Dating

As the weekend arrived, Ji Ze specifically set an alarm to rouse himself.

He rolled over for a moment, indulging in a brief return to sleep, before finally sitting up, eyes half-closed, to find his slippers.

After washing up, changing, and heading downstairs, he paused in the entryway to put on his shoes.

Ji Ze’s mother observed her son, dressed in a shirt, brown casual trousers, and white sneakers.

He looked bright and dashing, prompting her to chuckle.

“You said you’re going out with a classmate, but don’t tell me it’s a date?”

Ji Ze immediately shook his head.

“Mom!”

“It’s a guy.”

Yet, a strange unease stirred within him.

While he was clear about his own orientation, he hadn’t yet met anyone he liked.

He felt no need to come out to his mother, thereby sparing her any unnecessary worry.

Ji Ze’s mother covered her mouth, a smile playing on her lips.

“Alright, alright, I was just teasing.”

“But when it comes to dating, I really suggest you wait until university.”

“You’re still young.”

Ji Ze nodded.

“Okay.”

While Ji Ze’s mother encouraged him to go out more, she also worried about his health.

“I’ll drive you,” she offered.

“I know you boys can get quite boisterous when you play.”

“I don’t mind you going out, but you absolutely must take care of yourself.”

“If you feel unwell, don’t push it, understand?”

Ji Ze nodded obediently.

“I’m taking my classmate to the barber shop we usually go to, but he doesn’t know where it is.”

“We agreed to meet at the plaza.”

“Then I’ll drop you off at the plaza,” his mother said.

“Also, do you have enough money?”

“Is it enough to spend?”

“Make sure to treat your classmate to some food while you’re out.”

Ji Ze assented to each instruction, nodding.

“Yes, it’s enough, and I can pay with my phone too.”

His mother suddenly remembered.

She was still accustomed to swiping her card, forgetting that young people nowadays traveled everywhere with just their phones.

“If it’s not enough, call me, and I’ll transfer some to you.”

“Okay.”

The car drove to the plaza.

Ji Ze’s mother had initially planned to have breakfast with her son, but then thought that his classmate might not have eaten either, so she decided it was best for them to go together.

Upon arriving, Ji Ze contacted Jiang Hao on his phone, looking around from beside the car.

[I’m at the plaza.]

[Where are you?]

[I’m under the statue… Wait, I think I see you.]

[I’ll come over to you.]

Jiang Hao walked, keeping the call connected.

Only when he drew closer and clearly saw Ji Ze did he smile, then hang up the phone.

Ji Ze’s mother sat in the car, watching the approaching figure of the young man.

With his baseball cap, T-shirt, long pants, black sneakers, and radiant smile, he was the picture of a basketball player on the court.

Moreover, as soon as he approached and saw her, he immediately bowed politely and said, “Hello, Auntie.”

Ji Ze’s mother smiled.

“You must be Jiang Hao, right?”

“Ah-Ze has told me about you.”

“You’re desk-mates.”

“Ah-Ze isn’t very well, so thank you for looking after him.”

Jiang Hao nodded, displaying an unexpected warmth, his tone uncharacteristically serious.

“Not at all, Auntie.”

“Ji Ze usually looks after me more.”

“He’s excellent academically and often helps me with my studies.”

“The teachers always praise him too.”

Listening, Ji Ze’s mother’s smile deepened, feeling somewhat relieved about this classmate.

“Then go have fun, and be careful.”

Jiang Hao smiled politely, speaking through the car window.

“Goodbye, Auntie.”

“Drive safely.”

Ji Ze’s mother smiled and nodded.

Only after the car had driven away from the plaza did Ji Ze finally relax.

Jiang Hao had chatted so familiarly with his mother that Ji Ze had felt completely bewildered, his mind struggling to process it all.

Jiang Hao’s well-behaved and sensible demeanor was a complete contrast to his usual self.

And ‘taking care of him,’ ‘helping each other with studies’—was he referring to passing notes in class?

Jiang Hao observed his peculiar expression, then asked with a wide smile, “What’s wrong?”

“Did I not do well just now?”

“Your mom should have a good impression of me, right?”

Ji Ze tilted his head, a hint of helplessness in his gaze.

“I think the nation owes you an acting award.”

Jiang Hao retorted, “That wasn’t acting at all!”

“I’m always very polite to elders, especially since that was your mother.”

Ji Ze raised an eyebrow.

“What about my mom?”

Jiang Hao coughed, rubbing his nose.

“The Class Monitor’s mother is naturally unique and extraordinary.”

“One must put on an even better performance for her.”

Ji Ze pursed his lips.

His heart, which had been threatening to leap from his chest, finally showed signs of settling.

They found a tea house nearby for dim sum.

Since there were only two of them, they didn’t order much, consulting the menu together as they ticked off their choices.

“I want phoenix claws.”

“I like those too.”

“How about steamed spare ribs with taro?”

“And xiao long bao?”

“Crystal shrimp dumplings?”

“Siu mai?”

“And a savory glutinous rice dumpling?”

Their tastes were surprisingly similar.

After exchanging a glance, their ordering process was remarkably swift; almost every suggestion from one was met with rapid, enthusiastic nods from the other.

After handing their order to the waitress, the two leisurely sipped Tieguanyin tea, slowly savoring the brew.

The scene resembled two elderly men in their twilight years, playing chess, drinking tea, and discussing life.

Yet, their actual conversation revolved around—

“Have you finished your homework?”

“Yes.”

“Can I copy yours?”

“Beg me.”

“I beg you.”

Indeed, for the sake of avoiding homework, Classmate Jiang was utterly spineless, not hesitating for a moment.

Ji Ze chuckled, telling him not to make it too obvious.

Their conversation then drifted to ball games and video games, forgetting all about homework and exams—a perfect embodiment of living in the present and seizing the moment.

After a satisfying dim sum, they walked out of the tea house.

Ji Ze assessed his stomach.

“The barber shop isn’t far from here.”

“Let’s walk.”

Jiang Hao nodded without a second thought.

“Sounds good.”

They walked side by side, chatting casually.

“After the haircut, do you have any plans?” Jiang Hao asked.

Ji Ze pondered for a moment.

“I’ll buy a gift.”

Jiang Hao found this strange, trying to recall if any holidays were approaching.

“What kind of gift?”

Ji Ze replied, “Huageng’s birthday is coming up.”

“I need to pick out a birthday present for her.”

Jiang Hao raised an eyebrow.

“You two have a pretty good relationship… it seems.”

Ji Ze smiled.

“More or less.”

“After all, we grew up together, and our homes are close.”

“Oh, Liang Zhuo is also part of that group.”

“I see…”

“Then I’ll come with you,” Jiang Hao said.

“I have some things to buy anyway.”

Ji Ze didn’t overthink it.

“Okay, you can give me some advice too.”

From an angle Ji Ze couldn’t see, Jiang Hao subtly pursed his lips, indicating he had no desire to offer any advice at all.