October 2nd was a clear, sunny day.
Early that morning, Lin Qingqing was busy fussing over her appearance in her room. One moment she thought a dress was too gaudy, the next she felt jeans were too casual. She tried on several outfits without satisfaction, leaving Uncle Lin’s head spinning just watching her.
“Alright, alright, my daughter is already beautiful enough!”
Just before heading out, Lin Qingqing hesitated again over which bag to carry. Finally, Uncle Lin, clutching his large tea mug, shooed her out the door. “Go on, go! Any more delay and you’ll be late. How can you be late to a classmate’s birthday?”
Outside the door, Lin Qingqing shrugged and pressed the elevator button.
“Runrun, come here for a second. I bought you some new rosin. Take it now, or I’ll forget again later.”
Lin Mu-run, who was putting on his shoes in the entryway, stopped at Uncle Lin’s call.
“Okay.” He swapped back into his slippers and followed Uncle Lin into the study.
As Uncle Lin rummaged for the rosin, he asked with feigned nonchalance, “Runrun, is Qingqing in a relationship?”
Lin Mu-run took the rosin and lowered his eyes. “I haven’t heard anything about it.”
The phrase “haven’t heard” was more elusive than a direct denial. It could mean she was dating but Mu-run didn’t know, or it could mean she wasn't dating at all.
Uncle Lin pondered for a moment before speaking. “I’ve noticed she’s paying much more attention to her clothes and makeup than usual.”
“Then again, maybe she’s just growing up and becoming a bit vain,” Uncle Lin comforted himself.
Lin Mu-run’s response was somewhat ambiguous. “Perhaps.”
“Forget it.” Uncle Lin patted his shoulder. “I was just asking. Hurry along now, or you’ll miss the bus. That girl Qingqing—she absolutely refused to let me drive her, saying she was afraid her classmates would laugh at her.”
Lin Mu-run nodded and put the rosin back in his room.
“Uncle, I’m heading out.”
“Alright, don’t stay out too late. Remember to come back early,” Uncle Lin called out as he turned on the television.
By the time the two siblings arrived at the restaurant, almost everyone was already there.
A quick glance revealed mostly unfamiliar faces, but Lin Mu-run didn’t feel uncomfortable. He had never been a social person, so the presence of strangers didn't affect him much. After greeting a few of Qingqing’s friends, he sat quietly to the side, opened an app, and began working on practice problems.
As the guest of honor, Wu Yichen was surrounded by a crowd of friends and didn't notice him. However, several girls noticed Lin Mu-run in the corner.
“Is that boy on the sofa with Lin Qingqing? Could he be her boyfriend?” one girl whispered to her companion.
“Don’t talk nonsense. Qingqing said earlier that he’s her older cousin,” another girl who knew the truth corrected her.
“Yo! Scholar Lin!”
Someone tapped his shoulder. Lin Mu-run looked back and saw Yu Wenbo from the first Arts class.
“I didn’t expect you to be here.”
Lin Mu-run took off his earphones and slid over to make room.
After sitting down, Yu Wenbo said, “I’ve never heard Wu Yichen mention you. I thought you didn't know each other.”
“We just met yesterday,” Lin Mu-run said. “He’s Qingqing’s boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend?” Yu Wenbo froze, looking toward Lin Qingqing. “You mean Lin Qingqing from the first Science class in our grade?”
“You didn't know?” Lin Mu-run asked, surprised.
“What didn't I know?” Yu Wenbo scratched his head. “Oh! You mean about Lin Qingqing and Wu Yichen dating? Well, I know now.”
“But what’s your relationship with Lin Qingqing?” Yu Wenbo guessed. “You both have the surname Lin. Are you twins?”
Lin Mu-run shook his head. “Cousins. Both my parents are surnamed Lin.”
“It’s a small world,” Yu Wenbo remarked.
“What are you chatting about?”
Si Bin, who had arrived right on time, spotted Lin Mu-run sitting in the corner at a glance.
The moment he entered, he drew everyone’s attention. Even Wu Yichen took the initiative to come forward and invite him to sit.
“We’re talking about Lin Qingqing,” Yu Wenbo replied.
“Bo-ge, do you like Qingqing?” some girls teased.
“Our Qingqing doesn't have a boyfriend yet. You’d better hurry up!”
“No boyfriend?” Lin Mu-run looked up at Wu Yichen, only to see his expression remain unchanged as he calmly invited everyone to take their seats.
The group teased a bit more until Yu Wenbo pressed his hands together in a plea for mercy, finally ending the topic.
A few boys crowded into the seats next to Si Bin, calling him “Bin-ge” one after another, their desire to get close to him written all over their faces.
Si Bin handled it with ease, chatting with one person and exchanging contact info with another, looking as though he had long been accustomed to such scenes.
“It’s like this at every gathering. Bin-ge always gets the most attention.” Yu Wenbo led Lin Mu-run to another table and poured him some tea.
“Bin-ge actually likes peace and quiet, but he’s a focal point wherever he goes.” Yu Wenbo unwrapped his chopsticks and sighed softly. “I guess that’s the trouble with being tall, rich, and handsome.”
Lin Mu-run took a sip of tea and asked with some concern, “Do they not know about Qingqing and Wu Yichen’s relationship?”
“I only just found out myself.” Yu Wenbo glanced toward Wu Yichen. “Maybe they agreed on an underground romance?”
“But as a friend, I’ll say something that might not sound great.” Yu Wenbo hesitated for a moment before whispering, “You need to keep a close eye on Wu Yichen for your sister. He’s a good guy, but he never rejects anyone and never breaks anyone’s heart. He’s a typical central air conditioner...”
Across the banquet table, Lin Mu-run looked at Wu Yichen from a distance. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and nodded. “Thank you.”
“Hey! Don’t be so polite with me. Bin-ge’s friend is my friend.” Yu Wenbo slapped Lin Mu-run’s shoulder in a brotherly fashion. “Just consider it a favor.”
Wu Yichen’s family was well-off, so the restaurant’s private room was elegant and the food was excellent. As everyone ate and drank, the excitement grew. Stifled by schoolwork and exams, they felt the meal wasn't enough and suggested going to a KTV to sing.
While the group was on their way to the KTV, Lin Qingqing slipped over to Lin Mu-run’s side and whispered, “Brother, why don’t you head back first?” She remembered that Lin Mu-run hated noise the most.
Lin Mu-run shook his head. “It’s fine. It’s good to relax a bit.”
He gave Yu Wenbo a nod and intentionally led Lin Qingqing to the back of the group.
“Who else knows you’re dating?” Lin Mu-run asked.
“No one...” Lin Qingqing answered softly. “The girls in my class only know I have a boyfriend, but they don't know specifically who he is.”
Lin Mu-run: “Do any of his friends know?”
The “he” referred to Wu Yichen.
“No. So far, only you know,” Lin Qingqing said.
Lin Mu-run: “...”
“Yu Wenbo from the first Arts class knows now too,” he said.
“That doesn't matter. He’s a boy, and he’s from our school,” Lin Qingqing said with a sigh of relief. “As long as it’s not someone from the Experimental Middle School.”
“Why?” Lin Mu-run asked. “Does the Experimental Middle School punish students for puppy love?”
“It’s not that.” Lin Qingqing said awkwardly, “It’s just that there are a lot of girls at Experimental Middle School who like Wu Yichen. I’m afraid they’ll be sad if they find out.”
“Did Wu Yichen ask you to keep it a secret?” Lin Mu-run asked, frowning.
“No, no...” Lin Qingqing corrected him in a small voice. “I was the one who suggested not announcing it.”
“I’m lucky enough to be liked by such an outstanding boy, so I won't ask for too much more,” the young girl said shyly.
“Don’t belittle yourself,” Lin Mu-run said, shaking his head.
Lin Qingqing seemed unwilling to continue the topic, wringing her hands and remaining silent for the rest of the walk.
The group arrived at the KTV and got a large private room. After ordering two dozen beers and various snacks, the karaoke enthusiasts grabbed the microphones and began wailing away.
The lights in the room were dim. Lin Mu-run sat quietly in a corner, lost in thought, looking like a clean-cut scholar who had accidentally wandered into a spider’s den.
“Hey handsome, do you have a girlfriend?” a bold girl sat down next to Lin Mu-run and asked. “If not, would you mind giving me your contact info?”
“I have one,” Lin Mu-run refused politely. “Sorry.”
The girl left disappointed, spreading her hands to her companions who were watching expectantly.
“You’ve got something going on?” Si Bin, who had just pushed open the door, happened to overhear this exchange.
“I was lying,” Lin Mu-run replied expressionlessly.
Si Bin sat down beside him with a smile. “I didn't expect you to lie.”
“Do I not look the type?” Lin Mu-run asked.
“No.” Si Bin shook his head.
“I don’t plan on dating. There’s no need to give people hope,” Lin Mu-run replied.
“You don’t plan on it now, or you don’t plan on it ever?” The music in the KTV was too loud, so Si Bin leaned in closer. Lin Mu-run caught the faint, lingering scent of tobacco on him again.
“What about you?” Lin Mu-run kicked the question back.
“You haven’t answered my question yet, Student Lin.” Si Bin leaned back against the sofa and turned to look at Lin Mu-run.
Lin Mu-run didn't answer. Si Bin guessed he probably couldn't.
“We’re going big today! Whoever gets picked isn't allowed to back out!”
Fortunately, at that moment, the boy organizing the game saved Lin Mu-run from the silence.
“Truth or Dare! You must pick one. If it’s too difficult, you have to accept a penalty!”
“What’s the penalty?” a girl asked.
“Drinking, of course! A whole bottle at once, no negotiations!” the boy replied.
The crowd laughed and gathered around the table to start drawing cards.
Perhaps due to his natural magnetism, Si Bin was “unlucky” enough to draw the Joker in the very first round.
He placed the card on the table with poise and, amidst the cheering of the crowd, chose “Truth.”
“Do you have a girlfriend?” a girl asked with a smile.
“Aww! What kind of question is that?” a boy hurriedly interrupted. “Bin-ge’s friends all know he’s single. That question doesn't count! Ask something with more substance!”
“Then, do you have someone you like?” the girl followed up.
In the world of middle schoolers, whether someone was dating or had a crush was a monumental affair. They all stared curiously at Si Bin, seemingly unwilling to miss even the slightest micro-expression on his face.
Si Bin spread his hands and didn't answer. Instead, he picked up a bottle of beer and downed it.
The crowd was stunned for a moment before a burst of exclamations erupted.
“There’s something going on!”
“He definitely has someone he likes!”
“Bin-ge didn't dare answer directly—there’s definitely a situation!”
Si Bin finished the entire bottle amidst the clamor. He shook the empty bottle to show he was done.
“Who is it?!” someone couldn't help but gossip.
“That’s the next question,” Si Bin said unhurriedly.
“Boo!”
Many people felt it was a pity to miss out on such big gossip.
But as it turned out, Si Bin’s luck tonight was truly poor. In the next round of drawing cards, he drew the Joker once again.
The crowd immediately pounced on him to continue the previous question.
“Bin-ge, tell us who it is!”
“Is it someone we know?”
Si Bin didn't answer, simply picking up another bottle of beer.
“Wait! Wait!” the boy sitting next to him raised a hand to stop him. “Can’t you guys ask something a bit more subtle? If Bin-ge downs another bottle, won't we have wasted a question for nothing!”
“Right, right!” someone suggested. “Change the question. The last one doesn't count.”
“Quick, think of a question that can get us useful information but also stop Bin-ge from drinking.”
After the group pondered for a while, a girl clapped her hands and asked, “Then what kind of person does Bin-ge like? You can surely answer that, right?”
Upon hearing this, Si Bin actually put down the beer bottle. He seemed to think for a moment, or perhaps he was looking at someone through the dim light of the room.
“Someone like a kapok tree,” he said with a smile.
The sentence left everyone bewildered and itching with curiosity, but Si Bin’s bad luck seemed to have suddenly vanished. In the subsequent rounds, he never drew the Joker again.
Earlier that morning, Si Bin had run into Lin Mu-run at a bookstore near the piano studio.
“Are you here to buy books?” Si Bin had greeted him.
“Yes, a birthday gift for Wu Yichen,” Lin Mu-run replied.
“And you?” he asked Si Bin.
“I’m here for some comprehensive social studies practice exams,” Si Bin replied.
“What kind of book are you planning to give him?”
“I don’t think he’s lacking in supplementary teaching materials.” Lin Mu-run pulled out an unwrapped collection of poetry and flipped to a certain page in the table of contents.
“‘To the Oak’?” Si Bin raised an eyebrow.
“‘I must be a kapok tree at your side / Standing with you in the image of a tree.’” The youth’s cool voice slowly recited the lines.
“This is the one,” Lin Mu-run said.
***
