Chapter 117 (Extra)
Chi Wang fell silent for a moment. In the end, he said nothing more.
He went on happily playing his game, and it seemed he had a natural gift for it. His slender, flexible fingers showed real dexterity. Although he made mistakes at first, once he got the hang of it, he moved through the game with remarkable smoothness.
Xie Siheng didn’t leave because Chi Wang was practically leaning against him as he played; if Xie Siheng stood up, Chi Wang would topple over.
After clearing one level, Chi Wang swiveled around with a bright grin, looking for praise. “Big Brother, am I awesome or what?”
“…” Xie Siheng had never met a child like Chi Wang. He showed no fear of Xie Siheng’s cold demeanor, and his words and actions seemed utterly natural, as though operating in his own little world. Maintaining his cool air, Xie Siheng said, “Just play by yourself.”
He made a move to stand up, causing Chi Wang to straighten abruptly. Chi Wang opened his mouth, as if wanting to ask him to stay, but in the end he just said, “Okay.”
Xie Siheng turned and left. Before shutting the door behind him, he glanced through the gap. He saw that Chi Wang had lost his earlier enthusiasm—the game console lay untouched in his hands now.
Lowering his eyes, Xie Siheng closed the door.
*
A long while later, the housekeeper summoned Chi Wang downstairs; it was time for him to leave with Yang Qingdai.
Seeing no sign of Xie Siheng, Chu Qing understood that he must have abandoned Chi Wang partway through. It couldn’t be helped. She reached out and patted Chi Wang’s head, telling him to come back and play often.
Chi Wang merely smiled and said okay, and then waved politely. “Good-bye, Auntie.”
Watching his beaming face, Chu Qing felt her heart melting. She’d seen plenty of children’s smiles, yet she found Chi Wang’s especially endearing. After a quick mental process, she figured it was because his was the pure, untainted grin of a child who hadn’t been drawn into too much technology.
It was a rarity nowadays.
She had no idea how exactly Yang Qingdai had been raising him.
Chu Qing also didn’t know that Yang Qingdai had been on a TV program seeking her lost child. People in their social circles hardly watched television, limiting themselves mostly to news for current affairs, so she really had no clue what life had been like for Yang Qingdai all these years.
She shook off her thoughts and headed upstairs. Finding Xie Siheng, she said to him, “I asked you to keep that boy company for a while, but you just left him alone.”
Xie Siheng replied, “He’s doing fine on his own. He doesn’t need me.”
Chu Qing said, “Even so, you shouldn’t just abandon him. Well, never mind. He’s going to be in Qingteng Elementary, same as you, for a few months. Look out for him.”
Xie Siheng asked, “How old is he?”
“Eight, I think.”
“Eight years old, and he still needs me to watch out for him?” he said.
Chu Qing: “…”
She got annoyed. “I’m only asking you to look out for him. If he gets bullied at school, you, as his older brother, should stand up for him.”
Xie Siheng answered, “If he’s bullied, he can go to a teacher.”
His response was completely logical, not that it convinced Chu Qing—only that it raised her blood pressure. “He’s your little brother!”
Xie Siheng said, “I have plenty of little brothers.”
Chu Qing: “…”
Chu Qing enjoyed lively company and outgoing children; this was hardly the first time she’d asked him to befriend some family friend’s kid at Qingteng. In a huff, she decided to drop the issue. At least, she thought to herself, Xie Siheng had one friend: Zuo Qianxing. Admittedly, it was always Zuo hotly pursuing his friendship while Xie Siheng remained aloof, but hey, they did get along in their own way.
*
Meanwhile, in the car, Yang Qingdai asked Chi Wang, “So, how did you get on with your brother?”
Chi Wang nodded. “He’s nice.”
Even though he kept a cold face, he was actually quite considerate. When Chi Wang asked him to slow down in the game, he really did slow down. Based on that, Chi Wang deduced he was a “cold on the outside, warm on the inside” sort of person.
All in all, as long as they didn’t tick him off, that was good enough. It wasn’t necessary to become best friends. Realizing this, Chi Wang’s attitude relaxed.
Seeing that he didn’t look at all pressured, she figured things had gone as well as he claimed. She didn’t press further, wary of pushing too hard. As long as the two had met, she was sure Xie Siheng wouldn’t refuse to help in case anything happened at school.
Arriving at home, they found Chi Runyu waiting. Every time Yang Qingdai saw him, she felt uncomfortable. He, on the other hand, appeared oblivious, casually telling her, “Auntie cooked up some nourishing soup—it’s good for your health. You should have some.”
She gave a brief nod and left Chi Wang behind, heading off for the soup alone, leaving father and son to chat.
From the corridor, she glanced back to see Chi Runyu pulling Chi Wang down beside him on the sofa, bending forward and speaking in a gentle murmur. He actually looked the part of a dad.
Chi Runyu asked Chi Wang, “How was school today? Did anyone bother you?”
Chi Wang shook his head, smiling. “No one bothered me. But there’s a lot I don’t understand. We’re the same age, but the other kids know so much more, like euros, exchange rates… I can’t wrap my head around it.”
A faint smile crossed Chi Runyu’s lips. With a calm voice, he said, “That’s nothing to worry about. You’ll pick it up soon enough. After all, you’re at one of the best schools now.”
Chi Wang paused, then spoke candidly. “You’ve been really nice to me. But I’m not going to be able to call you ‘Dad’ anytime soon.” He felt it was important to clarify that.
“Why not?” asked Chi Runyu, his eyes shining as he studied the small boy who, despite his tender age, spoke with such clarity.
Chi Wang thought for a moment. “Two reasons. First, Mama hasn’t accepted you yet, so I won’t rush to call you Dad, because I don’t want her feeling upset, even though you really are my father. Second, it all feels too quick. It makes me a little nervous.”
Chi Runyu showed no sign of displeasure. On the contrary, he was glad the boy could articulate his thoughts so well. “That’s fine. I’m in no hurry.”
Speaking softly, Chi Wang continued, “I know you’re sending me to school. I should probably call you Dad, but right now, I just can’t. If I end up never being able to say it, well… keep track of the money. One day, when I’m successful, I’ll pay you back for my tuition. I’ll definitely be pretty amazing someday, so I’ll be able to repay you.”
Chi Runyu’s smile deepened. “And how are you so sure you’ll be ‘amazing’?”
Chi Wang grew slightly embarrassed, his gaze flickering. But he plucked up his courage and replied, “Because I want to be awesome.”
Chi Runyu asked, “Just wanting it means you can do it?”
Chi Wang answered resolutely, “I can. I’m certain I can.”
“What makes you so confident?” the man pressed.
Chi Wang smiled sweetly. “Because you’re my role model. I can’t be too far behind you, right?”
Momentarily startled, Chi Runyu then broke into a chuckle, reaching over to ruffle Chi Wang’s hair. “Take your time. Call me ‘Dad’ whenever you want.”
He truly wasn’t in a rush—some things can’t be hurried.
*
The next day, Chi Wang had fencing class.
Having transferred in mid-term, it was impossible for him to keep up with the curriculum right away. They gave him the basic gear and assigned a senior student to teach him the fundamentals.
Fencing class was held in a large gym space—big enough that some junior high kids also used it for practice. The elementary schoolers were still small, but among the middle schoolers were some who were already really tall—one even pushing 1.8 meters, practically adult-sized.
After Chi Wang’s senior mentor taught him the basics, he was told to watch from the sidelines. But with the older kids milling around, not many could fully concentrate on practice.
The kids standing next to him started whispering,
“That’s Xiao Fu, right? I heard he got in a fight last week after racing Zhao’s oldest son. Beat the guy so hard he lost a front tooth.”
“Yeah, heard about that. Knocked out a front tooth—like some sort of disability? Which level was it…?”
“Not sure. Just don’t cross him. He hits too hard.”
“Anyway, we can steer clear. In another year, he’ll move to the high school section, so we won’t see him.”
“Don’t you think Xiao Fu’s kinda cool, though? The school rules say no ear piercings or earrings, and yet he’s got so many. Super edgy!”
“Ugh, spare me. Remember last year when he dragged He-ge out to the hallway and pummeled him? The teacher couldn’t even stop it. That’s humiliating. He treats people like dirt. I can’t stand him.”
“Well, I did hear He Zheng say Xiao Fu is messing around with some guy. If that’s just a rumor, then maybe He Zheng deserved the beating.”
“Still doesn’t make it right—someone talks trash, you beat them up? Ugh.”
They chattered away, capturing Chi Wang’s attention. He couldn’t resist asking, “Excuse me—which one is Xiao Fu?” He wanted to know so he could steer clear.
The boy he addressed glanced at him, realizing he was a new student. Feeling a bit older, he pointed to the tallest kid. “See the one with a whole row of black studs in his ear? That’s Xiao Fu. Just don’t provoke him. But we’re in elementary, so it’s pretty unlikely we’ll cross paths.”
Chi Wang eyed the guy and couldn’t help asking, “What grade is he in?”
“Eighth,” the boy replied.
Chi Wang drew a sharp breath. He’s only in eighth grade, but already that tall? Back in his old neighborhood, the “big brother” in junior high only stood a head taller than him.
He looked at that Xiao Fu, whose figure already seemed adult-like.
Someone that tall, with fists probably the size of sandbags—I definitely don’t want to mess with him, Chi Wang thought, deciding that if he couldn’t beat him, he would avoid him.
He silently committed the face and name to memory, then tried shifting his attention back to the fencing lesson.
Suddenly, excited voices sounded nearby: “They’re at it again! They’re about to fight!”
Chi Wang: “…”
He turned to look.
Xiao Fu was putting on protective gear and picking up an épée, while his opponent had chosen a saber. Judging by their choice of weapon, one might glean something about their personalities.
Chi Wang couldn’t really distinguish the swords yet, but just by looking at their physiques, he figured Xiao Fu had the upper hand. After all, Xiao Fu was big and tall, whereas his opponent was lean and lanky. Compared to Xiao Fu, he didn’t seem as imposing.
Chi Wang knew how to fight in a rough, streetwise way, so he believed in the principle of the strong devouring the weak. With Xiao Fu being so big, he assumed the smaller guy would lose.
But what he overheard from the onlookers contradicted his assumption.
“They’re going at it again, but Xiao Fu always loses. Why bother?”
“He’s embarrassing himself—he’s even using an épée, which scores more easily, yet he keeps losing and insists on fighting anyway.”
“Keep your voice down. He’s got quite a fan club. If they hear you, you’ll get shredded.”
“I surrender.”
Chi Wang: “…”
So Xiao Fu—who was built like a tank—kept losing?
What a waste! If I were that big and strong, I’d never lose at anything.
The thought made him grin. He was still small, but if he ate well, he’d definitely grow tall and strong someday.
Just then, the match began.
It was as if someone pressed a mute button; the entire place fell silent. Even the teachers at the back paused to watch from behind the safety net.
Chi Wang’s attention was fully captured. First impression: they were fast. Both offense and defense happened at lightning speed.
With his huge build, Xiao Fu’s strikes were aggressive. Each thrust of the épée left a blinding afterimage, and he clearly had tremendous power, forcing his opponent to constantly shift and absorb the impact.
His opponent, however, moved gracefully and with agility. Their defensive maneuvers had a sort of refined elegance, and the occasional counterthrust looked effortless.
Before Chi Wang could get his fill of the spectacle, the match ended. Xiao Fu’s opponent used a quick move to knock Xiao Fu’s épée aside. Xiao Fu’s grip faltered, and the hilt went flying—Xiao Fu lost.
Whispered commentary rose around him:
“He was already hit a few times; the match was over long ago. He never knows when to quit.”
“It’s the same story every time. He’s just being a sore loser.”
Chi Wang was stumped. He’d thought losing his sword was how Xiao Fu was defeated, but from the sound of it, he’d already been outscored earlier?
It had all been too quick for him to fully grasp. Maybe once I’m more familiar with it, I’ll get the hang of watching these matches. He consoled himself.
Then, Xiao Fu’s opponent removed his helmet. The face beneath made Chi Wang’s eyes widen—it was that big brother!
“Xie Siheng is amazing. He always wrecks Xiao Fu.”
“Look at Xiao Fu’s face—he’s absolutely fuming, haha!”
“Shhh, keep your voice down. If Xiao Fu hears you…”
“It’s fine—we’re just elementary kids. If a middle schooler comes after us, that’s so lowbrow.”
“Eh, you never know.”
From their chatter, Chi Wang finally learned the older brother’s name.
(starry-eyed.jpg)
He thought that brother looked so cool. Sure, Xiao Fu was cool too, in a wild, aggressive way, but Xie Siheng’s calm, effortless style struck Chi Wang as even cooler.
Xie Siheng took off his helmet and wiped his face with a towel. Face dark with anger, Xiao Fu snapped, “My condition’s off today—fight me again. You’re just taking advantage of my weakness. So low.”
Xie Siheng replied icily, “You always say the same thing. Next time think of a new excuse.”
“I wouldn’t get too cocky,” Xiao Fu sneered. Then, as if remembering something, he smirked. “You’re too short, though. Haven’t grown an inch all this time. Maybe eat something decent, huh?”
Xie Siheng shot back coldly, “Sure, animals do grow pretty fast.”
“You—!”
Xiao Fu flung his helmet aside and raised a fist. Xie Siheng shifted slightly to evade. “If you want to fight, go to the judo room.”
From somewhere nearby, a small voice muttered, “A middle schooler picking on an elementary student is pretty low, isn’t it?”
Indeed, Xie Siheng was in sixth grade.
Xie Siheng: “…”
Xiao Fu turned to glare in the direction of that voice. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Zuo Qianxing, feeling bold, said, “Come on, Brother Xiao, forget it. We’re still in class.”
Xiao Fu let out a cold laugh. “So what if I pick on a grade-schooler? That time he was still in kindergarten, and I beat him up anyway.”
Zuo Qianxing retorted, “Huh? Didn’t you just spin that—”
Xiao Fu lifted his hand, and Zuo Qianxing immediately caved. “Okay, sorry! My mouth ran off on me. I, uh… gotta go use the bathroom.” He slipped away.
Xie Siheng ignored Xiao Fu and set about returning his gear. But out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a familiar face pressed against the mesh screen, peering in. Noticing his gaze, that face waved a small hand.
Xie Siheng lowered his eyes, ignoring it.
He knew Chi Wang was Xiao Fu’s brother, so he had no desire for further contact.
But after he finished putting his fencing equipment away, Xie Siheng happened to glance back. Chi Wang was still there, squishing his soft cheeks against the metal netting. His eyes sparkled as he watched, his chubby face pressed into cute little circles.
Xie Siheng: “…”
Chi Wang just couldn’t look away from him. While staring, he tugged at his classmate’s sleeve, asking casually, “What grade is Xie Siheng in?”
“Huh? Him? Sixth grade, but next year he’ll be in junior high.”
Chi Wang asked, “How did he get so good? Do you think I could become that skilled if I worked really hard?”
“You’re new here, so maybe don’t get your hopes up. I heard he started training when he was really young, and mostly learned at home. You think our school teachers alone could get someone to that level?”
“Yeah, if they were that good, they’d be coaching the national team.”
“I think Xiao Fu also studied privately at home. Actually, I hear they share the same coach.”
“How do you guys know so much?”
“Gossip! It’s addictive.”
From that, Chi Wang realized that if he wanted to become truly great, he’d probably need extra instruction—private lessons would cost money.
Recalling he might owe this money back, Chi Wang immediately gave up on the notion.
He found himself more curious about Xie Siheng, though, and couldn’t stop watching him. Since the teacher told him to observe, he just decided to observe Xie Siheng.
While he thought this, he noticed Xie Siheng abruptly turn around and walk straight toward where he was standing.
Chi Wang didn’t assume Xie Siheng was coming for him—he simply kept staring, unafraid.
Then, to his surprise, Xie Siheng stopped right in front of him, reached through the mesh, and poked the cheek that was pressed against it.
Chi Wang: “?”
Huh?
