MM | Chapter 54

The Alley

The kids’ curiosity was piqued, but Zhao Xi stopped talking. He slowly used his chopsticks to pull the soft tendons off the skewer. When he looked up, he saw more than thirty pairs of eyes eagerly watching him.

“What?” Zhao Xi chuckled.

“And then, Xi-ge?”

“What then?” Zhao Xi feigned ignorance.

“How could you?!” They didn’t dare confront him, so they just banged on the table in protest.

“And then?” Zhao Xi had no intention of going into detail. He simply said, “Then my grades fluctuated so much that I almost gave the homeroom teacher a heart attack.”

Everyone knew how impressive he was, so they were surprised: “No way, Xi-ge, your grades could upset a teacher?”

“Of course,” Zhao Xi said candidly. “Everyone has their off days. Back then, I had a terrible temper. It was bad enough that I was about to explode, but I was also great at stirring things up, so I…”

He paused, scraping the rim of his cup with his fingers and smirking. “Drinked too much, my tongue’s a bit loose. Anyway, arguments and conflicts were common. Looking back, I was a bit unlucky. Eight out of ten arguments happened during exams, so—”

He spread his hands, indicating “you know how it is.”

Back then, he was really wild, didn’t care about anything. If he was in a good mood, he could finish an entire workbook of competition problems in two days. If he was in a bad mood, he’d just go screw up the exams.

This kind of person wasn’t just a headache for themselves but for the teachers too. One week, he’d be first in the grade, way ahead of the second place. The next week, he’d drop out of the top 100 with a scowl, and the week after, he’d be back with a smile.

What teacher could handle that? None of them could.

At first, the homeroom teacher was terrified, thinking something had happened to him, and would drag him to the office for heart-to-heart talks that lasted the entire evening self-study. Later, the teacher wasn’t scared anymore, just angry.

That homeroom teacher, surnamed Fang, was a famous “King of Hell” at the Affiliated High School back then. When he got angry, no one dared to breathe loudly. At the sound of his footsteps, any students chasing each other would immediately fall into line.

Sometimes he’d try to lighten the classroom atmosphere by playing some music, but it was always the same two songs: “Yesterday Once More” from 1973 and “Don’t Cry” from 1991, songs several generations removed from the students.

When he played music, he wouldn’t speak, just leaned on the podium, scanning the class over his glasses. No one felt relaxed or at ease.

Such a fearsome teacher was actually driven to get a patch of white hair by Zhao Xi.

Zhao Xi had encountered many teachers growing up, but Old Fang was the most serious, the one who scolded him the most, and the one who worried about him the most after graduation.

Old Fang wasn’t good at small talk or showing a relaxed side. Zhao Xi would call him during holidays, and Old Fang would ask about his health and life in the same tone as their evening talks, asking when he’d return to the country.

For several years, Zhao Xi didn’t come back often, but every time he did, he made sure to visit Old Fang.

Later, Old Fang got sick, lymphoma, and it progressed quickly. Zhao Xi rushed back to the country, just in time to attend his funeral.

That day, Zhao Xi played Old Fang’s two favorite songs on loop in the car, suddenly realizing that there are many changes in the world. You never know when you might never see someone again.

*

The kids were unsatisfied with the incomplete gossip, but Zhao Xi ignored their tantrums and wails. Their rebellion failed, and they reluctantly gave up, soon diving into another lively conversation. A group of energetic teenagers never runs out of topics.

Zhao Xi didn’t say much afterward, just watched them with a smile, occasionally whispering a few words to Lin Beiting, perhaps treating the students as entertainment. Around 9 o’clock, Zhao Xi took a call. Lin Beiting said goodbye to everyone, finished the remaining drink, and the two left first.

“Lin-ge and Xi-ge are really close,” Song Sirui said, glancing out the window at their retreating figures, full of envy. “My dad says it’s rare to stay in touch with high school friends; most of his friends are from college.”

“Not necessarily,” Gao Tianyang said. “My mom’s best friends are from middle and high school.”

“Exactly, it depends on the person and if the relationship is really strong,” someone chimed in. “I think our class is great; we’ll definitely stay in touch when we’re older.”

“Absolutely!” Song Sirui, with a flushed face from drinking, hugged a boy on one side and Gao Tianyang on the other. “We’re so close! And Tian-ge and Sheng-ge, I always thought you two are like Xi-ge and them. You’ll definitely be that close in the future too.”

Jiang Tian was whispering to Sheng Wang and looked up at Song Sirui. His lips moved as if to refute or agree, but he didn’t speak in the end.

Sheng Wang had reached a state of serene intoxication, responding to everything with a proud expression.

Gao Tianyang brushed off Song Sirui’s arm and said irritably, “You’re stating the obvious! They’re family, of course they’re close.”

“Oh, right.” Song Sirui slapped his forehead and raised his glass to Sheng Wang, saying, “My bad, penalty drink!”

Sheng Wang also lifted his glass and took a sip willingly.

Jiang Tian: “…”

He put his hand in front of Sheng Wang’s eyes, showing a number, and asked, “How many?”

Sheng Wang snorted, pressing each of Jiang Tian’s fingers back down, “Who are you trying to scare? Four.”

Jiang Tian: “…”

The table was a mess, with only a bit of beer left that no one could finish. Everyone was full, but leaving directly felt unsatisfying. Someone suggested playing “Avoid 7,” losing meant taking a sip, and they’d finish the leftover beer before leaving.

Jiang Tian pointed at Sheng Wang, “He should sit this one out.”

“No way! Why should he?” everyone protested.

“He’s already drunk,” Jiang Tian said.

“Drunk?” Gao Tianyang looked over. Sheng Wang shook his head with a smile, looking perfectly composed, neither babbling nor acting drunk.

“Tian-ge, who are you kidding? If he’s drunk, then I’m alcohol poisoned!” Gao Tianyang waved his hand. “No exceptions, let’s go!”

He pointed at a girl across the table, “Xiao Lajiao, you start, don’t let them off.”

“Avoid 7” was a simple game where you count in turns, clapping instead of saying 7 or multiples of 7. Normally, Class A could play endlessly, but after drinking, it was different, and mistakes were inevitable.

Class monitor Li Yu was the first to fall asleep after losing the first round, and a few others with low tolerance slid down their chairs, waving and laughing. But none made as many mistakes as Sheng Wang.

This young master looked calm on the surface, but his mouth was rebellious, always calling out 7 and its multiples. Eventually, Gao Tianyang moved the beer barrel in front of him, filling a glass to the brim, “Sheng-ge, are you just here for free drinks?”

The golden liquid rose, frothy white foam piled on top, spilling over the glass. Sheng Wang didn’t even bother lifting his hand, just leaned over to sip the foam, then frowned, “I really can’t drink anymore.”

Gao Tianyang collapsed, “Then stop making mistakes!”

“I’m not doing it on purpose,” Sheng Wang said.

Foam clung to his lips, and he licked it off with his tongue. He was pondering how to finish the drink when a hand reached over.

Sheng Wang’s reaction was a bit slow. He stared at the small mole on the wrist for a moment before looking at the hand’s owner—

Jiang Tian’s eyes were half-closed as he drank all the beer. He set the glass back on the table and nodded toward the door, “Time to go.”

Gao Tianyang and the others cheered, shouting “awesome.” The sound of chairs being pushed and pulled filled the room as most stood up.

Sheng Wang also stood, hurrying toward the door.

Jiang Tian grabbed him, “Where are you going?”

“Bathroom,” Sheng Wang asked, “Want to come?”

“…”

Jiang Tian let go, “I’ll wait for you at the door.”

Sheng Wang wasn’t actually rushing to the bathroom; he wanted to pay. Despite being too drunk to count to 7, he remembered he was supposed to treat. Leaning on the counter, he told the cashier, “Bill for the room.”

“No need, Lin-ge said this one’s on them. Are you guys done? Shi Tou and the others called a car to take your classmates back, also arranged by Lin-ge and Xi-ge.”

Sheng Wang muttered, “Such grown-ups, still fighting me to pay.”

The cashier laughed, “Exactly, the boss doesn’t know better.”

She pulled out a bag of fragrant pears from under the counter and handed it to Sheng Wang, “Xiao Jiang left these. You two heading back to school?”

Sheng Wang nodded, holding the pears and leaning against a table to wait.

“Don’t stand there, that’s the lost and found,” the cashier said.

“Oh, then I’ll wait to be claimed,” Sheng Wang replied.

The cashier laughed again.

Before long, the lost item, along with the pears, was claimed by Jiang Tian.

*

Last time Sheng Wang drank too much, his relationship with Jiang Tian wasn’t great, so he ended up just tagging along. This time was different. Someone had his arm around Jiang Tian’s shoulder, forcing him to participate in the silly “walk a straight line” activity.

The alley outside Wutongwai wasn’t even. Wide enough for cars in some places, only bikes in others. Under Sheng Wang’s lead, Jiang Tian’s shoulder hit the wall three times.

“Why do you keep veering off?” Sheng Wang asked, puzzled.

“If you let go, I won’t,” Jiang Tian said.

“Impossible.”

“…”

Jiang Tian was really at his wit’s end.

This was worse than just tagging along.

Though he thought so, he still held onto Sheng Wang. The alley had lots of loose stones, easy to trip on. This zigzagging was silly, but at least it reduced the chance of someone getting hurt again.

Old Man Ding’s house was an old-style building with a high threshold. The young master couldn’t step over it, so he angrily sat on a stone outside, waving Jiang Tian off, “I’m not going in. I’ll wait here.”

“Don’t wander off,” Jiang Tian said.

Sheng Wang nodded, thinking, “My legs are attached to me.”

Jiang Tian crossed the courtyard and went inside. Old Man Ding’s cough echoed through the low walls, softly reverberating in the alley.

This was the deep part of Wutongwai, mostly inhabited by elderly residents. At this hour, few were awake, and even the lights were sparse, so quiet that only occasional dog barks could be heard.

Sheng Wang vaguely heard someone talking in the alley to his right. He turned to look and saw two tall figures walking past the alley entrance, their shadows elongated by the streetlight, slowly disappearing behind the wall.

He stared into space for a few seconds before realizing those two looked a bit like Zhao Xi and Lin Beiting.

Driven by a scholar’s curiosity, he stood, stomped his numb foot, and staggered to the alley entrance to peek out. To his surprise, they hadn’t gone far, only about seven or eight meters away.

They seemed to be strolling, pausing occasionally while talking. Under the streetlight, Sheng Wang could see their faces clearly—it was indeed Zhao Xi and Lin Beiting.

Judging by the alley’s direction, they probably just came back from Xi Le.

Lin Beiting mentioned something, and Zhao Xi stopped, listening for a moment before bending over with laughter, his arm around Lin Beiting’s shoulder.

Sheng Wang wasn’t sure if he should greet them, considering they had just taken care of the bill.

He hesitated for a moment, just about to step out and call them, when Zhao Xi straightened up, looking at Lin Beiting with a smile. The hand on his shoulder lifted, and he provocatively curled his finger.

Lin Beiting seemed to raise an eyebrow.

He brushed away the provocative finger and turned to kiss Zhao Xi.

The alley was narrow and secluded, with many alternative routes, rarely traveled, like a peaceful, intimate path.

The streetlight was dim, casting long shadows of the two onto the uneven stone pavement, intimate and close.

Crunch.

A small stone crunched underfoot, not loud, but it startled Sheng Wang. By the time he realized, he had already retreated behind the wall, his heart pounding like a drum.

*

When Jiang Tian came out of the courtyard, the stone was empty. Luckily, the next moment, there was a sound by the wall, and he relaxed.

“What are you doing here?” He walked over quickly.

Sheng Wang seemed lost in thought, startled by the question. Perhaps due to the dim light, his eyes showed a hint of panic.

Though he knew reasoning with a drunk was futile, Jiang Tian still lowered his voice, “What are you panicking about?”

He glanced around, even peeking into the alley. Everything was clean, no stray cats or dogs, no bats or moths.

Sheng Wang didn’t respond. He looked at Jiang Tian, dazed for a moment, and then the drunkenness slowly returned. Feeling thirsty from the alcohol, he licked his lips and lowered his eyes, “Who’s panicking? I’m not. I just ate too much and needed to stand for a bit.”

Jiang Tian was still a bit skeptical.

Sheng Wang added, “Is the old man asleep? I’m tired, want to sleep.”

Jiang Tian looked at him for a moment, then straightened up, “Let’s go back to the dorm.”

Their roommates had already showered, and the dorm was filled with the scent of shampoo. Shi Yu was gaming on the bed, and Qiu Wenbin was still studying, with only a desk lamp on.

When they entered, Sheng Wang’s drunkenness surged again, making his steps unsteady. Qiu Wenbin rushed to help, but Sheng Wang brushed him off. Despite his heavy eyelids, he insisted on taking a shower before collapsing gloriously onto the lower bunk.

“Wow, how much did he drink?” Shi Yu asked from his bed.

“Not much,” Jiang Tian said.

Some people have terrible tolerance but strong willpower; no one knew when he actually got drunk.

Qiu Wenbin glanced at Sheng Wang’s sleeping posture and sympathetically asked, “So, Master, are you sleeping on the top bunk tonight?”

Jiang Tian couldn’t move because someone was restless in their sleep, constantly turning over. The dorm bed couldn’t compare to the large bed in his room, and after two turns, he almost fell off.

So Jiang Tian stayed on the lower bunk to keep him from falling.

That night, Jiang Tian didn’t sleep well, and neither did Sheng Wang.

The scene in the alley seemed etched into his mind, sneaking into his dreams. He had many fragmented dreams, each ending with him suddenly walking into that streetlight.

On both sides were the mottled walls of the long alley, underfoot were the moss and gravel between the stone slabs. The light in the dream always flickered, sometimes casting shadows on the wall, sometimes on the ground.

Dim, quiet, ambiguous.

He would always hear someone calling his name at the end, and every time he looked up, it was Jiang Tian’s face he saw.

*

After several such dreams, Sheng Wang finally woke up.

The moment he opened his eyes, his emotions were still lingering in the dream’s end, a thin layer of sweat on his forehead and temples.

He was half lying on Jiang Tian, arm around his neck, one leg draped over his. Because of the heat, the blanket had long been kicked off, mostly hanging off the bed, leaving almost no barrier between them.

The fabric of his pants was soft and thin, unable to block body heat, let alone some awkward reactions.

The sky was just beginning to lighten, the dim light streaming through the balcony door and window cracks, leaving the dorm in silence. Sheng Wang lowered his eyes, hearing his own pounding heartbeat and chaotic breathing.

He almost panicked, pulling his leg away, deliberately quieting his movements to avoid waking Jiang Tian. He glanced at Jiang Tian, and after a moment, hurriedly climbed back to the top bunk, not daring to stay a second longer.

Because just a moment ago, he had an impulse to get closer to his brother, wanting to touch the lips that were always pressed into a line, wondering if they were as cold as they looked.

The ceiling above was white, and Sheng Wang’s face was just as pale.

He stared at the white ceiling for a long time, his heart pounding heavily against his eardrums.

He didn’t even notice the person below had turned over, nor did he know Jiang Tian had pulled the blanket over his waist, lying on his side with his eyes open.