Chapter 4

Lin Xigu’s father kept his word and came home as promised. He stayed with Lin Xigu for a week and they even camped out on the farm for the weekend.

Despite being raised as a latchkey kid, often without anyone around for companionship, Lin Xigu was not one to hold a grudge. What his parents lacked in physical presence, they made up for in care. Lin Xigu’s transgressions were received with understanding, perhaps because they thought him lonely.

When Lin Xigu’s school had first notified his parents of his situation, his former homeroom teacher had divulged that his students had labeled Lin Xigu a homosexual, that he was only telling them because they were wary of ‘interpersonal conflicts’ causing Lin Xigu mental distress. Lin Xigu’s father, Lin Qiurong, spent that whole night sitting up with him and talking. And the next morning, he had immediately started making arrangements for his transfer. 

Lin Xigu did not look like his dad. His dad was very masculine, with strong brows and wide eyes, all solid lines. 

On the day of Lin Qiurong’s departure, Lin Xigu reassured his dad, saying, “Don’t worry, I’m doing fine here on my own. No need to keep thinking about me. You just focus on running your company. If you need to take a business trip, then go — we talk on the phone every day anyways. Don’t fret.”

Lin Qiurong ruffled his hair playfully, smiling as he asked, “Other kids usually shed a tear or two when saying goodbye to their parents. And then there’s you! You’re just eager to see me go, aren’t you?”

“Not at all,” Lin Xigu bumped his dad’s shoulder, grinning. “I don’t need you worrying about me, is all. I’m doing just fine.”

Looking at his son’s youthful face, Lin Qiurong sighed and said, “Try to stay out of trouble while living on your own. You’re still too young.”

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“All for you. I had a piece earlier. After all, I couldn’t just regift something from my dad without at least trying it first.” Lin Xigu did not even bat an eye at the thought of giving away hundreds of dollars; he didn’t need it anyways.

“Y-y-you really are smooth. What would you do if I started crushing on you for real?’ Li Balei stroked the box, feeling as though Lin Xigu had maxed out the charm meter.

Lin Xigu laughed and held out his hand, “I’d ask for my chocolates back. Don’t you start liking me.”

Li Balei dodged him, shielding her chocolates from view. “Don’t, I was just kidding! Who would like you anyways? I prefer basketball players!”

To be fair, Lin Xigu was the type whom many girls found attractive. He was clean and handsome, with a kind of sweetness to him that projected a sense of warmth and kindness. He had received more than a few love letters from girls at his previous school, not that he had responded to any of them.

No sense in batting for the wrong team.

He used to think he was out of the game for good. True, he was not attracted to girls, but there were no boys that could meet his standards either.

Thinking this, Lin Xigu could not help but sneak a look in She Xiao’s direction. He was the first boy that Lin Xigu had fantasized about who did not immediately repulse him. His eyes were exquisite. Granted, he was also aggressive, but it was in a different way than the other boys of his age. 

But his personality did leave something to be desired.

Lin Xigu sighed. He supposed this was fate; he was destined to be alone forever. 

Just then, Li Balei slipped a note to him.

— Could it be that you already have a gf???

— No, and I don’t want one either. Will you please pay attention?

Lin Xigu tossed the crumpled note back onto Li Balei’s desk and looking back at She Xiao, he heaved another sigh.

She Xiao’s cheekbones looked more swollen than ever, blooming into a bruise. There was no doubt that he had been fighting again.

As expected, She Xiao was called away by the dean in the middle of their last class.

A surprised expression had crossed the dean’s face when he saw Lin Xigu and She Xiao sitting together, but he said nothing, and had simply smiled at Lin Xigu before leaving with She Xiao. 

When She Xiao had not returned by the end of class, Lin Xigu arranged everything left on his desk into a neat pile: homework handouts and a workbook that was to be completed that night. He then penned a note, copying down the assignments from the blackboard, and placed this at the very top.

Seeing as this would be the first note he would ever write to She Xiao, Lin Xigu made sure his handwriting was neat and tidy:

— One essay for Chinese Lit, due tomorrow morning. No other homework assigned.

— Finish yesterday’s math sheet

— Complete Ch. 6 questions in the English workbook. Will be reviewed in class tomorrow.

— Starting new unit in physics tomorrow, pre-study required.

— See you tomorrow.