The living room of the Lin family was small, with walls painted white and furniture that was about sixty to seventy percent new.
The sofa had beige embroidered cloths covering the armrests and back to protect against dust. The sofa had been used for a long time; the cushions were slightly sunken, and the edges had faded, looking somewhat worn, though it was kept very clean.
“Please sit down. I’ll get you some fruit,” Lin Zhixia said hospitably.
Jiang Yubai stood motionless at the entrance. “Should I change my shoes?”
Lin Zhixia was well prepared.
A few days ago, she had bought a new pair of men’s slippers, secretly wrapped them in a plastic bag, and hidden them in a clean box on top of the shoe cabinet.
Now, in front of Jiang Yubai, Lin Zhixia took out the plastic bag and handed it to him. Then, she called toward the kitchen: “Mom, my friend is here.”
Her mother was cooking in the kitchen. Hearing her daughter’s voice, she put down the spatula and walked toward the living room.
The aroma of food wafted into the living room—it was the fragrance of braised chicken legs, a smell Lin Zhixia knew all too well. She happily circled around her mother, expressing her feelings in simple words: “Thank you, Mom. Mom made many delicious dishes; my friend will definitely like them.”
Her mother didn’t respond. She saw Jiang Yubai, paused for a moment, then asked, “Xiaxia, is this your good friend you’ve known for five years?”
“Yes,” Lin Zhixia introduced, “Before, at Experimental Elementary School, Jiang Yubai was my deskmate. The day after I had a fever from my hepatitis B vaccine, Jiang Yubai came to our home to bring me homework. Mom, do you remember?”
Mom had a vague recollection. She gripped her apron tightly and lowered her voice: “Please, sit down.”
Jiang Yubai was polite and courteous: “Hello, Auntie. I’m Jiang Yubai. I transferred to Experimental Elementary School in fourth grade, then skipped a grade to attend the competition class at Provincial No. 1 High School. I was Lin Zhixia’s classmate in elementary and middle school.”
Lin Zhixia observed her mother’s expression and eagerly added: “Jiang Yubai was among the top five in our grade in middle school. When I participated in competitions, Jiang Yubai would often rank first in our grade. I frequently discuss mathematics, physics, philosophy, and economics with Jiang Yubai. He has carefully read every paper I’ve published.”
Her mother smiled gently, releasing her grip on the apron: “Students from No. 1 High School are all good children.”
When visiting someone’s home, Jiang Yubai rarely came empty-handed. He took out a can of green tea, a box of Hong Kong-style pastries, and an exquisite tea set, placing them slowly on the table as gifts for his visit. Lin Zhixia and her mother watched him intently.
Jiang Yubai stepped back and politely said, “I brought some things that taste quite good…”
Before Jiang Yubai could finish his sentence, Lin Zhixia interrupted: “I can’t just accept your things when you come to play at my house.”
“It’s not for nothing,” Jiang Yubai explained, “Auntie has prepared many dishes; I want to invite Auntie to have some tea.”
Lin Zhixia suddenly moved closer to Jiang Yubai and asked softly: “Jiang Yubai, you’ve changed so much. You’re better at talking than when you were younger. Did you read a lot of books while studying in Beijing? Did you use the 31-day bookmarks I gave you?”
Perhaps not wanting her mother to hear, Lin Zhixia’s voice became extremely soft: “Use one bookmark each day, think of Lin Zhixia once each day.”
Jiang Yubai found himself in a long-forgotten state of speechlessness.
He stood quietly in place, his ears turning slightly red. He slowly turned his face away, deliberately avoiding Lin Zhixia’s gaze. This shy and innocent demeanor actually put Lin Zhixia’s mother at ease.
Her mother instructed: “Xiaxia, why don’t you and your friend watch some TV? The pressure cooker is still stewing pig’s trotters; I need to check on it.”
“Okay, Mom,” Lin Zhixia agreed.
Her mother turned back to the kitchen to continue cooking. For lunch today, she had prepared a lavish meal of six dishes and one soup to treat Lin Zhixia’s good friend.
Lin Zhixia brought a glass bowl from the kitchen filled with oranges, bananas, longan, lychees, and other easy-to-peel fruits. She placed the bowl on the coffee table, then bent down to gently push the table closer to Jiang Yubai.
Jiang Yubai sat on the sofa, hesitated for a moment, then picked up a lychee.
He peeled off the skin, and the abundant juice splattered.
Lin Zhixia opened a pack of wet wipes and handed one to him. She also said: “I bought several types of fruit and put them in the refrigerator to chill for a while. It’s too hot today; I was worried you might feel uncomfortable.”
The outdoor temperature was thirty-four degrees Celsius, and Lin Zhixia’s home had no air conditioning.
A floor fan faced them, rotating to blow out a gust of wind. Lin Zhixia’s skirt fluttered like lotus leaves in a pond, flowing with the breeze. She pressed down on her skirt with both hands, ensuring the edge of the fabric covered her knees.
Jiang Yubai looked straight ahead, his gaze unwavering: “Thank you for your thoughtful preparation.”
“No need to thank me. Why are you being so formal with me?” Lin Zhixia said generously.
Jiang Yubai’s previous remark was unconscious. In fact, his mind was repeatedly echoing Lin Zhixia’s instruction: Use one bookmark each day, think of Lin Zhixia once each day.
Meanwhile, Lin Zhixia stared at his profile, unable to guess what important matter he was thinking about. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, as if discovering her scrutiny: “Are you still looking at me?”
Lin Zhixia asked him: “Is that not allowed?”
Jiang Yubai didn’t answer. He just smiled. With this smile, something remarkable happened—his eyes contained mirth, and everything around seemed to be tinged with warm colors. Lin Zhixia’s cheeks flushed.
Lin Zhixia stammered: “I… I won’t look at you anymore.”
Jiang Yubai suggested: “Let’s watch TV.”
Lin Zhixia found the remote control and pressed the power button.
On the wooden cabinet against the wall stood a twenty-eight-inch color television. This TV was produced in the last century and had accompanied Lin Zhixia throughout her childhood. Lin Zhixia loved watching TV as a child, but since entering middle school, her entertainment time had significantly decreased, and she wasn’t sure what programs were interesting now.
Lin Zhixia simply asked him: “Which channel do you like?”
Jiang Yubai honestly said: “Educational ones.”
Lin Zhixia happened to turn to CCTV-7.
As everyone knows, CCTV-7 is the military and agricultural channel. At this moment, CCTV-7 was broadcasting “Greenhouse Vegetable Cultivation” for viewers.
So, Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai together observed the growth experience of greenhouse vegetables.
CCTV-7 had invited an agricultural professor to carefully explain “how to use bees for pollination in greenhouses during winter.” In the cold winter days, hardworking bees shuttled through the greenhouse, efficiently collecting vegetable nectar, with a few small bees getting stuck in the membrane gaps. The expert advised vegetable farmers to intervene manually and save the bees promptly.
Lin Zhixia watched with great interest, while Jiang Yubai was distracted.
Lin Zhixia continued: “A few years ago, there was a hornet’s nest hanging outside my brother’s window. Have you ever seen hornets? They’re much scarier than honeybees. One hornet is about this big…”
She measured a length with her fingers.
Jiang Yubai lowered his head, examining her fingers: “Were you afraid?”
Lin Zhixia revealed: “I was fine; I didn’t panic when I saw the hornets. My brother was different. He was bitten by a centipede when he was young, so he’s particularly afraid of insects. When he saw that hornet’s nest, he almost went crazy.”
Today, Jiang Yubai had learned about Lin Zeqiu’s weakness.
Jiang Yubai hadn’t expected that Lin Zeqiu, who looked so cold and aloof, would break down at the sight of a tiny insect.
There were also insects in the backyard of Jiang Yubai’s home. Despite the gardeners’ efforts to remove pests and weeds, raise fish and birds, during the height of summer, a few flying insects inevitably escaped. Jiang Yubai never minded these creatures. He had no reaction even when seeing hornets, unless they became aggressive and stung him.
He commented: “Lin Zeqiu’s personality is… quite unique.”
“Mm-hmm.” Lin Zhixia agreed.
Jiang Yubai lowered his head and picked up another lychee.
Lin Zhixia was quicker. She had already peeled off most of the hard shell, revealing the white, translucent flesh. Holding the remaining shell, she steadied the lychee and extended her hand toward Jiang Yubai’s mouth—this gesture caught Jiang Yubai off guard.
Jiang Yubai immediately backed away, sitting in the farthest corner of the sofa, and called out her name: “Lin Zhixia.”
Lin Zhixia’s mother often fed her lychees, leaving an imitative model in her subconscious. When she saw Jiang Yubai pick up a lychee, she instinctively helped him peel one. When he called her name, she suddenly realized the inappropriateness of her action.
Her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and annoyance: “You… I, I don’t know how to speak anymore.”
Jiang Yubai remained composed: “It’s okay, don’t rush. If you have something to say, you can take your time.”
Lin Zhixia stood up and extended an invitation: “Let me show you my room.”
Jiang Yubai followed Lin Zhixia into her bedroom.
The bedroom was clean and tidy, bright and neat, with walls painted in light pink, full of girlish vitality. On Lin Zhixia’s bed were three stuffed toys—a small penguin she won at the aquarium, a little kitten Jiang Yubai gave her, and a Swiss mountain dog also from Jiang Yubai.
On the first shelf of Lin Zhixia’s bookcase was a pile of birthday gifts she had received, including a hairpin box, a crystal palace, a physics exercise book, and a spacecraft model—all of these were Jiang Yubai’s handiwork.
In short, Jiang Yubai’s influence was everywhere.
Jiang Yubai showed no outward reaction but was secretly delighted inside. Just as he was about to speak to Lin Zhixia, she suddenly squatted down.
Lin Zhixia pulled out a wooden box from under the bed, filled with scattered components, circuit boards, and various tools. Lin Zhixia reached in and rummaged around while saying: “This summer, we can build a robot together.”
“Build a robot at your home?” Jiang Yubai stood beside her.
“We could go to school too,” Lin Zhixia seriously planned, “As long as I tell the teacher, they’ll give me a classroom… Let’s go to school; it has air conditioning and many computers.”
Jiang Yubai diplomatically suggested: “My home also has air conditioning and many computers.”
“My father won’t let me go to your house anymore.” Lin Zhixia sighed softly.
Jiang Yubai asked quietly: “Why?”
Lin Zhixia rested her chin on her hand: “The rate of harm to girls under eighteen is far higher than for adult women over eighteen. Probably because of this, my father and brother are quite strict with me.”
Jiang Yubai thought for a moment, then succinctly stated: “From their perspective, I can understand them.”
Lin Zhixia gripped a hammer and tapped the edge of the wooden box: “Jiang Yubai, you’re so good, so understanding.”
“You flatter me,” Jiang Yubai responded modestly.
Lin Zhixia pushed the box in front of Jiang Yubai.
Jiang Yubai’s high school electives included mathematics, physics, economics, and advanced mathematics. He had spent a lot of time studying physics, and his physics tutor had systematically taught him about circuits. But he had never thought about personally building a circuit board.
He was very interested in robots.
He sat on the floor, looking at the contents of the box, and asked: “What other components do you need?”
Lin Zhixia turned on the electric fan and sat down beside him.
The fan created flowing air, with the rotating blades directly facing Jiang Yubai. Lin Zhixia more clearly sensed that Jiang Yubai smelled good—a fresh, elegant, subtle fragrance that reminded her of summer mint.
Lin Zhixia moved closer to him and proudly declared: “I’ve earned many scholarships; I want to buy the components myself.”
Jiang Yubai said: “Since we’re building the robot together, you should let me bear part of the cost.”
“Since you put it that way,” Lin Zhixia turned to look at him, “Alright then, I’ll make a list for you.”
Jiang Yubai took out a circuit board: “If we can’t finish during the summer, I’ll take everything to Beijing. We’ll complete this project in Beijing.”
“Yes, yes!” Lin Zhixia readily agreed.
Jiang Yubai observed the structure of the circuit, while Lin Zhixia patiently explained to him.
Lin Zhixia said she wanted to build a humanoid robot, first drawing a model with SolidWorks, doing dynamics analysis with ADA, pre-setting PCB circuit diagrams with Altius Designer, and preferably installing a camera and sound transceiver, then using pattern recognition algorithms to analyze video images and natural language processing algorithms to analyze tokens… In short, their robot must learn to avoid obstacles and achieve simple voice responses.
Lin Zhixia became increasingly excited as she spoke, almost unable to stop.
Jiang Yubai maintained his rationality and calmly asked: “You mentioned cameras, sensors, sound transceivers—how much would all these hardware and software devices cost in total? Is your scholarship enough?”
Lin Zhixia blinked.
She calculated the expenses briefly and was suddenly speechless.
Her ideal robot was a bottomless money pit.
Lin Zhixia remained silent, and Jiang Yubai pressed: “Approximately how much?”
Lin Zhixia counter-questioned: “Jiang Yubai, have you ever earned scholarships?”
During his three years in middle school, Jiang Yubai had indeed earned scholarships at Provincial No. 1 High School.
Jiang Yubai clearly remembered earning 700 yuan RMB.
His mother had said: “With 700 yuan, you can buy many things.”
His father had said: “Not bad, 700 yuan is quite a bit.”
Only his uncle had told the truth: “Little Jiang, you’re excellent, worthy of being your parents’ son. However, your parents earn more than 700 yuan in just one minute.”
Jiang Yubai wasn’t discouraged. He knew that when he grew up, he would also be able to earn mountains of gold and reach his parents’ level. So he was particularly calm: “I earned 700 yuan.”
Lin Zhixia patted his shoulder: “Let’s make a simple robot, nothing too fancy.”
Jiang Yubai surprisingly said: “I want it to be fancy.”
Lin Zhixia pondered this.
Jiang Yubai described in detail: “I hope the robot can talk, make gestures, and avoid obstacles.”
Lin Zhixia gripped the wooden box with both hands as Jiang Yubai proposed: “You can treat me as your partner. You contribute technology, I contribute funds, and we’re both shareholders in the robot company.”
Lin Zhixia accepted his proposal. But she looked hesitant: “It might cost tens of thousands of yuan…”
Jiang Yubai almost said: Is that all it takes?
After careful consideration, he changed his response: “That’s fine; I trust your planning.”
Lin Zhixia became spirited and immersed herself in the robot-making enterprise. She brought a chair, placed it in front of the desk, and let Jiang Yubai sit beside her.
Then, she opened a Word document on the computer: “Jiang Yubai, let’s start with ‘requirements design.’ I’ll record the robot’s functions and then send the document to your email.”
Jiang Yubai placed his hands on the keyboard. He typed a line—A robot jointly created by Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai.
Lin Zhixia nodded approvingly: “Yes, it’s a testament to our friendship.”
Jiang Yubai looked at the screen and smiled gently: “Give it a name.”
Lin Zhixia rattled off a series: “Xiabai, Zhiyu, Linjiang, Strawberry Lychee… I just discovered today that you like eating lychees.”
Jiang Yubai only said: “Strawberry Lychee isn’t dignified enough.”
Lin Zhixia made a decision: “Linjiang, let’s call it Linjiang, with both a surname and given name.”
Jiang Yubai used bold black font to mark the robot’s grand name—Linjiang.
The bedroom window was wide open, summer breeze penetrating the screen, the airflow warm and long. Shadows of trees flickered on the walls, cicadas chirped incessantly, and a fan stood behind Jiang Yubai, bringing him a special coolness—different from the central air conditioning at his home. Perhaps it was his psychological effect, but he always felt that Lin Zhixia’s bedroom concealed the sweet fragrance of strawberries.
The indoor atmosphere was very relaxed, with Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia discussing the robot’s specific functions, one after another. After a lively and detailed discussion, Jiang Yubai set fourteen goals, and Lin Zhixia noted the software and hardware needed for each goal.
Lin Zhixia was in a very good mood.
The blue sky and white clouds outside were a reflection of her inner state. She felt as if she were floating on clouds, walking in the sky, wandering in a free and easy space.
*
At noon, Lin Zhixia’s mother had prepared lunch.
Her mother stood in the living room and called out: “Xiaxia, it’s time to eat. What are you and your friend busy with? Are you hungry?”
Lin Zhixia had just printed a requirements document for the robot. She handed the paper document to her mother: “Mom, Jiang Yubai and I plan to build a robot. We’ve been discussing the functional details of the robot.”
Her mother glanced at it and said: “Xiaxia’s friends are all the smartest children.”
The paper document was placed on the dining table by her mother, who turned to tell Lin Zhixia: “I remember now, your father mentioned Jiang Yubai to me.”
“What did he say?” Lin Zhixia probed.
Her mother reminded her: “The secretary at the parent-teacher meeting… Did your father tell you about this?”
Lin Zhixia knew about the “parent-teacher meeting secretary incident” her mother referred to.
Every time the school held a parent-teacher meeting, Lin Zhixia’s father would actively attend. According to school regulations, parents should sit at their children’s desks. Logically, since Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai were desk mates, their respective parents should have met long ago. However, Lin Zhixia’s father had never met Jiang Yubai’s parents; he had only met the secretary of Jiang Yubai’s mother’s secretary.
Yes, the secretary of Jiang Yubai’s mother also had a secretary.
The secretary of Jiang Yubai’s mother’s secretary was a young woman in her twenties—this young woman represented Jiang Yubai’s family at several parent-teacher meetings. She communicated with various subject teachers, recorded all their words with a voice recorder, and all this left a deep impression on Lin Zhixia’s father.
Lin Zhixia was thinking about her father when he walked through the door.
Her father wore a pure cotton T-shirt, short cloth pants, and flip-flops, walking straight to the living room. Seeing Lin Zhixia, he raised his hand to pat her head: “Xiaxia, has your friend arrived?”
Lin Zhixia said somewhat shyly: “Dad, turn around.”
Her father turned around and made eye contact with Jiang Yubai.
Jiang Yubai said: “Hello, Uncle.”
Her father laughed: “Hello, young student Jiang Yubai.” Without saying more, he directly took his boxed lunch and went back to the store to tend to business. During the summer vacation, students often came to buy sodas and snacks; he couldn’t stay at home and waste time.
The living room in Lin Zhixia’s home was closely connected to the kitchen. The so-called “dining room” was just a separate area carved out in the corner of the living room, where a round table and four wooden chairs were placed.
Jiang Yubai proactively helped, arranging the chairs. He sat at the table with Lin Zhixia and her mother.
Lin Zhixia held her chopsticks and recited the dish names: “Braised chicken legs, spicy pig’s trotters, bean curd rolls with meat, oil-braised prawns, steamed arrowhead, oyster sauce lettuce, tomato and egg soup—so sumptuous! Mom is so good.”
Her mother wiped her face with a damp towel. The kitchen temperature was high, and she had sweated a lot. She had changed clothes and washed her face before letting Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai come out to eat.
Lin Zhixia gazed at her mother and blurted out: “Mom, let’s buy an air conditioner tomorrow.”
Her mother said: “No need to buy one; air conditioning isn’t a necessity. Now that Xiaxia has money, you should spend it where it counts.”
“Air conditioning is a necessity,” Lin Zhixia stated factually, “The weather is getting hotter.”
Her mother placed a chicken leg in Lin Zhixia’s bowl: “Xiaxia, eat first. We’ll talk about the air conditioner tonight.”
Jiang Yubai didn’t take a position. He quietly listened to the conversation between Lin Zhixia and her mother, thinking about how Lin Zhixia’s parents both called her Xiaxia, and he had also saved her as Xiaxia in his QQ contacts. Lin Zhixia’s nickname suited her well; she was as warm, cheerful, and full of sunshine as summer itself.
With his mind full of Lin Zhixia, she even put a piece of bean curd roll with meat in his bowl: “This is my mom’s specialty; it’s very delicious.”
Jiang Yubai savored a bite, chewing slowly, then said: “Very delicious, thank you, Auntie.”
Lin Zhixia and her mother both smiled. Lin Zhixia lowered her head to eat, and the front door was opened again. She heard heavy footsteps and turned to look, seeing Lin Zeqiu with his bag slung over one shoulder, emanating a cold aura, standing silently at the entrance.
Lin Zhixia called out: “Brother, come eat quickly; today’s lunch is super delicious.”
Lin Zeqiu walked over without a word.
The atmosphere at the dining table was harmonious. Lin Zeqiu almost thought Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia were family—this realization put Lin Zeqiu on high alert and highly vigilant.
Lin Zeqiu moved a wooden chair between Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai, forcing Jiang Yubai to move, making space for Lin Zeqiu.
Jiang Yubai held his rice bowl and moved to the edge of the area. He silently accepted fate’s arrangement, his chopsticks only picking from the two dishes in front of him. His dining etiquette remained impeccable, capturing all of Lin Zhixia’s attention.
Lin Zhixia stood up from her seat and rearranged the plates on the table. She moved the plate of braised chicken legs, pushing it to Jiang Yubai’s left side, and ladled some oil-braised prawns for him.
She set the fan to its highest setting and adjusted the angle. When the base wheel rotated, the fan blew directly at Jiang Yubai.
Lin Zhixia took such meticulous care of Jiang Yubai that Lin Zeqiu could barely eat his lunch.
The brilliant summer sunshine couldn’t illuminate the gloom in Lin Zeqiu’s heart. Lin Zeqiu put down his rice bowl and spoke: “Jiang Yubai, when did you arrive at my home?”
Jiang Yubai told the truth: “Ten in the morning.”
Ten in the morning?!
Lin Zeqiu looked up at the wall clock.
It was now 12:10 PM Beijing time—meaning Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai had been alone together for over two hours.
Dad was busy in the supermarket, Mom was cooking in the kitchen, and Lin Zeqiu was taking makeup classes at school… With no one supervising Lin Zhixia, she and Jiang Yubai were in a room together, possibly forgetting the boundaries between boys and girls.
Lin Zeqiu sighed silently in his heart.
Lin Zhixia softly called: “Brother.”
Lin Zeqiu covered his forehead.
Lin Zhixia called again: “Brother!”
Lin Zeqiu ignored his sister.
Her mother spoke up: “Qiuqiu, Xiaxia is calling you; answer her.”
Lin Zeqiu’s attitude didn’t soften at all. He squeezed out a cold laugh from his throat: “Hehe.”
Mom had already eaten half a bowl of rice and drunk half a bowl of soup. She grabbed the keys from the table and casually said: “It’s too hot today; several customers in the neighborhood asked your father to deliver beer. Qiuqiu, stay home and look after your sister’s friend. Mom’s going to help your father; he can’t manage alone.”
“Certainly,” Lin Zeqiu agreed unusually readily, “Jiang Yubai and I have known each other for a long time; we get along well.”
Jiang Yubai didn’t expose Lin Zeqiu. He cooperated in the performance: “Yes, we get along very well.”
Lin Zhixia, as someone in the know, was momentarily stunned. Holding her rice bowl with a chicken leg in her mouth, she tried to fathom her brother’s intentions.
With a “bang” as the door closed, her mother left. Lin Zeqiu’s left hand lightly tapped the table, his tone unfriendly: “I don’t have classes this afternoon. Whatever game you two want to play, include me.”
Before Lin Zhixia could speak, Jiang Yubai said rapidly: “Lin Zhixia and I are designing a robot. We plan to use ADA for dynamics analysis, combining pattern recognition and natural language processing algorithms to process video and audio… You should join us; it’s more lively with more people.”
Lin Zeqiu didn’t understand the first half of Jiang Yubai’s sentence at all.
He keenly perceived Jiang Yubai’s hostility.
Indeed, the more he looked at Jiang Yubai, the more displeased he felt.
He casually responded to the challenge: “I was just thinking of playing with a robot.”
After saying this, he placed a chicken leg in Lin Zhixia’s bowl: “Your favorite chicken leg; I dipped it in the soup for you. Was this meal delicious? It’s still our family who understands you best.”
Jiang Yubai smiled. He used his chopsticks to twist off a prawn head, gripping the tail: “Lin Zhixia, I can peel the prawns for you.”
“Really?” Lin Zhixia didn’t decline, “Then peel one for me.”
Before eating, Jiang Yubai had already washed his hands once.
After Lin Zhixia finished speaking, Jiang Yubai went to the kitchen to wash his hands again. He took a disinfectant wipe, carefully dried his fingertips, and returned to his seat with an elegant demeanor befitting a high position.
Then, like a worker on a factory assembly line, he began peeling prawns intently.
He extracted two prawn meats and placed them in a small dish.
Lin Zhixia ate all the prawn meat and happily said: “Alright, I’ve tasted it and received your goodwill. You’re a guest; eat your food, don’t worry about me.”
Lin Zeqiu coldly watched Jiang Yubai, thinking: This boy knows how to put on a show.
No wonder his sister was deceived by Jiang Yubai.
But Lin Zeqiu would always stay clear-eyed and vigilant.
Lin Zeqiu pushed away the dish where Jiang Yubai had placed the prawn meat. He ladled a bowl of soup for Lin Zhixia and solicitously asked: “What have you been busy with recently? How did you sleep last night? Do you still want to go to the library this weekend? I’ll accompany you.”
Lin Zhixia was pleasantly surprised.
She and Lin Zeqiu had been siblings for over a decade, but Lin Zeqiu had never referred to himself as “brother” in front of her.
Jiang Yubai didn’t know this fact.
Jiang Yubai only felt that Lin Zeqiu was competing with him.
Jiang Yubai wouldn’t easily admit defeat. He seized the opportunity to change the subject: “Where can I buy motor drive boards and motor base plates? Should we start building the robot from the base plate?”
In this round of struggle, Jiang Yubai had the upper hand—Lin Zhixia prioritized answering Jiang Yubai’s questions.
When Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai talked about robots, Lin Zeqiu couldn’t interject at all.
Jiang Yubai glanced at Lin Zeqiu, displaying an air of “invincibility.”
Lin Zeqiu’s face turned ashen. He was so angry he nearly exploded on the spot.
Lin Zeqiu hurriedly finished the rice in his bowl, picked up his bag, and walked toward his bedroom. He stopped at the doorway, and at that moment, a plan formed in his mind.
With his back to Lin Zhixia, he said: “I scored 29 points in mathematics, out of 150 points.”
29 points?
Lin Zhixia was stunned.
No matter what Jiang Yubai said to her, she couldn’t hear it anymore. She anxiously asked: “Brother, did you encounter many problems you couldn’t solve?”
Lin Zeqiu, wounding the enemy at the cost of hurting himself: “I couldn’t do too many problems. After you finish eating, if you’re willing to explain the problems to me, come over, and if not, it’s fine; I’ll figure it out myself.”
Her brother was about to enter his senior year next semester, and his math had suddenly regressed to 29 points, which made Lin Zhixia very worried. She knew her brother was a proud person who would never reveal his scores, let alone actively seek Lin Zhixia’s help, unless it was necessary.
However, Jiang Yubai stood up and reminded her: “I heard Lin Zeqiu was at the top of the high school division; suddenly scoring 29 points…”
Lin Zhixia blinked.
Jiang Yubai changed his words: “Did he encounter some difficult problems?”
Lin Zhixia didn’t even finish her meal. She ran into Lin Zeqiu’s bedroom and slapped her hands on the desk with a “smack”: “Brother, take out your 29-point test paper; let me help you look at it.”
Lin Zeqiu didn’t have a 29-point test paper at all!
Yes, he had just lied.
In his schoolbag, there was only a 139-point test paper.
Jiang Yubai, like a silent ghost, appeared behind Lin Zeqiu. Jiang Yubai calmly suggested: “Take out your paper; Lin Zhixia will help you identify and address your weaknesses.”
Lin Zeqiu hadn’t expected this guy to be so ruthless. Despite looking so noble and aloof, he was determined to pursue this to the bitter end!
Where was Lin Zeqiu supposed to find a math test paper with 29 points? He could only say: “Never mind, let me think about it myself first.”
Lin Zhixia recalled her brother’s contradictory behavior. Her unconditional trust in her brother diminished somewhat. She turned into a little demon and asked directly: “Did you score 29 points? When did you take this test?”
Lin Zeqiu couldn’t hide anything from Lin Zhixia.
He knew Lin Zhixia would follow every clue and track him down until he had nowhere to run—this was how Lin Zeqiu had always endured growing up. He simply tidied up his desk and issued an eviction notice: “I’m tired, I want to take a nap.”
“Alright, we won’t disturb you then. Get some rest,” Jiang Yubai politely said goodbye.
Then, Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia returned to her bedroom to continue discussing their robot project.
Lin Zeqiu passed by the doorway several times but never took a step inside. Jiang Yubai kept bringing up the “29-point math test paper,” and Lin Zeqiu hadn’t thought of a countermeasure yet.
He had miscalculated.
He had underestimated Jiang Yubai.
Lin Zeqiu wandered around the living room for ten minutes, then sat on the sofa for half an hour. At regular intervals, he would check on Lin Zhixia. Eventually, he truly felt tired—last night he hadn’t closed the screen window properly, and some mosquitoes had come in, making it difficult for him to sleep soundly.
He went back to his bedroom, lay on the bed, and thought: I’ll just sleep for ten minutes.
Who knew that he would sleep for three hours?
When he woke up, the house was completely quiet. Alarmed, he rushed toward Lin Zhixia’s bedroom without even putting on his slippers, running barefoot.
He only saw Lin Zhixia alone.
“Where’s Jiang Yubai?” Lin Zeqiu demanded.
“He went home,” Lin Zhixia said, licking an ice cream cone. “He just left ten minutes ago.”
This evening, Jiang Yubai’s parents were hosting a dinner for Ms. Jessica.
Ms. Jessica’s father was a major figure on the global billionaire rankings. She had three brothers. She was the only daughter in the family, and her father’s precious jewel—this wealthy heiress from Singapore might become Jiang Shaoqi’s future wife.
By rights and reason, Jiang Yubai had to attend tonight’s banquet.
Therefore, Jiang Yubai had just left.
Lin Zhixia had seen him out and stopped by the family’s supermarket, bringing back a strawberry cone ice cream. She was enjoying it happily when her brother appeared, looking dispirited: “I didn’t hear any sound at all…”
“You were sleeping too soundly,” Lin Zhixia revealed, “Jiang Yubai and I were speaking quietly, afraid of disturbing you.”
Her brother remained silent.
“There’s chilled watermelon in the refrigerator. Do you want some, brother?” Lin Zhixia asked.
Her brother indeed brought the watermelon over. He sat in Lin Zhixia’s room, quietly eating the melon with his head down, completely devoid of his arrogant air from a few hours ago.
Lin Zhixia looked at him and said to herself: “When I go to Beijing for school, I’ll miss you.”
Her brother paused. A moment later, he said softly, almost like a murmur: “Me too.”
*
From July to August of 2009, Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai frequently met at Provincial No. 1 High School.
Lin Zhixia had asked a teacher for a small classroom in the science building. She and Jiang Yubai built their robot there. They wanted a robot with complex functions, so Lin Zhixia’s work was very detailed.
She taught Jiang Yubai how to solder circuit boards.
During Jiang Yubai’s first attempt, he accidentally burned himself, leaving a scar on the back of his left hand. He didn’t mind at all, but Lin Zhixia felt somewhat guilty. Jiang Yubai said: “Scars are marks of growth.”
Lin Zhixia was amused by him.
They collaborated for over a month, implementing some basic functions.
By late August, Lin Zhixia was about to leave for Beijing, so she entrusted the robot to Jiang Yubai. She solemnly told him, “Jiang Yubai, I’m leaving Linjiang in your care. After I’m settled in Beijing, we’ll play with it together.”
Jiang Yubai hugged Linjiang and promised: “Don’t worry. While you’re gone, I’ll protect it.”
“Mm-hmm!” Lin Zhixia beamed with a smile.
Before departing for Beijing, Lin Zhixia’s classmates held a farewell party for her in the Provincial No. 1 High School cafeteria.
Dong Sunqi, Duan Qiyan, Shen Fuxuan, Tang Tingting, and others all attended. Much to Lin Zhixia’s surprise, even Jin Baihui came.
Jin Baihui appeared for about two minutes. She flashed past everyone’s eyes. Passing by Lin Zhixia, Jin Baihui said: “Work hard when you get to university.”
Lin Zhixia replied: “Of course I will.”
Jin Baihui nodded. Then, she ran away at full speed, leaving the cafeteria.
No one understood Jin Baihui’s behavior.
Shen Fuxuan joked, “This scene feels familiar. My first impression of Duan Qiyan was him running frantically out of the classroom…”
With Shen Fuxuan’s comment, everyone present burst into loud laughter.
Duan Qiyan pressed his lips tightly, embarrassed and annoyed.
Tang Tingting was also laughing at him. He extended his right palm and waved it in front of Tang Tingting’s eyes. Tang Tingting lashed out at him: “What are you doing?”
Duan Qiyan insisted: “Running is youth, running is vitality.”
Dong Sunqi slowly stood up and applauded vigorously: “Good! Well said! Running is youth, running is vitality!”
Everyone quieted down, focusing their attention on Dong Sunqi.
Dong Sunqi calmly took charge: “Seniors, hello, I’m Dong Sunqi, Lin Zhixia’s elementary school classmate. I have an idea. Lin Zhixia is going to Beijing for university, so let’s each take turns saying a word of blessing to her, words of blessing to make the atmosphere joyful!”
Jiang Yubai was the first to agree: “Alright, I’ll start.”
Lin Zhixia turned to look at him, listening as he said: “I wish Lin Zhixia that all her questions will be answered, that she will forge ahead fearlessly on unknown paths, and have smooth sailing.”
“Great!” Lin Zhixia was full of energy.
Shen Fuxuan continued: “I wish you… happiness every day, and I wish your parallel universe self happiness too.”
“Just this one sentence?” Duan Qiyan undermined him, “That’s too casual.”
Shen Fuxuan smiled without speaking.
Duan Qiyan was eager to try: “Watch me. Lin Zhixia, I wish you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea, longevity like the Southern Mountains, peace year after year, a life as long as heaven’s…”
Duan Qiyan rattled off more than a dozen idioms in one breath, stunning everyone at the table. He felt very satisfied, savored his milk, smacked his lips, and Tang Tingting said to him: “Don’t smack your lips, I beg you.”
Shen Fuxuan also asked him: “Never had milk before?”
Duan Qiyan was confused. He had spoken so eloquently, but why had he become the target of everyone’s attacks again? He bent over to eat his rice, and the farewell event continued.
The summer vacation cafeteria was quiet and empty, with only competition class and advanced students holding their positions. The entire cafeteria seemed spacious and vast, and the students’ voices traveled far.
At the corner of the long table, Shao Dongxu tapped an iron basin with a spoon. He asked: “Lin Zhixia, when you turn eighteen, could you gather with us?”
Tang Tingting became extremely alert: “East Bro, what are you planning?”
Jiang Yubai detected a subtle atmosphere from Tang Tingting’s tone. He carefully examined Shao Dongxu, smiled faintly, and casually replied: “We’ll see when the time comes.”
Shao Dongxu was still waiting for Lin Zhixia’s response.
Lin Zhixia bit into a small steamed bun, focusing intently on eating. When someone wished her well, she would happily clap her hands twice.
This gathering didn’t bring sad emotions; the classmates talked about interesting experiences at school, laughing together.
As they dispersed, Lin Zhixia waved to everyone, saying: “Bye-bye, everyone, you’re the best!”
The students from Class 17, who had known Lin Zhixia for four years, belatedly felt a tinge of sadness.
With Lin Zhixia gone, their sense of security was gone too.
No classmate like Lin Zhixia could maintain a gentle attitude, quickly solve a difficult problem, then break down the question step by step, teaching it to classmates in the simplest way. She was warm, cute, helpful, willing to share everything, and full of energy at all times.
And now, she was walking forward alone, with Jiang Yubai following behind her.
At the gate of Provincial No. 1 High School, Tang Tingting took a few steps after her: “Lin Zhixia…”
Lin Zhixia stopped, turned back with a smile: “You’re my favorite classmate from my first year of high school.”
Tang Tingting’s eyes glistened with tears. She calmly accepted reality, only saying: “We have a connection; we’ll meet again.”
Lin Zhixia nodded repeatedly: “Yes, we definitely will.”
The midsummer heat, cicadas chirping incessantly, long winds coming and going, disheveling her hair. She faced her classmates once more and declared resolutely: “I will never forget you all!”
“I won’t forget you either!” Duan Qiyan proclaimed loudly.
“No one will forget,” Shen Fuxuan murmured.
Wan Chunlei looked up at the sky: “Time flies incredibly fast; it seems like just yesterday when we rehearsed ‘Transition’ together.”
Tang Tingting gazed into the distance and called out: “Goodbye, Lin Zhixia!”
Lin Zhixia borrowed Jiang Yubai’s earlier words as her parting gift to her classmates. She earnestly said: “I wish that all your questions will be answered, that you will forge ahead fearlessly on unknown paths, and have smooth sailing… I have to go now, goodbye!”
The stuffy summer wind made people sweat, the air seemed to congeal, and the sunlight remained grand and brilliant.
This summer ended prematurely.