It wasn't until the night before he was due to leave Beijing that Jiang Tong finally lugged his bedding back home from the university dormitory. Following the northern tradition of "dumplings for the departure, noodles for the return," Fang Dayong had pulled out all the stops. Not only did he wrap dumplings with various fillings, but he also prepared a full table of lavish dishes, featuring chicken, duck, fish, and meat. The family shared a warm, harmonious dinner. Afterward, Jiang Tong moved to help clear the table, but his mother called him into the inner room for a private word.
"How did the summer research go?" Song Yiyi leaned against the headboard, watching Jiang Tong with a smile. Having rested at home recently, her cheeks had filled out a little; she no longer looked like a mere skeleton of skin and bone. However, her complexion remained poor—a sallow, grayish yellow—and the veins near her temples were clearly visible.
"It went well." Jiang Tong sat properly by the edge of the bed. Having been apart from his mother for so long, he felt a strange sense of restraint in their conversation. "The professors in the lab were very kind. I learned a lot."
"That’s good, that’s very good..." Song Yiyi murmured. She seemed dazed for a moment but quickly forced herself to brighten up. "You’ll be a senior when the semester starts. What are your plans for the future? Do you want to work, or keep studying?"
Jiang Tong’s heart gave a sudden thud. "I want to go to the United States for a PhD."
"I’ll apply for a scholarship!" Before Song Yiyi could speak, he added hurriedly, "If I get a full ride and take out a small loan, I can definitely pay back the Singapore tuition. With the money from a part-time job in the States, I won't just cover my living expenses; I’ll even be able to save some to send home."
"And I’ve actually saved a bit of money now," he said with a smile. "You don't need to worry about anything. Just focus on recovering."
the woman’s eyes grew moist. "Silly child."
"It’s because I’m useless as a mother." She reached out and took Jiang Tong’s hand. "When your father passed away, I swore to myself that I would give you a good life on my own. I never expected that I’d not only fail your father but also get this illness and become a burden to you..."
"I know my own condition," she said slowly. "I wanted to speak with you alone today to tell you that... after I pass, you should separate your life from your Uncle Fang’s."
"I didn't sell the house in our hometown; the deed is in your name. I’ve already written my will; it’s tucked behind the picture frame on the bookshelf." She pointed out the location to Jiang Tong. "There isn't much left of the money your father left behind, but it’s better than nothing. You can do whatever you want with the house and that bit of money. You don't need to worry about those two."
"Beibei will need money for university, for marriage—every single thing costs money. I can't leave this world in peace if I leave you with such a heavy burden to carry."
Jiang Tong grew anxious. "We’re a family! Why are you saying such things? Don't let your mind wander to such dark places. Just focus on getting better. Leave everything else to Uncle Fang and me."
"I’ve already spoken to your Uncle Fang," Song Yiyi said gently. "He agreed."
"In the future, you can get together for a meal during the holidays. Otherwise, you should each look after your own lives. That would be for the best."
Jiang Tong pulled his hand out from under his mother’s. "I don't agree. You need to rest. Don't think about anything else."
He didn't give Song Yiyi a chance to continue, turning and walking straight out of the room. Fang Dayong was sitting in the living room, a cigarette held between his fingers. He wasn't smoking it; he was just staring blankly into space. Seeing Jiang Tong come out, he stood up hurriedly, his gaze shifting up and down, not daring to meet Jiang Tong’s eyes.
"I have to go out for a bit," Jiang Tong said expressionlessly. "My mom is looking for you. Why don't you go in and see her?"
He fled the small apartment as if escaping a disaster, but he had nowhere to go. He could only walk in circles around the building. The night was deep, the streetlights were dim, and there were few pedestrians on the road. Jiang Tong took out his phone and, as if possessed, opened the video call interface for Xiao Fengtai.
To his surprise, it actually connected. Xiao Fengtai was wearing casual shorts and a T-shirt, his hair still damp in clumps as if he had just showered and was getting ready for bed.
"What's up?" The youth made a silly face at the screen. "Aren't you on a flight back to Singapore tomorrow morning? It's so late and you're still not asleep. What will you do if you miss your flight?"
Jiang Tong originally had so much he wanted to say—the pressure of school applications, his mother’s illness, the feeling of helplessness regarding his future... yet, looking at Xiao Fengtai face-to-face, his throat suddenly felt constricted.
"I just missed you," he said with a smile. "Did you finish the assignments I left for you on time? I’m going to do a spot check when I get back."
*He doesn't need to know anything,* Jiang Tong thought. *Why disrupt the kid's rhythm with my own troubles? Besides, what would be the use of telling him?*
