“You plan to send Su Jingming to a sanatorium?” Wen Yan asked, as if unable to believe his own ears. He needed to hear her confirm it once more.
Cheng Hui pressed her lips together. This decision was the result of an entire night’s deliberation. Su Jingming’s condition wouldn't be cured in a day or two, and she couldn't shoulder the burden of his entire future.
“Jingming’s state is an unknown variable. None of us know what his future will look like. I admit I’m being selfish, Wen Yan, but I have to consider myself a little. I have a family, and Jingming has a younger sister. I can’t possibly…” As Cheng Hui spoke, she saw the expression in Wen Yan’s eyes grow colder and his face turn increasingly grim. Steeling her heart, she finished in a harsh tone, “Even if you want to take responsibility for his future, would your parents ever agree? Even if they did, can you, as you are now, provide for his basic livelihood?”
Wen Yan fell silent. Every word Cheng Hui spoke was a dagger to the soul, yet the logic was undeniable.
What could he do right now? What was he capable of?
If Su Jingming really remained like this for the rest of his life…
Wen Yan looked at Su Jingming, who was focused intently on the television. That look of concentration made Wen Yan’s heart ache.
He truly could do nothing right now; he couldn't even provide Su Jingming with a basic standard of living.
For the first time, he loathed his own age.
Cheng Hui took a deep breath and continued, “Wen Yan, don’t blame me for being blunt. None of us wanted Jingming to end up like this. If he recovers later, it will be a blessing. But if he stays this way forever, what will outsiders think? What will your parents think? As his parents, we owe him for his past years, but now that things have come to this, I believe Jingming wouldn't want to see his current self dragging you down like this.”
“I believe the feelings between you two are just a passing whim. Later, when you meet the right person and look back, you’ll realize that your past with Jingming isn't even worth mentioning.”
Wen Yan listened to her words and remained quiet for a long moment. He lowered his eyes, his voice sounding terribly hoarse when he finally spoke: “In the end, you simply don't believe in us.”
Cheng Hui was at a loss for words. Indeed, she did not believe in the relationship between these two boys.
Just as she said, she felt it was a momentary impulse. At such an age, it was normal for first love to bloom.
She didn't know how to answer him for a moment; she had already said all the harsh things she could muster. Wen Yan’s expressionless, unmoved reaction left her feeling flustered.
“…In a few days, it’s Su Jingming’s birthday,” Wen Yan said. “I want to be with him.”
Cheng Hui agreed to let Wen Yan spend the day with Su Jingming on his eighteenth birthday.
On the morning of that day, Wen Yan arrived at Su Jingming’s bedroom early. He stepped inside quietly and looked at the youth still fast asleep on the bed, his eyes hiding unfathomable emotions. He stood there for a long time, just watching him.
He pulled back the curtains, letting a sliver of bright light shine in.
Wen Yan walked to the bedside, leaned down, and called softly, “Little Hero.”
The sleeping Su Jingming frowned slightly and rolled over, turning his back to him.
Wen Yan let out a helpless laugh. Kneeling with one leg on the bed, he carefully tried to pull Su Jingming toward him.
Su Jingming resisted even in his sleep. Every time Wen Yan pulled, he fought back.
In a daze, Wen Yan remembered the first night he had brought Su Jingming home.
What happened after that?
Wen Yan suddenly couldn't remember clearly. He only remembered changing Su Jingming’s clothes and sitting on the sofa outside for the entire night.
The stars had been beautiful that night, the air crisp, and even the moonlight had seemed tender. That was the first month they had truly known each other.
“What are you doing?” Wen Yan hadn't yet emerged from his memories when Su Jingming rubbed his eyes, his voice raspy. “Why are you here so early, Little Monster?”
Wen Yan smiled and ruffled the hair on the crown of his head. “Get up. I’m taking you out to play.”
Su Jingming’s interest was piqued immediately at the mention of going out. He hadn't been outside for a long time. Every time he wanted to go out, Cheng Hui would hold him back and forbid it.
He moved quickly, washing up and changing his clothes. As soon as he opened the door, he asked, “Little Monster, did Mom agree to let me go out? She wouldn't let me before.”
Wen Yan gave a soft hum of affirmation. “She agreed.”
Upon hearing this, Su Jingming straightened his back as he walked out of the room. After scanning the living room and seeing no sign of Cheng Hui, he hurried to the entryway to put on his shoes.
Once he was ready, Wen Yan finally walked over at a leisurely pace.
Su Jingming whispered, “Hurry, hurry.”
Wen Yan laughed. “It’s not like we’re thieves.”
Su Jingming didn't quite understand what he meant. As soon as Wen Yan finished putting on his shoes, Jingming grabbed his wrist, clumsily opened the door, and pulled him along with large strides.
Hearing the sound of their departure, Cheng Hui walked out of her room. A faint, clean scent still lingered in the empty living room.
She stood there, breaking into silent sobs.
Su Jingming pulled Wen Yan downstairs. Seeing the unfamiliar street, he froze for a moment. “We…”
Wen Yan saw his doubt but didn't answer directly. Instead, he took the lead, gripping Su Jingming’s hand and leading him toward the street corner. He asked gently, “What do you want to eat?”
Su Jingming thought seriously for a moment. “A burger!”
Wen Yan actually took him to get burgers. There weren't many people out so early; most were just buying to-go. After ordering, they found a seat by the window.
The confusion in Su Jingming’s eyes hadn't faded since they left the house.
“What is it?” Wen Yan asked him.
“Mom says eating this early in the morning is unhealthy.”
Wen Yan nodded. “It is a bit unhealthy. But didn't you want it?”
“Will you tell Mom?” Su Jingming asked earnestly.
“No,” Wen Yan repeated. “I won't.”
Su Jingming got his wish and ate a burger with a Coke on that summer morning. After he finished the last sip of soda, Wen Yan asked him again, “Where do you want to go next?”
In Su Jingming’s memory, outings were always arranged by adults.
Being allowed to make the decision himself felt almost unbelievable. “…Are you really taking me out to play?”
“Yes, I am. Today, you can have whatever you want.”
With Wen Yan’s word, Su Jingming grew bold. “I want to go to the amusement park.”
Wen Yan took him to Liangcheng’s largest amusement park. It had just opened for the day, and since it was a weekday, it wasn't very crowded.
Wen Yan held Su Jingming’s wrist without any hesitation. Su Jingming couldn't hide the wonder in his eyes; he almost wanted to break free from Wen Yan’s grip to run around.
Wen Yan pulled him back firmly. “Don't run off.”
“Oh,” Su Jingming responded dryly.
“What do you want to ride?” Wen Yan asked.
Su Jingming thought for a moment and finally pointed at the roller coaster in front of them. “That one first!”
To everyone’s surprise, the final day of June began with a roller coaster.
The staff member looked at the two boys with a strange expression as he fastened their seatbelts and safety bars. He couldn't help but ask, “Are you two really here to play?”
Wen Yan nodded, while Su Jingming leaned over from the side. “Of course we are!”
The staff member swallowed hard. He couldn't understand what young people were thinking these days—skipping school to come to an amusement park, and the first thing they pick is the roller coaster.
With a piercing ring of a bell, the roller coaster slowly climbed toward the peak. They sat in the very front row, with no one behind them. Wen Yan’s expression remained calm, but suddenly, a cold hand gripped his fingers.
Wen Yan looked over. Su Jingming had his eyes squeezed shut, his lips pressed into a thin line.
“Little Monster,” Su Jingming called out. “If I’m too noisy in a minute, don't be annoyed with me, okay?”
Before Wen Yan could answer, the roller coaster, which had been lingering at the highest point, suddenly plummeted. A startling scream erupted right in Wen Yan’s ear.
“AAAAHHHHH—!!!!”
Wen Yan instinctively curled his lips into a smile. It turned out Su Jingming was afraid of roller coasters.
By the time the ride ended, Su Jingming had screamed himself hoarse. He looked at Wen Yan; aside from his hair being a bit messy, the expression on his face was as indifferent as ever.
Wen Yan reached out a hand to help him up from the seat. “Was it fun?”
Su Jingming shook his head. “It’s hard on the throat.”
Wen Yan shook his head with a silent laugh, not letting go of Su Jingming’s hand. “What else?”
Su Jingming looked around at the large, thrilling attractions. After scanning the area, his gaze settled on the Big Pendulum. He tilted his chin up. “That one!”
Wen Yan raised an eyebrow and led him toward the ride.
The staff member wrinkled his nose. He still couldn't understand the youth of today; "scared yet loving it" was exactly how he would describe them.
With the experience of the roller coaster under his belt, Su Jingming wasn't quite as skittish on the Big Pendulum. Even his screams were much quieter than before.
As soon as they got off, Wen Yan asked, “Not afraid anymore?”
Su Jingming huffed. “Didn't I say? The roller coaster wasted my voice.”
Ah, so he just couldn't scream anymore.
Wen Yan pressed his lips together. He was still a bit of a brat.
Throughout the morning, Su Jingming went on almost every ride in the park.
Finally, the two of them were on the Ferris wheel. Su Jingming watched curiously as they slowly ascended. The figures below grew smaller and smaller until the entire amusement park was laid out beneath them.
Wen Yan sat opposite him, facing the scenery outside. His profile was bathed in the bright sunlight, making his expression hard to read.
Su Jingming wrinkled his nose. “Little Monster, why did you agree to let me come out today?”
He had been holding this question in all morning and finally found the right time to ask.
Wen Yan didn't look at him. “You’ve been stuck at home for a long time. Didn't you want to come out for a walk?”
“I did, but Mom wouldn't let me.” Su Jingming’s voice grew softer. “And... the house is different now. Even the streets outside are different.”
“How are they different?” Wen Yan asked.
“They’ve become... like I don't recognize them anymore.” Su Jingming’s words encompassed everything. “Why did we move? Why isn't Dad home? And Little Monster... why are you staying with me?”
Wen Yan didn't answer those questions. Instead, he asked back, “Su Jingming, are you resigned to this?”
*Are you resigned to spending your life like this?*
*Are you resigned to leaving this place—leaving me?*
Su Jingming didn't understand what Wen Yan meant. He continued on his own, “Can I call Mom when we get down? Or Dad?”
Wen Yan finally turned his face to look at him. He forced a difficult smile. As they reached the highest point of the Ferris wheel, the summer sun pierced through the glass, casting a glow over them.
Wen Yan said, “Su Jingming, happy birthday. I hope you stay safe and sound, that everything goes smoothly for you, and that you are forever happy.”
Hearing this, Su Jingming frowned.
He felt like he had heard those words somewhere before.
As Wen Yan moved, the crisp sound of a bell rang out.
Su Jingming looked toward the sound. He hadn't noticed before, but there was a bell tied to the black cord around Wen Yan’s wrist.
Wen Yan followed his gaze, and both of them stared at his wrist. His well-defined fingers were curled into a fist. His skin was very pale, glowing brightly under the sunlight.
Wen Yan’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He asked in a raspy voice, “Do you still remember…”
Before he could finish, Su Jingming said, “Your bracelet is really pretty.”
His voice was full of a simple-minded silliness, much like an innocent child.
The words Wen Yan had been about to say stuck in his throat, and he eventually forced himself to swallow them back down. The look in his eyes grew heavier, reflecting Su Jingming’s pure smile. “Little Monster, let’s go to the haunted house next, okay?”
