TGMNDIAR - 83 | If-line (2)
The sandwich broke the ice between the two of them, gradually increasing their interactions. They started talking more, and occasionally, they walked home together after school, unknowingly bridging the gap between them.
"My house is pretty close to school. Next time, you can come over and hang out," Bai Nian said, his gaze fixed on the ground. He was a bit nervous, as it was the first time he invited a friend over. "By the way, where do you live?"
"...Near the Sixteen Avenue, at the Xixin Foster Home," Xu Mu replied quietly.
Bai Nian froze for a moment, quickly apologizing. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... I didn't know..."
Xu Mu didn't mind. "It's okay, I understand."
Bai Nian awkwardly met Xu Mu's eyes, silently tightening his grip on his hands. The sunset cast a warm glow, painting the surroundings with vibrant orange hues, reflecting the swaying shadows of the trees.
"I come from a divorced family. I live with my mom now," Bai Nian confessed, as if they were exchanging secrets, pledging their friendship to each other.
Xu Mu stopped in his tracks, pondering for a moment before earnestly saying, "Don't be sad. Your life will get better in the future."
Was he... comforting him?
Bai Nian stood still, surprised by Xu Mu's unexpected response. They locked eyes again, then he averted his gaze awkwardly.
"...Yeah."
It was a soft reply, as if it could dissipate with the wind. But Xu Mu suddenly felt relieved.
The expression on Bai Nian's face just now seemed to say—
I'm trying not to be sad, but can you comfort me?
So pitiful.
For no reason, Xu Mu's heart tightened as he thought, ‘I must comfort him and make him feel better.’
…-
Classroom
"I won't team up with you, you're clumsy," a crisp female voice said.
Huang Suyan folded a paper crane and placed it on the corner of her desk, not looking at the boy in front of her. "Find someone else."
Gao Tianba had a crush on her, so he forced a smile. "Hey, I-I don't know how to do it, but I can find someone who can do it for you."
Huang Suyan refused, "This is my assignment, how can I ask someone else to do it?"
Gao Tianba choked up and continued pleading, "Suyan, I'm serious. Teach me, I'll learn it right away. It’s not easy to find..."
Huang Suyan didn't want to deal with him, so she turned to Bai Nian and said, "Have you found a partner? Let's team up."
She knew that he usually did group assignments alone, hardly having any partners.
Gao Tianba glared angrily. This weak, effeminate boy unexpectedly gained the favor of girls for no reason!
Bai Nian was surprised. He rarely interacted with Huang Suyan, so he didn't expect her to ask him to be her partner.
"He already has a partner," a cold voice came from behind.
Huang Suyan was taken aback when she saw Xu Mu. She awkwardly stepped back a bit, "Oh, I see, you, you're teaming up with Bai Nian."
"Yeah, we teamed up a while ago," Xu Mu said expressionlessly.
Huang Suyan felt a bit apprehensive towards Xu Mu, a chill creeping up her neck for no reason.
...she doesn’t know what mimicry he is, so creepy.
She didn't want to deal with him and quickly left. Gao Tianba, who was nearby, hurriedly followed her out.
As Xu Mu took his seat, Bai Nian stared at him without blinking.
"...Why are you staring at me?" Xu Mu asked.
“When did we team up?” Bai Nian didn't beat around the bush.
"Earlier," Xu Mu twirled the pen in his hand, his eyelids drooping slightly.
Bai Nian pondered for a moment. "Why?"
Xu Mu remained silent for a moment before asking, "Don't you want to be my partner?"
Bai Nian shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to, I just—"
He lowered his voice, slowly bending down, resting half of his face on his arm. "It's my first time teaming up with someone."
"You used to work alone?" Xu Mu asked.
"...There was no one to team up with me," Bai Nian pursed his lips.
Xu Mu didn't believe him. "What about the girl just now?"
"That was just a coincidence—" Bai Nian sighed, "Forget it, you don't understand what I mean."
Indeed, Xu Mu didn't understand.
Bai Nian didn't pursue the matter further.
"Are you hungry?" He took out a lunchbox from under the desk.
The third period was math class, and Old Ye loved to drag it out. Every time, it was like a race against time, barely avoiding the next class bell.
Xu Mu quickly glanced at it. "Did your mom make extra again?"
Bai Nian paused, a faint smile on his lips. "Yes."
Xu Mu turned his head away. "It's always so coincidental. I don't believe it. Next time, don't bring it for me. I—"
A spoonful of chocolate mousse was brought to his lips.
Bai Nian said softly, "It tastes really good, try it."
Xu Mu involuntarily opened his mouth, chewing on the dessert. He mumbled, "Thank you..."
“Is it tasty?" Bai Nian's eyes curved at the corners.
"A bit bitter."
"Ah, you like things that are overly sweet."
"..."
"I put too much sugar in the red bean pie last time, and you liked it very much."
"..." Xu Mu wanted to argue, but he was fed another spoonful.
"Alright, I get it," Bai Nian said to himself.
Xu Mu pinched his fingers and swiftly placed something in Bai Nian's hand.
Then he lowered his head, turned the page, and started working on his exercises.
Bai Nian was slow to react. "What's this?"
Xu Mu remained silent.
As Bai Nian unwrapped the packaging layer by layer, the tightly closed shell finally spoke.
"A handmade model."
"Is it for me?" Bai Nian widened his eyes. "Hey, is this me?"
Xu Mu responded with a simple "Mm."
"Thank you, it's really beautiful." Bai Nian carefully cradled it in his hands. "I'll put it on my bedside when I get back. Did you make this?"
"Mm."
Bai Nian sighed. "You're really talented."
"It's just average. There's room for improvement in terms of accuracy."
"For me, it's already perfect." Bai Nian held onto the model affectionately.
A slight smile tugged at Xu Mu's lips. "I'll make you an even better one in the future."
Bai Nian gently placed the model back into its box and wrapped it up again.
——
It's the first time I've received a gift from a friend... Is he a friend?
"Ah Mu."
"Mm?" Xu Mu turned his head slightly.
"Is this a gift from a friend?"
"Yes."
It was a gift from a friend.
Bai Nian pinched his fingers, feeling his heart beating a little faster. The unfamiliar sensation washed over him, but the underlying feeling was one of joy.
---
Time passed unnoticed, and in the blink of an eye, the entrance exam for middle school had ended. The merger between the orphanage and the Federal Nursery Center had improved facilities and ensured sufficient funding.
With a sigh of relief, Aunt Xi knew the burden on the children's shoulders had finally eased.
The milk and small bread that Xu Mu left behind were no longer in high demand, so he just ate them himself. Of course, he still didn't drink the milk.
"You won't grow tall if you don't drink milk," Bai Nian tilted his head.
"I'm already taller than you by a head," Xu Mu replied.
"Just for now," Bai Nian said slowly, "The real growth spurt happens in college."
"Oh," Xu Mu responded.
"Where are you going for the winter vacation?" Bai Nian asked.
With the results of the entrance exam out, it was likely that Xu Mu and Bai Nian would attend the same middle school.
"I'm not going anywhere, staying at the orphanage," Xu Mu tore open a packaging bag and put the handicraft inside.
Bai Nian also helped, speaking softly, "You're not going to my house?"
"...Your house?" Xu Mu paused.
Bai Nian smiled, "My mom is really curious about you and wants to meet you."
"How does your mom know about me?" Xu Mu was surprised.
"I told her," Bai Nian said softly, "My mom knows I made a friend, and she's overjoyed."
Xu Mu felt a bit embarrassed and mumbled, "Oh, I see."
"Is that all?" Bai Nian asked.
Xu Mu whispered, "I know. When I go to your house, I'll behave well."
Bai Nian chuckled.
Oh, why was he so cute? He even says he'll "behave well," which is oddly endearing.
Xu Mu looked puzzled, "Why are you laughing?"
Bai Nian remained silent, letting Xu Mu guess from the look in his eyes.
Xu Mu: “...”
He sighed and said, “If you don't want to say it, then don’t say it.”
Ten days later, Xu Mu nearly tripped over himself when he arrived at Bai Nian's house, he felt embarrassed.
Luckily, Mrs. Bai really liked Xu Mu and was so enthusiastic, she kept praising him non-stop. Xu Mu was almost overwhelmed but managed to escape with Bai Nian's help.
Bai Nian was delighted, remarking that Xu Mu had his day.
"Is this your room?" Xu Mu curiously surveyed the space.
"Yeah," Bai Nian nodded, "My mom and I have been living here for a few years. It might be a bit simple."
"It's not simple at all. It's nicer than my room," Xu Mu casually remarked.
Bai Nian hesitated for a moment, then gently took Xu Mu's hand.
Xu Mu caught on and squeezed it back. "I was just making a passing comment."
Bai Nian nodded, "Yeah, I know."
Although he said so, he couldn't help feeling extremely sorry for Xu Mu when he looked at his expression.
Xu Mu just remained silent. He hadn't intended to evoke so much emotion.
“Do you want to stay at my place tonight?” Bai Nianye asked.
"Tonight?"
"Yes." Bai Nian's eyes lit up with anticipation.
Xu Mu scratched his cheek, "But I didn't bring any clothes, and I didn't inform Aunt Xi..."
"You can wear mine," Bai Nianye said, "And you can call to inform them now."
With that, he dashed out of the room to discuss the matter with Mrs. Bai.
Xu Mu couldn't catch up and the automatic door slammed shut.
Mrs. Bai was in the living room. She gently patted Bai Nian's head and asked, "Do you want to sleep with Ah Mu tonight?"
Bai Nian nervously twisted his fingers, "Can I?"
Mrs. Bai hesitated, then crouched down, embracing Bai Nian. "Of course you can... But Niannian, remember, don't be too careless... "
"Don't take off your pants casually," Bai Nian continued, "I'm different from other boys. I need to be more careful with physical contact."
Mrs. Bai sighed softly, "You're not different, you're just special. When you grow up a bit, you can do surgery."
Bai Nian lowered his gaze, softly murmuring, "Okay."
Mrs. Bai didn't say anything more, kissing his forehead.
"Did Ah Mu forget to bring spare clothes? I'll go get a few sets for him," Mrs. Bai said as she walked into the room.
Xu Mu immediately jumped up, "Auntie."
"Ah Mu, do you want to stay at Auntie's place tonight?"
"Um... yes," Xu Mu replied hesitantly.
"Do you want to let your family know?"
"Um." Xu Mu nodded.
Mrs. Bai covered her mouth and chuckled. Bai Nian led Xu Mu to take a bathroom and change into Bai Nian's pajamas.
Xu Mu's limbs were stiff, unsure where to put them.
Bai Nian propped himself up on his elbow, got into bed, and patted the covers. "Come up here."
Xu Mu quickly crawled under the covers, curling up into a ball.
Bai Nian chuckled at his antics. "Aren't you hot?"
"Not really," came the muffled response from Xu Mu.
Bai Nian crawled to the other end of the bed and found Xu Mu's hand in the darkness. "Ah Mu..." he softly called.
"Mm..." Xu Mu responded.
Bai Nian held Xu Mu's hand, then gently touched his head. "This is the first time I've brought a friend home," he said, his voice trembling with excitement in the darkness.
Xu Mu took a deep breath. "It's my first time visiting a friend's house too."
Bai Nian hugged Xu Mu, whispering softly, "I'm so happy."
The faint scent of shower gel filled the air, their scents mingling. They were covered by the fluffy blanket, feeling warm and snug.
Xu Mu replied softly, "I'm happy too."
Bai Nian suggested, "Let's be best friends forever, okay?"
Without hesitation, Xu Mu agreed, "Okay."
In the confined space, their hands clasped tightly, unwilling to let go.
---
Xu Mu and Bai Nian were fortunate enough to not only attend the same junior high school but also be in the same class. They even ended up as desk mates after several seating changes.
Xu Mu is introverted, while Bai Nian prefers to stay in the corner. In a sense, they are extremely compatible, almost inseparable, unable to accommodate a third person.
As the seasons change, the cicadas chirp and the geese call.
Studying itself is a rather boring task, but if you have a good friend with whom you share a tacit understanding, such days are not difficult to endure.
In Class 9-1, Bai Nian was preparing for the next class and casually flipped open Xu Mu's exercise book.
"Did you forget to write a page?" he touched Xu Mu's fluffy head gently.
"What?" Xu Mu, exhausted, struggled to turn his head while lying on the desk.
"The math exercise book, from page 234 to 245, you missed one page in between."
Xu Mu, barely keeping his eyes open, replied, "Oh, never mind, Mr. Li probably won't check."
"Did you stay up late playing games again last night?"
"...I didn't stay up, just played for a while."
Bai Nian smiled gently, "Liar."
Xu Mu remained silent.
Bai Nian lightly pinched his ear, "Do you still want to go to high school?"
"I can pass the exams," Xu Mu replied.
"But don't you want to enter the prestigious class with me?" Bai Nian's tone was soft, but his grip was firm.
Xu Mu's eyebrows twitched a few times, "I should be able to get in."
"Should?" Bai Nian smiled, "At least ensure you don't falter in Chinese, and your chances will be greater, right?"
Xu Mu wiped his face, "Well... I'll try my best."
He was pinching his ears, making them red.
Bai Nian also gently rubbed Xu Mu's earlobe with his fingertips.
"The answer to the missing page, I'll help you copy it down."
"Mm..."
"Find some time to write a few more essays, and then ask Teacher Su to take a look."
"Okay."
Bai Nian also tidied up Xu Mu's hair, smoothing out the few unruly strands.
"What's this..." He exclaimed softly, his fingertips landing on the other's neck, lightly brushing past.
Xu Mu's back stiffened, the warm touch fleeting, a tingling sensation spreading from the back of his neck.
He pushed the table abruptly, the legs of the chair scraping against the floor, emitting a sharp sound.
Bai Nian, seeing Xu Mu's strong reaction, froze.
He opened his palm, hesitated for a moment, and said, "It was an osmanthus, it probably drifting in from the window."
Xu Mu tensed his face, stiffly sitting back down, "Oh, I see."
Bai Nian, feeling helpless, asked, "What? Did you think I was going to do something?"
Xu Mu didn't say anything, and after a while, he finally blurted out a word.
"Itchy."
"Alright, my bad, I'll be more careful next time."
Bai Nian smiled faintly, a breeze passing by, lifting the strands of hair on his forehead.
Suddenly, Xu Mu reached out and took off his glasses.
"Ah Mu...?"
The young man's features softened, his eyes slightly upturned at the corners, and his smile became even more pronounced.
"Class monitor, the teacher is calling for you!" Someone shouted.
Xu Mu quickly put his glasses back on, adjusted them slightly, and immediately straightened them. His beautiful eyes were covered again.
Bai Nian also adjusted his glasses and asked, "Is there something wrong with my glasses?"
"...Just remember to wear your glasses more often in the future," Xu Mu said.
Bai Nian looked puzzled, not understanding what he meant.
Xu Mu cleared his throat and continued, "I heard that if you don't wear glasses regularly, your prescription will become stronger."
"Oh, I see," Bai Nian responded.
"So, you should wear them often," Xu Mu added.
"Okay."
In the last semester, Xu Mu improved his Chinese, which had been his weak point, and his overall score became even more impressive.
As expected, he and Bai Nian both entered the key class together for the high school entrance exam.
When Aunt Xi and Aunt Xiao Tao heard the news, they couldn't stop smiling, praising him for being intelligent and studious, a role model for all the children in the orphanage.
"Come on, tell Aunt Xi, what gift do you want?" Aunt Xi said, smiling as she hugged Xu Mu's shoulder.
Xu Mu shook his head, "It's okay, I don't want anything."
Aunt Xi patted his head, "Strange, the older you get, the more well-behaved you become."
Aunt Xiao Tao chimed in, "Well, not really, he was well-behaved when he was little too. It's just that he's a bit more introverted, doesn't talk much. Now he's more talkative."
Aunt Xi: "He’s changed because of Ah Mu’s little classmate, what was his name again?"
Aunt Xiao Tao: "His name is Bai Nian. He has visited a few times before. He's gentle, loves to smile, and gets along very well with those kids. They all really like him."
"That's right, I remember now."
"I remember he became friends with Ah Mu after he transferred to a different elementary school."
"Yes, he didn't have any friends at the previous school, but he made friends when he came here."
"There's a small party the day after tomorrow, should we invite Ah Mu's friend over?"
"Yeah, that's fine. We can also invite other kids' friends..."
"We should plan it out properly..."
As they chatted back and forth, Xu Mu sighed quietly and simply moved aside to play with his computer.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bai found the companion she wanted to spend the rest of her life with - Mr. Qin Yi.
She asked Bai Nian also, "Nian also, if Mom wants to marry Uncle Qin, would you be okay with it?"
"Of course," Bai Nian also smiled. "Mom, this is your life, how could I stop you from finding your happiness?"
He sliced tomatoes, dipping each piece into the salad dressing, and then sandwiching them between lettuce, bacon, and slices of bread, his movements skilled and efficient.
Mrs. Bai hesitated to speak.
"I'm already sixteen," Bai Nian also said gently. "You don't need to worry about me."
Mrs. Bai was silent for a moment before hugging Bai Nian also.
Bai Nian also was taken aback for a moment, wanting to hug back, but his hands were dirty, so he just lightly rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Tomorrow, you'll meet Uncle Qin. He has a daughter who is a few years younger than you."
"Okay."
"...We might move."
"Okay."
"Do you want to live with Mom?"
Bai Nian also paused for a moment before softly saying, "Of course."
He blinked, then said, "But, it seems that living on campus at No. 17 High School is more convenient. Their schedule is tighter, and evening self-study is required for every student, so—"
"Mom, I want to live on campus."
Mrs. Bai loosened her grip on Bai Nianye slightly, "Living on campus... Are you accustomed to the food at school?"
Bai Nian nodded.
Mrs. Bai looked at her son for a moment and then sighed, "Alright, it's up to you."
She continued, "What did the doctor say about your regular check-up this morning?"
"The doctor said the medication is doing well, but about that place..." Bai Nian curled her index finger, pressing it against her wrist, and then slowly released it.
"It’s developing slowly. It's still risky to undergo surgery now. The doctor advised waiting until adulthood for further observation, which is safer."
"Then listen to the doctor," Mrs. Bai reminded, "If you feel unwell, remember to tell me or go to the hospital for an appointment. If you don't have enough money, just ask me."
"Okay, I understand."
Mrs. Bai thought for a moment, then asked subtly, "You're in your adolescent now, is there anything unusual?"
Bai Nian was taken aback, his cheeks slightly flushed, "No, mom, you worry too much."
Mrs. Bai smiled, "Your still shy with mom—"
"According to my calculations, a rabbit's maturity period lasts only these two years, it may come early or be delayed. Pay attention and see if there's a period that's harder to endure. It's a normal physiological phenomenon, you don't have to feel ashamed, face it calmly, and you'll get used to it. If you really can't stand it, deal with it yourself."
She lowered her voice, "StarNet has a complete physiology course, you can buy some suitable materials or..."
"Mom!" Bai Nian interrupted anxiously, his cheeks burning red.
Mrs. Bai chuckled, "Oh, you're so shy! It's all very normal. Facing the restlessness of puberty with ease will make your life happier."
Bai Nian turned his head away, hastily grabbing his lunchbox, "I got it, I have something to do, I'll go out first..."
He rushed out as if he were being chased by a ghost.
Mrs. Bai was delighted.
---
In the park on the lawn,
"Nian!" Xu Mu spotted the person he was waiting for at a glance, he ran over and grabbed him directly, "Let's go, to our secret base!"
Bai Nian stumbled as she was pulled along, running clumsily with Xu Mu.
"Good thing I set up the tent first," Xu Mu said with some pride, "Sit!"
Bai Nian responded with a hesitant "Hmm," his forehead sweating, his face unusually red.
Xu Mu looked him up and down, asking uncertainly, "Was I running too fast when I pulled you just now?"
Bai Nian's hand froze, "It was fine... quite fast."
Xu Mu frowned, "Then next time, I won't pull you to run. Your face is abnormally red, and your hands are sweating."
"Okay..." Bai Nian opened the lunchbox, wrapped a small piece of sandwich with seaweed, and then stuffed it into Xu Mu's mouth.
A series of actions flowed smoothly like flowing clouds.
Xu Mu's mouth was blocked, so he could only stay silent.
After finally swallowing, he was then fed a large cup of corn juice. It was sweet. Suddenly, Xu Mu remembered something and leaned in close, whispering softly.
Bai Nian didn't hear him clearly, "What?"
"...mimicry...ears..."
Bai Nian glanced sideways, "You're so fond of rabbit ears?"
Xu Mu coughed lightly, "Lop-eared rabbits are so cute, all fluffy. When will you let me hold them again? Hiss—"
"Ahem!" Bai Nian's earlobes turned red with embarrassment, "The lasr time I transformed into my mimicry was accidental!"
"Yeah, I know." Xu Mu nodded obediently, "But, half-mimicry is okay, right?"
"It should be okay." He added.
Bai Nian was speechless.
In the end, Xu Mu still managed to rua Bai Nian's fluffy ears. He felt a floating happiness.
Meanwhile, Bai Nian hugged his knees, his brows furrowed as his ears were pinched and rubbed, causing a tingling sensation down his spine.
He whispered softly, "...why don't you let me play with your half-mimicry state? I've only seen your transformation and held that green snake, it was cold..."
Xu Mu froze.
His half-mimicry state...
"I'll change into my mimicry for you to hold." Xu Mu was a bit irritated, muttering, "That green snake is so ugly and not cute at all."
Bai Nian also snorted lightly, retracting his ears.
"It's really mysterious, your half-mimicry state..."
He would go back to search what a snake's half-mimicry state looked like!
Bai Nian also thought, perhaps... he has a snake tail?!
0 Comments
Post a Comment