Chapter 8
In the following days, it seemed like Jin Chao was very busy, and Jiang Mu didn’t see him return at all. Jin Qiang had to go to work during the day, so Jiang Mu spent most of her time alone with Zhao Meijuan and her daughter, which made her feel a bit awkward. Fortunately, she didn’t stay long in Tonggang before school started.
However, one day, on her way home from school on the bus, Jiang Mu thought she saw a man driving a black Ford who looked very much like Jin Chao. She thought she might have been mistaken, since the last time she saw Jin Chao, he was driving a white Volkswagen.
As a mildly socially anxious person, Jiang Mu didn’t adapt well to her new class, Class 6 of her senior year, so she didn’t talk much to her classmates. For the first week of school, she kept to herself. Since she wasn’t someone who smiled much, it gave off a cold, solitary vibe.
Jiang Mu’s deskmate was Yan Xiaoyi, who was not at all clingy. On the first day, when Yan Xiaoyi sat down next to Jiang Mu, the entire desk shook. Sitting together, they looked like a small, delicate frame beside a larger, sturdier one, reminiscent of the pairing of “Xiao Hong” and “Da Bai”.
(Xiao Hong and Da Bai are the characters in the Chinese animated series Big Hero 6).
Perhaps due to the striking contrast, Jiang Mu’s already delicate frame appeared even more pronounced. Within three days, many people had noticed this girl with delicate features and pale, almost translucent skin, especially since she was a transfer student repeating a year. This naturally sparked a strong curiosity among many.
The most curious of them all seemed to be Pan Kai, who sat across the corridor. From the moment Jiang Mu arrived, this boy looked at her as if she were a celestial being descending to earth. He watched her during class, after class, practically plastering the word “lovesick” across his forehead.
At her old school, Jiang Mu had also been subtly courted by some boys, but she had never encountered such blatant attention. She even deliberately avoided walking near him when going to the restroom during breaks. However, despite her attempts to stay clear, the teasing from the boys continued, and within a week, some of them started calling her “Pan’s Wife” behind her back.
During the big break one day, Yan Xiaoyi said to her, “Handsome Pan is a second-generation rich kid. His family owns a factory that deals with auto parts.”
Jiang Mu turned her head and asked, “Do you think if I ask him to give me the factory, he’ll agree?”
Yan Xiaoyi chuckled and replied, “You’re overthinking it.”
“So, what does his family’s factory have to do with me?”
“……”
Just as they were talking, the class leader, who was known for being either hyperactive or motionless, came running over. The class leader of Class 6, who was round and chubby and named Huang He, but for some reason, everyone called him Chang Jiang, said to Jiang Mu, “Teacher Ma wants to see you.”
Jiang Mu went to the office, where Teacher Ma told her that the school was going to hold a Chinese Cultural Performance before the National Day holiday. The senior year wasn’t necessarily required to participate, but since there would be city leaders attending, it would be best to wear the school uniform.
Since Jiang Mu was a repeat student and wouldn’t need to buy another uniform for just one year, Teacher Ma told her to borrow one from a classmate. If she couldn’t borrow one, then to let him know. Jiang Mu nodded in acknowledgment.
After the evening study session, Jiang Mu packed her things and just stepped out of the classroom when she noticed a few people in the hallway whispering, looking down the stairs.
“Is that person a friend of Old Ma? I saw Old Ma go downstairs earlier, and that person even gave him a cigarette. They talked for a while.”
Someone from Class 5 interjected, “Not a friend. Teacher Ma mentioned earlier that he’s an old student of his. Could it be the senior he talked about in class? Why didn’t he invite him up? I’ve never even seen him in person.”
“Not like I’ve seen him either.”
Jiang Mu casually glanced down the stairs and noticed a group of people standing outside the school. They didn’t look like high school students, so she didn’t pay much attention and continued on her way down with her bag.
The bus station was still a bit far from the school gate, but after leaving school, she was about to head toward the station when she absentmindedly glanced at the opposite side of the street. There, two cars were parked, one of which was a familiar black Ford. Her attention shifted back to it, and she noticed a few people standing in front of the Ford. Her gaze focused on the man leaning against the hood. He had a black shirt casually tucked into his jeans, and his long legs resting on the car made him particularly noticeable. However, the man wore a plain black baseball cap, with his head lowered and a cigarette hanging from his mouth. The cap almost obscured his entire face.
As Jiang Mu was standing there, observing him, the man seemed to sense something and suddenly lifted his gaze. Their eyes met directly, and to her surprise, it was Jin Chao, whom she hadn’t seen for a week.
He obviously noticed her as well, slowly taking the cigarette from his mouth, but his expression was hard to discern under the shadow of his cap.
Jiang Mu was just about to walk toward him when suddenly someone patted her shoulder. A figure quickly appeared in front of her, blocking her view completely. Jiang Mu looked up and saw it was Pan Kai and asked, “Do you need something?”
Pan Kai grinned, showing his white teeth, and a little embarrassed, he said, “Are you taking bus No. 8 back? Want to go together?”
Jiang Mu took a step aside and said, “Not on the way.”
She glanced back toward the opposite side of the street. Jin Chao’s gaze hadn’t shifted at all. Although he was talking to the people around him, his eyes were still fixed straight on Jiang Mu.
Seeing that Jiang Mu was about to leave, Pan Kai quickly blocked her again, saying, “It’s on the way. I also take bus No. 8. Do you need to transfer? That would be unsafe. Let me walk you to your stop? I have nothing to do anyway.”
Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow, slightly frowning, and looked up at him, “Have you finished your homework?”
Pan Kai, sensing an opening, said, “Speaking of homework, I happen to have a few questions to ask you. How about we talk about it on the way?”
Jin Chao silently watched as Jiang Mu and the boy continued to interact. After finishing the last drag of his cigarette, he stamped it out.
Jiang Mu said to Pan Kai, “I have something to do, let’s talk tomorrow.”
She then walked directly across the street. Apart from Jin Chao leaning against the hood of the car, there were three other people. Two were standing, and one was squatting on the curb. Jiang Mu immediately recognized the man squatting on the curb as the tall, thin guy who had come to their house to find Jin Chao not long ago.
The man was wearing a white national trend T-shirt with the large character “CHINA” on the chest, paired with floral shorts. His stubbled chin made him look even more careless and laid-back.
The group of people standing by the high school gate gave off an intimidating aura. Pan Kai kept shouting at Jiang Mu from behind, “Where are you going? Don’t go over there.”
The group had been chatting casually, but when they saw the fair and delicate girl walking toward them, they stopped talking.
Jiang Mu didn’t stop until she was right in front of them. She looked at Jin Chao and asked, “Are you here to pick me up?”
Even though the school gate was bustling with students coming and going after evening study, Jiang Mu’s question still caused the air to pause for a few seconds.
The two standing men looked at her in confusion, then turned to glance at Jin Chao. The tall, thin man squatting on the curb suddenly laughed.
Jin Chao gave her a cold, indifferent glance. His pitch-black pupils suddenly shifted toward someone behind Jiang Mu. At that moment, Jiang Mu caught the feeling of someone stopping next to her and looking at Jin Chao. “Touqi, sorry for making you wait. Aobai was talking nonsense, it took half an hour.”
Jin Chao lowered his gaze and fiddled with the lighter in his hand. The tall, thin man raised his chin and scolded, “Kid, change your tone. He’s no longer Touqi, you should call him Brother Youjiu now.”
That person quickly nodded and said, “Sorry, Brother Youjiu.”
Jin Chao asked, “Did you bring the stuff?”
That person patted the backpack he was carrying and replied, “Brought it. It’s all in here.”
Only then did Jiang Mu turn her gaze. She saw the person standing next to her with a stud earring and not wearing the school uniform. From what he said, it was clear he was also a student from the same school. Given the situation, it was evident that Jin Chao and his group were there for this person. No wonder her earlier comment had made everyone fall silent.
Jiang Mu awkwardly tugged at her backpack and said, “I’ll go first.” She then turned around and walked away.
Jin Chao raised his gaze again, his eyes moving from Jiang Mu to Pan Kai, who was still standing across the street, watching them. Pan Kai hadn’t left and was glancing over at them occasionally. Jin Chao’s gaze met his for a brief moment, and then he spoke to Jiang Mu’s retreating figure, “Hey.”
Jiang Mu heard his voice and stopped, turning around. Jin Chao slowly straightened up and walked toward her, saying, “I’ll take you home.”
Then he turned to the men and said, “I’ll leave it to you guys. I’ll be over in a bit.” He then patted the youngster from the high school and looked at Jiang Mu.
Jiang Mu didn’t move and stood still. Jin Chao adjusted his hat and his eyes slightly shifted, “What are you standing there for? Do you need me to invite you?”
Jiang Mu no longer bothered with pleasantries. She took a few steps back and opened the passenger side door. In full view of the men, she obediently fastened her seatbelt. Jin Chao gave a few more instructions outside the car, and the other men also got into the car behind them. Before leaving, the tall, thin man deliberately walked over to the passenger side and tapped on the window. Jiang Mu glanced at him, and he flashed a mischievous smile before walking away.
On the other side, Jin Chao opened the driver’s side door and got into the car. As soon as he sat down, he tossed the black cap to the back seat and casually ruffled his short hair. Jiang Mu asked, “Do you still need to wear the hat tonight?”
Jin Chao started the car and turned the wheel to drive off, “Otherwise, it’ll be troublesome.”
“Troublesome?” she asked.
“Too many people, too many mouths.”
Jiang Mu realized that this was Jin Chao’s alma mater, so he probably didn’t want to be recognized by others. She couldn’t help but ask, “So, were you quite popular at school?”
The streetlights cast a faint glow inside the car, and Jin Chao’s lips curled slightly, “Not exactly a good reputation. Don’t go around saying you know me at school.”
Jiang Mu nodded obediently, “I won’t cause trouble for myself.”
Jin Chao raised an eyebrow, and they fell into silence. He sped up, driving as if in a hurry, the car zooming through the streets. Although Jiang Mu had already experienced his driving speed before, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Perhaps it was because the car was moving too fast, but her mind raced as well. What had that high school student brought to them? A whole group of people had come just for one package. Why were they being so cautious?
Jiang Mu’s mind raced as she recalled Jin Chao’s reckless behavior earlier. Her thoughts went wild, could it be that the package was drugs or some kind of illegal item? Jin Chao had said he was making money on the side, and with the kind of people around him, they seemed careless and wild. Could he be involved in dirty money?
Her heart started to pound uncontrollably. Normally, it would take her over half an hour to get home by bus, but Jin Chao managed to drive her to the entrance of her old community in just ten minutes. However, he didn’t drive in. He stopped the car, looked at Jiang Mu, and said, “We’re here.”
Jiang Mu glanced at the car and asked, “I remember you weren’t driving this car last time.”
Jin Chao lowered the car window and muttered, “Mm.”
Jiang Mu didn’t get out of the car. She asked again, “Why do you always drive different cars?”
Jin Chao responded dismissively, “Work reasons.”
Jiang Mu’s body tensed even further. What kind of job requires changing cars constantly? Was he trying to avoid being followed, needing to switch vehicles to stay under the radar?
She couldn’t help herself and asked again, “What did that guy give you earlier?”
Sure enough, as soon as she asked, Jin Chao turned his head, his eyelids lifting slightly. He gave her a cold, piercing stare. Even though his gaze was intense, Jiang Mu didn’t look away. She tried to find a crack in his expression, but there was none. He just silently stared at her for a few seconds before suddenly speaking, “With so many questions, why don’t you go buy a book called A Hundred Thousand Whys?”
Jiang Mu had a lot of questions running through her mind. For example, how could he be changing cars every few days? Where was the money coming from? Was the person she saw on the bus the last time him? And what were they going to do with that guy they were meeting?
However, it didn’t seem like the right time for casual conversation. Jin Chao appeared to be in a rush, as after he spoke, his gaze shifted out the window. His fingers were tapping on the window edge as if he were in a hurry, but he didn’t push her to leave.
Jiang Mu, being perceptive, unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to get out. But just then, she heard him ask, “Who is that person?”
“Which person?”
“The one with the square face, standing across the street waiting for you.”
Jiang Mu froze for a moment, trying to process what he said, before realizing he was talking about Pan Kai. She responded, “A classmate.”
Jin Chao withdrew his gaze and turned to look at her. In the cramped space of the car, his dark, intense eyes felt almost warm, making the air inside the car seem to grow a few degrees hotter and more suffocating.
Noticing her averted gaze and discomfort, Jin Chao didn’t press further, only saying, “Be careful yourself.”
Then, he unlocked the car door. As Jiang Mu was about to get out, something suddenly came to mind. She turned back, bent down, and asked, “Do you still have your old school jacket?”
Jin Chao, with one hand resting on the steering wheel, replied indifferently, “I don’t know.”
Then he asked, “Why?”
Jiang Mu replied, “Teacher Ma asked me to borrow something for an event.”
Jin Chao nodded. Jiang Mu wasn’t quite sure what his nod meant, though.
She stepped back a little, and Jin Chao rolled up the window. The engine of the Ford roared, and the car sped off, disappearing down the street.
That night, every time Jiang Mu thought about what happened at the school gate, she felt embarrassed all over again. She had asked Jin Chao if he had come to pick her up, and clearly, he had spared her face by not denying it outright. He even took the time to send her home, which made her feel awkward, rolling around in bed trying to shake it off.
She had already tried not to remember this incident, but the next morning, as soon as she arrived at school, Pan Kai immediately surrounded her and asked, “How do you know the director?”
Jiang Mu was puzzled, “Director? Which director?”
“The restroom director!”
“……”
Jiang Mu stared at Pan Kai for a solid five seconds, then suddenly remembered that Jin Chao had called him “square face” yesterday. If it hadn’t been for that nickname, she probably wouldn’t have noticed how Pan Kai’s face looked like it was stamped from a mold, so square. She couldn’t help but laugh a little and walked around him back to her seat. Her smile completely confused Pan Kai, and he turned around to grab Yan Xiaoyi, who had just come back from the restroom, and said, “Jiang Jiang smiled at me! Do you think she likes me?”
“I saw her smiling at a statue of Aristotle in her notebook this morning. She must really like Aristotle too.”
“……” This conversation was over.
Pan Kai turned around and walked back into the classroom, sitting in the empty seat in front of Jiang Mu. He began explaining, saying that the “director” he mentioned earlier was actually Zhang Fan from Class 1 of Senior Year 3. Their group wasn’t planning to go to college and spent their days idling around. The reason they called him the director was because they liked to do bad things in the bathroom. They would always lock up the third-floor restroom, hide inside to smoke, and force others to go to the second-floor restroom. Over time, the third-floor restroom became the hangout spot for bad boys, and Zhang Fan, who was in charge, became known as the “director” of the restroom.
Pan Kai continued, warning Jiang Mu to stay away from Zhang Fan, saying he wasn’t a good person. However, Jiang Mu’s mind couldn’t help but recall how respectful Zhang Fan had been toward Jin Chao the night before.
Suddenly, she looked up at Pan Kai and stared at him intently. Pan Kai flinched, his heart racing, and weakly asked, “What’s wrong with you? Did a ghost possess you?”
Jiang Mu directly asked, “Did you just mention which class the director is from?”
“Class 1.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Mu threw down her pen and walked straight toward Class 1. Pan Kai hurriedly followed her, calling out, “You’re not really going to find him, are you? I told you not to hang out with him! He’s one of those socialites. Do you know what that means? Jiang Mu, Jiang Jiang…”
Pan Kai shouted all the way, drawing curious glances from many people. Jiang Mu felt like a huge fly was buzzing in her ear non-stop. She turned around and threw him two words, “Shut up.”
Pan Kai responded cheerfully, “Alright.”
The two of them arrived at the entrance of Class 1. Jiang Mu gave Pan Kai a look, “You go.”
Pan Kai knew quite a few people in Class 1, so he casually called over a guy and asked, “Where’s the director?”
The guy curiously glanced at the girl behind Pan Kai and replied, “He’s not here today. Seems like he took the day off.”
Then he asked, “Who’s the girl?”
Pan Kai lowered his voice and whispered in the guy’s ear, “Your future sister-in-law.”
They joked a bit, but when they turned around, Jiang Mu was already gone. Pan Kai quickly said goodbye to the guy and chased after her.
As soon as he caught up, Jiang Mu asked, “Have you heard of Touqi?”
“Yeah, I’ve heard of it. The night when spirits return. When my grandpa had his seventh night, our whole family stayed up. My dad and the others played mahjong, I was in my grandpa’s old room playing games. At midnight, I kept hearing someone calling out, ‘Xiao Kai, Xiao Kai.’ It scared me so much that I ended up losing several rounds in my game. I opened the window in a fit of anger and saw my grandpa’s shadow outside the window. Damn, my grandpa’s house is on the third floor, and there’s no way a shadow could float outside the window…”
Seeing Jiang Mu walking faster, he hurriedly added, “Hey, wait for me! I’m not making this up, really, you don’t believe me?”
When they were almost at the door of the class, Jiang Mu suddenly stopped and told him, “The Touqi I was talking about is a person.”
Pan Kai froze, his lips twitching, “That person sounds pretty creepy!”
Translator’s Note:
Youjiu – Jin Chao’s nickname among his friends. The words directly translate to “have alcohol” in English.
Touqi – Jin Chao’s past nickname. The words directly translate to “First Seventh” in English, which normally relates to the first of a series of seven-day memorials held for the deceased.