!”

“Is this because of what Dazhi said today? He’s just gossiping; it’s been years. You wouldn’t be upset with your mom over something that happened so long ago, would you?” Weixiao quickly tried to console her.

“It happened years ago, but it’s still the truth!”

“Maybe it was just a misunderstanding. Don’t think too much about it.”

“I know it’s true…” Dingdang started crying after only a few sentences.

“Don’t be sad,” Weixiao put her arm around Dingdang. “Okay, okay, if you keep crying, your eyes will be swollen tomorrow, and you won’t look pretty.”

“Ah? Are they swollen already?”

“Look at you, crying like a cat.” Weixiao also laughed.

The next morning, Liu Dazhi swaggered to school, swinging his schoolbag. He had no idea how much trouble he’d caused Dingdang.

Wang Daqian’s car drove past; Weixiao leaned out the window: “Dazhi!”

Liu Dazhi subconsciously puffed out his chest: “What?”

Before he could finish, Weixiao had already gotten out of the car.

“Dad, I’m walking with Dazhi; you go ahead!”

Liu Dazhi forced a smile: “Goodbye, Mr. Wang!”

Wang Daqian saluted like he was addressing a leader, then drove off.

Liu Dazhi looked at Weixiao and asked: “Why are you so serious?”

“Do… do you know Dingdang had a fight with her mom last night?”

“Because of that?” Liu Dazhi became nervous. “It’s over; I’m dead.”

“But Dingdang didn’t say it was you.”

“She didn’t say it was me, but her mom knows it was me!”

“She didn’t mention that; they just had a fight,” Weixiao added.

“Big sister, saying things halfway will scare people to death,” Liu Dazhi patted his chest, still shaken.

“I’m asking you, what are you giving your cousin for her birthday?”

“Xiaowu said he’s buying a cassette tape,” Liu Dazhi thought for a moment.

“What about you?”

“What are you giving her?” Liu Dazhi asked mysteriously.

“I’m not telling you.” Weixiao also answered mysteriously.

“Then I’m not telling you either.”

“…I’m planning to give her an Andy Lau poster.”

Liu Dazhi was surprised: “No way, the original Hong Kong Andy Lau poster? Isn’t that your most prized possession?”

Weixiao kicked him; Liu Dazhi quickly dodged.

“I’ll go to your broadcasting station and sing a song for her. How about that?” Liu Dazhi finally relented.

“It’s hard to know what’s right, but you can feel that anything done while young is right.”

Hao Huigui, who had already “accepted his fate,” felt he couldn’t sit idly by after the sports meet. He’d seen the unity of the liberal arts class, and the whole school had seen it too. He’d seen the fire ignited in his students’ hearts—a fire that hadn’t been there when he first arrived. If he left, would they be disappointed? Would their hard-earned sense of existence vanish?

More accurately, Hao Huigui told himself that his existence was meaningful. The liberal arts class needed him, and he needed them. After realizing this, he decided to seek out He Shifu. His past self would have taken things one step at a time, but now, he had to fight for himself. Even if he failed, he wouldn’t regret it. Just like the confession he’d never dared to make to Weixiao years ago, just like the years he’d spent lacking the courage to be himself. When he entered He Shifu’s office, he wasn’t nervous at all; he was filled with the confidence of someone ready to fight to the death.

“Director He, I’ve figured it out. During my time as the temporary homeroom teacher for the liberal arts class, I realized there are no bad subjects, only bad environments. After Chen Tong joined the liberal arts class, his grades didn’t drop; he’s still number one, always scoring over 630 on each exam. Weixiao has also been doing very well, and even Liu Dazhi has shown significant improvement. I thought I’d just wait for the final evaluation and the school’s decision. But the sports meet gave me hope—the reason the liberal arts class has always been looked down upon is that everyone lacks a sense of accomplishment, and therefore, a sense of existence. I hope I can continue to be with them, helping them understand their own worth. Director He, I know I’ve caused you a lot of trouble during this time, but I think I can, and I will definitely, do a good job as the homeroom teacher for this class.” Hao Huigui spoke every word clearly. He thought He Shifu would scold him for being insubordinate or arrogant, but He Shifu remained silent for a long time, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

“Director He…” Hao Huigui tried to break the silence.

“Teacher Hao,” He Shifu finally spoke. “The week I covered for you was quite shocking. You might not know this, but the students were very hostile towards me. Whether it was Liu Dazhi, Chen Xiaowu, or Chen Tong, their decision to participate in the sports meet surprised me. Especially later, when your whole class ran alongside them, I started thinking, what makes a teacher a good teacher? Perhaps there’s only one standard: the ability to ignite hope in a collective. The liberal arts class is indeed different now compared to when you first took over. You’re right; the final evaluation is just a formality; those who should stay will stay, and those who should leave will leave. Initially, no one was optimistic about you. Do you remember what I said?”

Hao Huigui certainly remembered.

“Teacher Hao, I truly hope someone can help the students in the liberal arts class find their value, and this requires a teacher who is truly willing to discover their potential.” He Shifu spoke earnestly. “I won’t say anything else. I know you’re young and have your own unique ideas, but no matter what, remember you’re a teacher; you must act like one.”

Hao Huigui understood what He Shifu meant, and he knew what kind of person he was. The more he considered things, the further he could go.

“So…” Hao Huigui looked at He Shifu.

“Go back first; I’ll talk to the school office.”

Hao Huigui was both excited and surprised. Excited because he hadn’t felt this way in years. After starting his job, he’d always followed the rules, doing everything according to his superiors’ instructions. But now, he’d dared to express his feelings to his superior without feeling the least bit apprehensive, because he knew he was doing something truly meaningful. Hao Huigui was happy that he’d finally changed. He was surprised because he’d always thought He Shifu was against the education system, a symbol of outdated thinking, but he hadn’t expected him to consider things from his perspective. Thinking of the “Dialogue with Time” diary, Hao Huigui chuckled to himself. He’d grown accustomed to this place, grown fond of it, fond of these 17-year-old students, fond of being with them. He seemed to have forgotten his original world.

“If you know what you’re doing,
any change you make is worth celebrating.”

After a period of such immersive days, he suddenly remembered the *Time* magazine cover. How could he have forgotten this?! Who gave Janitor Zhou that magazine?

In the psychiatric hospital, Janitor Zhou sat opposite Hao Huigui, silent. Everything seemed to slow down in this place. Hao Huigui looked around; this didn’t seem like a place for healing; instead, it felt like people came in healthy and left as patients. Janitor Zhou stared at Hao Huigui, seemingly thinking, seemingly observing. Hao Huigui didn’t rush, slowly opening the snacks he’d brought.

Janitor Zhou couldn’t sit still anymore, reaching for the snacks.

“Janitor Zhou, someone told me I’d get rich, told me to…” Hao Huigui trailed off.

Janitor Zhou tilted his head, smiling mysteriously.

“Told you to do what? Are you asking me if you should buy stocks or a house?” Janitor Zhou looked around; the doctors and nurses weren’t paying attention to them.

“Should I buy?” Hao Huigui stared at him.

“Do you want to know the answer?” A smug look appeared on Janitor Zhou’s face.

Hao Huigui said eagerly: “Of course, of course!”

Janitor Zhou stood up, hands behind his back: “Heaven’s secrets cannot be revealed.”

“Then tell me, should I believe him?”

Janitor Zhou turned, staring intently at Hao Huigui, as if seeing through his soul. Suddenly, Janitor Zhou grabbed Hao Huigui’s shoulders: “No! Don’t believe him! Absolutely don’t believe him! Otherwise! You’ll become like me!”

Hao Huigui felt a sharp pain but didn’t want to alarm the doctors.

Janitor Zhou seemed to lose his mind, clutching Hao Huigui’s shoulders, then his neck, repeatedly saying these words.

Hao Huigui screamed.

The doctors and nurses rushed over and separated them. Janitor Zhou continued struggling, muttering: “Absolutely don’t believe him, absolutely don’t believe him, don’t believe… absolutely don’t believe.”

The nurse gave Janitor Zhou a sedative; he slumped onto the sofa.

The doctor looked at Hao Huigui.

“Who are you?”

“I’m his colleague, newly assigned to the school. The school sent me to check on him; I didn’t expect his condition to be so bad.”

“He’s usually fine, but you can’t let him watch TV or read newspapers, and he can’t hear anything related to the ‘future,’ otherwise, he’ll become like that.”

“What’s the reason?”

“You’re a teacher; I won’t waste your time. Old Zhou always thinks he knows the future but can’t prevent it, living in constant fear. Many people aren’t actually mentally ill; they just can’t figure things out, so they talk nonsense, scaring themselves, and then they break down.”

Seeing Hao Huigui deep in thought, the doctor asked: “Do you know why he’s like this?”

Hao Huigui shook his head.

He remembered when he first met Liu Dazhi; he’d said he was Liu Dazhi from the future, and Liu Dazhi hadn’t believed him. If Liu Dazhi had believed him, what would his reaction have been? Inability to comprehend? Feeling the future was dark, hopeless? Or would he have gone completely mad like Janitor Zhou? Hao Huigui felt a chill run down his spine, regretting his initial words to Liu Dazhi. Fortunately, Liu Dazhi had treated it as a joke; otherwise, he might have harmed Liu Dazhi.

“Doctor, does Janitor Zhou have any relatives?”

“I don’t think so. He grew up in an orphanage.” The doctor filled out his chart. “Oh, the driver who brought him here mentioned a distant relative, a cousin or something, who contacted him last year or the year before, but they haven’t heard from him since.”

Hao Huigui’s mind raced.

“We let loose with those close to us, because we think they’ll always accept us. But we often forget to tell them this.”

During break time, the class monitor handed out a stack of letters; Dingdang quickly found hers. The envelopes were all the same, each sealed with a small red heart drawn in pen. Normally, Dingdang would have been ecstatic. She opened the letter; a card fell out. Dingdang picked it up, glanced at it, angrily tore it into pieces, then buried her face in her desk.

Weixiao worriedly asked: “What’s wrong? What did your pen pal say?”

Dingdang lifted her head, eyes red: “Who knows what he’s doing, saying he won’t write to me anymore.”

Weixiao was surprised: “Why?”

Dingdang was very upset: “I don’t know; he also wished me a happy birthday.”

Weixiao thought for a moment: “I said it was someone you know.”

Dingdang’s face fell: “Why do all the bad things happen to me? I’m so unlucky!”

The “Andy Lau” look-alike doing the high jump just happened to walk past the window, glancing over.

Dingdang immediately pretended to be calm, whispering to Weixiao: “Look, ‘Andy Lau.’ Do you think he’s looking at me?”

Weixiao comforted her: “Of course.”

Dingdang asked doubtfully: “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” Weixiao didn’t even hesitate.

Dingdang suddenly became angry: “You think I’m really that stupid?”

Weixiao was stunned: “No!”

Dingdang suddenly became serious: “He’s clearly looking at you; why are you lying to me?”

Weixiao was speechless; she didn’t know why Dingdang was suddenly angry: “I…”

“You just think I’m especially stupid and easy to fool!” The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

After school, Dingdang packed her bag and hurried off without looking back.

Weixiao quickly chased after her: “Dingdang, don’t walk so fast; wait for me…” Dingdang didn’t stop. Weixiao grabbed Dingdang: “Wait, I have something for you.” Dingdang stubbornly said: “I don’t want anything.” Weixiao smiled: “You don’t even know what it is; why say you don’t want it?”

All Dingdang’s anger welled up: “I don’t want anything from you.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing; I’m fine. I’m really fine.”

Weixiao had never seen Dingdang like this before: “What’s wrong?”

Dingdang’s eyes were a little red: “I don’t need your help.”

“What’s wrong? What’s bothering you? Tell me, explain yourself clearly. Did someone bully you? I’ll help you get revenge…”

Dingdang interrupted Weixiao: “Weixiao, I hate you the most!”

“What did I do?”

“Everyone likes you, even the teachers. Your dad buys you whatever you want. You pretend to be nice to me, but you’re actually showing off, you know?”

“Don’t say that, what’s mine is yours, we can share,” Weixiao’s face was starting to show her discomfort.

“Do you think you’re being nice to me? ‘Andy Lau’ was clearly looking at you, why did you say he was looking at me? I hate you the most! You think you’re so considerate, so caring, thinking you’re always considering others, but it’s all for yourself, so you can feel better,” Dingdang’s face flushed red after saying this.

Weixiao reached for Dingdang’s hand: “Dingdang, we’re best friends.”

Dingdang slapped Weixiao’s hand away: “Who’s best friends with you? If I weren’t inferior to you in everything, would you even be friends with me?”

“I… I never thought that way!”

Dingdang crossed her arms: “Weixiao, do you know what I hate most about you? Hypocrisy. Do you think you’re hiding it well? I don’t even have the right to like Andy Lau; that poster in your house, I can’t even touch it.”

“You!”

Dingdang said nonchalantly: “Don’t you like hearing the truth? I’ll tell you the truth, I don’t like Andy Lau at all; I said I liked him because you liked him. I was pretending too; do you think you’re the only one who can pretend?”

“Fine!” Weixiao stopped holding back, taking a carefully rolled-up poster from her bag, “Don’t like it, huh? Then you don’t get it!” Weixiao unrolled the poster and tore it to shreds, then left without looking back.

Looking at the scattered pieces on the floor and Weixiao’s departing back, Dingdang knelt down and cried.

The sun set, and dusk fell.

Youth always has an indescribable feeling.

Hao Huigui returned to the dorm; Wang Weiguo, Miss Yang, and several other teachers were playing cards.

“Teacher Hao, I heard the other intern teachers have pulled strings; the final evaluation might just be a formality. You have to be careful.”

“Mm, I’m seriously preparing for the final evaluation.”

“But Teacher Hao, the liberal arts class has changed recently. If the school doesn’t keep you, it’ll be a huge loss. But I heard a private high school is hiring; you could go there too.”

“Why would Teacher Hao go to a private high school? He’ll definitely stay,” Miss Yang retorted.

“Teacher Wang is also acknowledging me,” Hao Huigui was happy to receive affirmation from others.

A tape recorder was playing “The Hungry Wolf Story”; Hao Huigui hummed along while playing cards.

“The surging love attacks me, kissing and clinging wildly, yet knowing this love will bring me no tomorrow…”

Miss Yang curiously asked: “What song is this? It’s quite nice.”

Hao Huigui proudly said: “The Hungry Wolf Story, by Jacky Cheung.”

Miss Yang looked at him with admiration: “I didn’t expect you to know Cantonese.” Hao Huigui didn’t even think: “I just bought the tape a couple of days ago and practiced a bit.” Miss Yang was even more impressed: “Teacher Hao, with your language talent, why don’t you learn English with me? I guarantee you’ll be able to communicate with foreigners fluently in a month.” Hao Huigui quickly explained: “I liked Cantonese songs since high school; I was very serious about learning Cantonese songs back then; I even ignored my cousin when she wanted to come over for dinner; she still holds a grudge about it.”

Miss Yang giggled: “Your cousin really holds a grudge.”

Hao Huigui didn’t dare say more: “She’s just like that.”

Wang Weiguo said awkwardly: “Just listen to him brag; I can sing this song too!” He then sang along with the recorder, twisting his body: “Love will be like a hungry wolf, its mouth extremely sweet…”

Miss Yang frowned.

There was no one home, the lights were off, the rice cooker and refrigerator were empty. Dingdang sat on the sofa, very hungry. She called Liu Dazhi, and as soon as he answered, she urgently asked: “Brother, have you eaten dinner?”

“Ah…” Liu Dazhi paused, “We… we finished a while ago.”

Dingdang hung up, looking dejected. Suddenly, the phone rang again.

She quickly picked up the phone, full of anticipation: “Brother, I knew it…”

“Dingdang!” It was her father’s voice.

“Dad’s on a business trip, thinking of my daughter, my baby, are you doing well?”

“I’m fine!” Dingdang pretended to be strong.

“Dad saw a lot of chocolate at the Canton Fair and bought some for you! Don’t eat too much and get fat!”

“Dad, when are you coming back?”

“I can’t come back these two days; be good and listen to your mom; I’ll give you a surprise when I get back!”

Dingdang was about to speak.

“Okay, Dad has a business dinner tonight and has to go; I’ll call you later…”

The phone went dead.

Dingdang couldn’t hold back her tears anymore: “Even you forgot my birthday…”

Dingdang went out; there was no one around. She walked a long way and found a small stall, asking: “Do you have anything to eat?”

The owner looked up: “We’re closed. Girl… why aren’t you eating home this late?”

Dingdang dejectedly said “oh” and walked away. The owner turned off the lights, and everything was dark.

She walked a long way and found another late-night food stall. Several big, burly men were sitting outside, smoking, drinking, and chatting loudly. Dingdang stood there for a long time, hesitant to go in, but she was too hungry, so she awkwardly sat down at a table.

The owner threw a menu at her, holding a toothpick: “What drinks?”

Dingdang softly said: “I don’t want drinks… do you have noodles?”

The owner shouted to the kitchen: “A bowl of clear soup noodles!”

Dingdang looked around; several men next to her were drinking with women, their faces looking sleazy. A bowl of noodles was “thumped” onto Dingdang’s table, the soup splashing onto her clothes. Looking at the owner’s burly face, Dingdang wanted to say something but held back, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Boss, a bowl of clear soup noodles!” A familiar voice. Dingdang looked up and saw Hao Huigui sitting opposite her. Hao Huigui opened a pack of tissues and handed one to Dingdang. Dingdang looked at Hao Huigui, wiping her tears.

After finishing their noodles, they walked under a swing set.

“Teacher Hao, thank you for having noodles with me tonight.”

Hao Huigui looked ahead: “Dingdang, actually, I know you always seem happy, but you’re very sensitive inside.”

“I want to be better, like Weixiao, but I’m not as good as her in anything.”

“You are you; you don’t need to compare yourself to anyone.”

“Teacher Hao, I…” Dingdang didn’t know what to say.

Hao Huigui turned to look at Dingdang: “I know your family matters are bothering you; you feel your mom doesn’t like you, and that you’re a mistake. Actually, everyone feels that way sometimes.”

Dingdang awkwardly said: “Did Dazhi tell you?”

Hao Huigui comforted her: “Dazhi is also very insecure and troubled; he’s always scolded by his mom, and his parents’ relationship also bothers him. I told him that every child has their own mission in this world.”

“Mission? But I can’t do anything, I don’t have any special skills, and I don’t have any ideals.”

“Dingdang, remember, everyone’s mission is simple; the key is to ask your heart, can you do it? You know, parents are parents; whether they’re together or divorced, they love their children.”

“Do you think my parents will divorce? Will I not have dinner every day?”

Hao Huigui shook his head: “Your parents won’t divorce; they’ll be happy together. And you, one day, will see proof of their love.”

“What proof?”

Hao Huigui smiled: “You are that proof. But if you lack confidence, there will be other proof; you’ll know when the time comes.” Dingdang nodded.

Hao Huigui: “Actually, Dazhi told me this. He didn’t know how to comfort you. He regrets telling you about the letter, but he’s just a big mouth and can’t control himself.”

Dingdang felt much better: “Teacher Hao, I always knew Chen Zhijun and my mom were together, but I didn’t expect my mom to write him a letter.”

“Ah?” Hao Huigui was a little surprised.

Dingdang said embarrassedly: “Yes. I always found it strange; Chen Tong’s mom and my aunt are classmates, but our families never interacted in such a small town. My mom hired all kinds of tutors for me, but she never mentioned Chen Tong. I knew something was up.”

“I didn’t expect you to be so clever,” Hao Huigui suddenly understood.

“Of course.”

“Are you feeling better now?”

“I’m fine; I was always fine.” Dingdang looked at the moon.

“Then who was crying while eating noodles just now?”

“Maybe… someone.”

“I hope that someone has a happy birthday tomorrow.”

“Teacher Hao, how did you know tomorrow is my birthday?” Dingdang was surprised.

“Didn’t I say ‘someone’?”

Dingdang giggled.

Hao Huigui watched Dingdang go upstairs before returning to his dorm. For so many years, this was the first time Hao Huigui had seriously chatted with his cousin. She seemed spoiled, but a little care made her very happy. Such people are kind.

Dingdang opened her door.

“Where did you go?” Hao Hongmei anxiously asked.

Dingdang softly and fearfully said: “I… went to eat noodles…”

Hao Hongmei said regretfully: “You already ate? I just made dinner. I went out and bought you a birthday cake; you can eat it now, or tomorrow.”

“Ah?”

“Will you eat it?”

“Yes!” Dingdang suddenly smiled.

The birthday cake had candles. Dingdang closed her eyes, her face full of happiness and smiles.

After finishing the cake, Dingdang lay on her desk, writing in a thick diary: “Today, I felt like I was in love; I love Teacher Hao.” Then she hugged the diary and smiled happily.

“Apologizing isn’t shameful;
it just proves you’re important to me.”

On the way to school, Dingdang looked forward to seeing Chen Tong, but today, she wanted to get to class early. When Weixiao walked in, Dingdang felt embarrassed but mustered the courage to look at Weixiao, hoping she’d look back. All morning, including break time, Weixiao either walked straight out of the classroom or buried her head in her books. Dingdang felt dejected; during the last class, she wrote a note full of apologies.

As the bell rang, Dingdang packed her bag, preparing to go to the broadcasting station with Weixiao, when Hao Huigui stood at the classroom door: “Dingdang, come to my office.” Dingdang’s heart pounded; she’d never felt this way before. She walked to the office, her face flushed.

Hao Huigui was concerned about Dingdang’s feelings. Dingdang happily said: “I’m fine now. Teacher Hao, why are you so concerned about me?”

Although Hao Huigui didn’t feel that way, he said kindly: “A homeroom teacher should care about every student; you should also trust all your teachers.”

“Teacher Hao, I trust you.”

“You should also trust Liu Dazhi. You know, he’s been thinking about you yesterday.” Hao Huigui started getting to the point.

“Oh…” It seemed Liu Dazhi wasn’t as indifferent as she thought.

“You siblings must understand each other. If your parents disagree with something, you need his support. If he has any problems, you should listen to him and help him share the burden; after all, you’re siblings,” Hao Huigui said earnestly.

“I’ve been on his side.”

Hao Huigui thought: *Bullshit. Every time I told you I wanted to resign, you said the university lecturer job was great, ignoring my struggles.*

“They know I’m only a lecturer, yet they keep introducing me as a professor.”

“Also, girls, don’t be so vain. Be honest about who you are; don’t exaggerate.” Hao Huigui added this seemingly random comment.

“What?” Dingdang didn’t understand why Hao Huigui suddenly said this.

“Forget it, never mind. Just be nicer to Liu Dazhi.” Hao Huigui waved his hand. “Aren’t you planning to see Weixiao? Go ahead.”

Dingdang rushed to the broadcasting room, puzzled. Why was Hao Huigui pushing her to be nice to Liu Dazhi today? Right now, she wanted to be nice to Weixiao. She’d imagined many ways to reconcile with Weixiao, finally deciding to apologize first.

The broadcasting room door was open. Dingdang hesitated, gathering her courage to enter, only to hear Weixiao and Liu Dazhi talking about her.

“Dingdang called last night, saying no one was home to cook, and wanted to eat at my place. I cleverly rejected her.”

“You’re sitting on my manuscript,” Weixiao said dismissively.

“I couldn’t let her see me practicing my singing; otherwise, there’d be no surprise when I sing for her on the radio this afternoon.”

“You’re blocking my broadcast script,” Weixiao said coldly.

“Sigh, are you… on your period?” [暗示女性生理期 (anshi nuxing shengliqi) – hinting at a woman’s period]

“Get lost.”

“You said it was great that I sang for Dingdang on the radio. Why are you acting like this now?” Liu Dazhi was confused.

“Sing if you want; it’s none of my business.”

“How can it be none of your business? You and Dingdang are best friends; you encouraged me to do this!”

“From now on, Dingdang and I, Wang Weixiao, have nothing to do with each other; we’re severed.”

“What happened between you two?!” Liu Dazhi was shocked; Weixiao had never acted like this before.

“Your sister said she’s always disliked me, and that she pretended to like Andy Lau. I was friends with her because I thought she was inferior to me in every way; I looked down on her. Got it?” Weixiao regained her composure. “But it’s over now; it’s fine. From now on, she’ll go her way, and I’ll go mine.” [各走各的路 (ge zou ge de lu) – each going their own way; 走自己的阳关道，走自己的独木桥 (zou zijide yangguandao, zou zijide dumubiao) – each going their own way, a more emphatic version]

“So… so…” Liu Dazhi didn’t know how to console her. “So… should I still sing that Jacky Cheung song?”

Dingdang clutched the note in her hand and turned to leave.

“There are always a couple of good friends where, the moment one says a certain phrase, you know they’re your friends.”

For the next two days, Weixiao and Dingdang didn’t interact.

Liu Dazhi went to see Weixiao.

“Have you noticed Dingdang wants to make up with you?”

“She should apologize first. I see her having fun with other classmates; I’m not needed.”

Liu Dazhi went to see Dingdang.

“Did you fight with Weixiao?”

“Mm.”

“Whose fault was it?”

“Whose fault doesn’t matter; she has her friends now, and I have mine. It’s fine like this.”

In the hallway, Liu Dazhi met Hao Huigui. “Teacher Hao, I noticed Weixiao and Dingdang fought. How can I get them to make up?”

“It’s fine; they’ll make up.” Hao Huigui wasn’t worried at all.

“Ah? But they haven’t spoken for days; they never do this.” Liu Dazhi was anxious.

“It’s fine; let them be. Dingdang will apologize first.”

“No way, she has such a bad temper.” Liu Dazhi couldn’t understand why Hao Huigui said this. Hao Huigui recalled Dingdang and Chen Xiaowu fighting after their marriage; Dingdang had even torn up their marriage certificate in anger. Hao Huigui had been frantic, taking a taxi to Hunan, only to find the couple happily together. From then on, Hao Huigui knew Dingdang was utterly unprincipled. Seeing Hao Huigui didn’t want to get involved, Liu Dazhi went to Chen Tong and Chen Xiaowu.

“It’s scary how women fight with each other. They might not have anything wrong, but once one finds the other has a new friend, things escalate. Luckily, men don’t do this.” Liu Dazhi sighed.

“Why don’t we separately ask them out, then meet as a group of five? That way, they won’t be able to leave easily, right? Dazhi, you ask Weixiao out; Chen Tong asks Dingdang out.” Chen Xiaowu suggested a plan.

“Shouldn’t Chen Tong ask Weixiao out, and I ask Dingdang out?” Liu Dazhi asked, confused.

“Dingdang likes Chen Tong; if Chen Tong asks her out, she’ll… definitely come.”

“Who told you that?” Chen Tong and Liu Dazhi looked at each other in surprise.

“No one; I observed.” Chen Xiaowu looked like he knew everything.

“Oh? Is it because you like Dingdang?” Liu Dazhi saw through him instantly.

“Don’t guess about others just because you like Weixiao!” Chen Xiaowu blurted out.

Liu Dazhi, as if struck by a spell, grabbed Chen Tong’s neck. “I like Chen Tong now.”

Chen Tong quickly pushed Liu Dazhi away.

“Chen Tong, you’re blushing like a girl.” Liu Dazhi teased him.

“Chen Tong, Dingdang is up to you; you must get her to come out.” Chen Xiaowu said seriously.

“Oh.” Chen Tong didn’t know why he agreed.

They planned a mountain outing for Saturday afternoon.

Chen Tong was responsible for asking Dingdang out; Liu Dazhi was responsible for asking Weixiao out. To give Chen Xiaowu half a day off, Chen Tong and Liu Dazhi went to help him at the bean sprout stall Saturday morning. The entire bean sprout stall was spotless; the grayish cement floor gleamed, making the bean sprouts look exceptionally fresh.

“Chen Xiaowu’s first task every morning at the bean sprout stall is to scrub the floor clean.” Liu Dazhi said.

“Chen Xiaowu scrubs it?” Chen Tong was surprised; it was his first time seeing a bean sprout stall up close.

“You guys haven’t had breakfast yet. I’ll get you something.” Chen Xiaowu ran to a breakfast stall nearby, greeting every vendor along the way, even stopping to help those who were busy.

“Uncle Chen, this is my classmate, Chen Tong.” Liu Dazhi introduced Chen Tong to Chen Xiaowu’s father.

“Isn’t he the top student in your school? Director Chen’s son. Why would you come to a place like this?” Chen Xiaowu’s father was anxious, afraid of offending Chen Tong.

Chen Tong felt awkward and quickly started bagging bean sprouts. By eleven, the market was bustling; some people stopped at the bean sprout stall and greeted Chen Tong. Chen Tong readily explained that he was helping his classmate’s family. With their help, everything went smoothly; by afternoon, all the bean sprouts were sold. The three of them, each with an ice pop, walked towards their meeting place.

“How did you ask Dingdang out?” Dazhi asked Chen Tong.

“I just asked if she was free Saturday afternoon at two.”

“Was she excited?”

“Okay.”

“You didn’t tell her we were all going together, did you?” Liu Dazhi was very nervous.

“I couldn’t think of anything else, so I said I was asking her out alone.” It was Chen Tong’s first time asking a girl out.

“Chen Tong is amazing! Dingdang would crawl there if he asked her out!” Liu Dazhi said to Chen Xiaowu.

Chen Xiaowu, though disliking this description, was happy nonetheless.

“How did you ask Weixiao out?” Chen Tong asked Liu Dazhi.

“I just said the three of us wanted to chat with her.”

“Will she come?”

“She should. She specifically asked if Dingdang was coming; I said I hadn’t asked her.”

The three boys stood at the bus stop, waiting for Weixiao and Dingdang.

Time ticked by; the two girls didn’t appear.

Two o’clock, still no one.

Two-thirty, still only three of them.

“Maybe they met on the way?” Chen Xiaowu guessed.

“Would our luck be that bad? Impossible. Dingdang must be getting ready. Weixiao shouldn’t be late either.” Liu Dazhi was puzzled.

An hour later.

“What should we do? Leave?” Chen Tong asked.

“I really don’t want to go back.” Chen Xiaowu had finally gotten an afternoon off from the bean sprouts; he didn’t want to return.

“Don’t be silly; we’ve come this far. We’re not going to die without them, are we? Come on! I’ll take you guys into the mountains!” Liu Dazhi boosted their spirits.

Baiyun Mountain was Liu Dazhi’s childhood playground. Liu Jianguo, being a doctor, often took Liu Dazhi into the mountains to collect herbs. Liu Dazhi knew every waterfall, cave, and path intimately. The mountain path grew narrower; sunlight filtered through the dense forest, creating a magical atmosphere. Liu Dazhi pointed out various plants along the way: “See? That’s a dahlia, that’s a *Pilea peperomioides*. Those are *Sedum aizoon* and *Saxifraga stolonifera*. Further ahead are *Photinia serratifolia*, camellias, and mugwort. There are hundreds of plants on this mountain. Look at that, it’s *Plantago asiatica*; the leaves are great for mosquito bites.”

“How do you know all this?” Chen Tong had never heard of many of these plants.

“My dad’s a doctor; he often brought me here.” Liu Dazhi was initially proud, but remembering his parents’ frequent arguments, his mood soured.

“Come on, follow me; there’s a really great place, my secret base!” Liu Dazhi dashed forward, disappearing around a bend.

Chen Tong and Chen Xiaowu, unfamiliar with the mountain paths, followed slowly.

After the turn, they saw a cliff, with a deep pool below.

Liu Dazhi was gone.

“Dazhi, where are you?”

“Liu Dazhi!” They shouted.

“AAAAH! Help! Save me!” Liu Dazhi’s voice came from below the cliff.

They looked down; Liu Dazhi had fallen into the pool and was struggling desperately.

Chen Tong’s mind went blank.

“Dazhi, hold on. I only know the dog paddle; I’ll climb down.” Chen Tong quickly looked for a way down. Chen Xiaowu, without even taking off his clothes, jumped into the pool. He surfaced, then dove back in, swimming towards Liu Dazhi, but when he opened his eyes, Liu Dazhi was gone.

“Dazhi! Dazhi! Where are you? Don’t scare me! Chen Tong, where’s Dazhi?” Chen Xiaowu’s voice trembled.

“I don’t see him either; wait!” Chen Tong had already climbed down to the bottom of the cliff.

Chen Xiaowu dove in and out of the water, frantic. Looking up, he saw Liu Dazhi and Chen Tong standing on the cliff, watching him. Chen Xiaowu was overjoyed, about to cheer, then realized—he’d been tricked!

Liu Dazhi was laughing, tears in his eyes.

“Xiaowu, don’t come up; wait!” Liu Dazhi did a backflip in the air and jumped back into the pool.

The two started a water fight.

“Chen Tong, come down too. Don’t be afraid; it’s not deep.” Liu Dazhi waved from the water.

Chen Tong had never experienced anything like this. He was always a good student, never doing anything out of line. But at this moment, a rebellious thought arose. He wanted to experience the feeling of freedom, without worrying about winning or losing, rankings or consequences. Taking off his jacket, he pinched his nose and jumped in with a “splash.” The moment he hit the water, it was cold, refreshing, and exhilarating, as if the world had opened up.

Emerging from the water, all three were freezing.

They took a bus back to the city. Passing a cinema, they saw a wall plastered with posters for *A Moment of Romance* [天若有情 (Tian Ruoyouqing)], and many people were exiting.

“Look!” Chen Xiaowu pointed.

“What?” Chen Tong and Liu Dazhi turned, but several cars passed, and they saw nothing.

“Weixiao and Dingdang just came out of the cinema!” Chen Xiaowu said incredulously.

“No way?”

“Get off the bus, get off the bus, let’s go find them.” The three got off at the nearest stop and ran back. From afar, they saw Dingdang and Weixiao slowly walking towards them, hand in hand.

“What’s going on?” Liu Dazhi was full of questions.

“You said you didn’t like Andy Lau?” Weixiao pretended to scold Dingdang.

“That was just anger; actually, I…” Dingdang hesitated.

“Actually, what?” Weixiao asked.

“Nothing, forget it.” Dingdang waved her hand.

“It’s a pity about that original Andy Lau poster…” Weixiao said regretfully. “But it was worth it if it made us better; we had to sacrifice Mr. Lau.”

“Why did you give me tissues in the cinema?” Dingdang’s eyes were red.

“You were crying so ugly; I was afraid you’d stain your clothes.” Weixiao smiled, her eyes also red. “Actually, I wanted to give you tissues several times, but I hesitated. If you hadn’t cried so hard…”

“You’re so kind. I won’t make you angry again. I’m sorry.” Dingdang said embarrassedly.

Dingdang and Weixiao laughed. Looking up, they saw Liu Dazhi and the others.

At the street corner, the five of them stood there, smiling at each other.

As if nothing had happened.

“It’s easy to fight; it’s hard to muster the courage to make up.
Those who can fight must also be able to make up.”

Dingdang returned home; the living room was filled with packages. Her father had returned. Dingdang’s father came out of the inner room, mysteriously saying, “Sorry, Dad was busy and forgot your birthday, but look what I got you.”

He pulled a photo from an envelope.

“Ah! Andy Lau! An autographed photo! Is this real?!”

Dingdang excitedly shouted in the living room, hugging her father tightly. Receiving an autographed photo was something she’d dream about and wake up laughing. After a moment’s thought, she grabbed the photo and envelope and ran out.

Passersby turned to look. Dingdang had never run so fast, laughing as she ran, her fingers carefully and tightly clutching the envelope.

Around the corner, a hundred meters, she knocked on the door.

“Weixiao! Weixiao! Open the door!” Dingdang excitedly knocked.

“What’s wrong?” Weixiao opened the door, looking at the breathless but happily laughing Dingdang.

“This is for you; my dad brought it back from Hong Kong. I’m leaving!” Dingdang said, turning and running away.

Weixiao opened the envelope, tears welling up instantly. Except for watching movies, Weixiao rarely showed her emotions, but holding this autographed photo of Andy Lau, her eyes immediately reddened, tears welling up. She’d cried so many times today. Arguments aren’t scary, even intense arguments aren’t scary; as long as you both still care, all arguments can reveal a more authentic side of each other. Weixiao ran to the photo developing shop on the corner, carefully laminating the photo and sticking it on the wall of her living room. Dingdang lay on her bed, happily looking at the wall opposite her, where the Andy Lau photo, painstakingly pieced back together with transparent tape by Weixiao, smiled back at her.