Looking back, Miao Jing’s middle school boarding years were when she ate the best. On one hand, she would buy food scraps or near-expired items from factories to fill her stomach; on the other, there were occasional full-meat feasts. It was during this time that she first learned to cook braised beef, lamb, shrimp, and seafood. Her culinary skills transitioned from amateur to proficient, though Chen Yi never complained about the taste—no matter how unappetizing, he’d calmly finish every bite.
The balcony housed a washing machine, and unless something required special care, laundry was tossed straight into it. The first time Miao Jing mustered the courage to stop Chen Yi was to prevent him from throwing his underwear and socks in together. Flushing, she stammered in front of the machine, struggling to get the words out. Chen Yi, hair dripping and hands on his hips, scoffed at her fussiness before heading back to the bathroom to skillfully handwash his clothes with detergent—there was no chore he hadn’t done growing up.
After Chen Yi’s knife-wielding incident intimidated the neighbors, his reputation echoed throughout the residential area. No one dared approach him casually, and the siblings, equally aloof, showed no interest in engaging with outsiders. Everyone watched, expecting trouble: two unsupervised minors, with Chen Yi’s reckless teenage temperament, were bound to end up in jail sooner or later. Best to keep their distance to avoid collateral damage.
Life carried on quietly. Two days before the high school entrance exam, Chen Yi suddenly returned home. The weather was sweltering, and Miao Jing, revising at home, felt too anxious to cook, serving noodles for several days straight. Chen Yi brought back ready-made dishes, watermelon, and other fruits. As they sat at the table, he abruptly dropped a large chicken drumstick into her bowl, splashing hot noodle broth onto her bewildered face and into her eyes. Blinking back tears, she watched as he wordlessly shoved half a box of spiced beef toward her: “Eat.”
After Miao Jing finished washing the dishes, she found half a watermelon on the table, a spoon standing upright in its center—the other half already taken by Chen Yi to his room.
The exam was held at her school. Miao Jing planned to take the bus in the morning, stay for lunch and rest during the break, and return home after the afternoon session. Carrying a canvas bag she’d won in a competition, she checked her stationery, exam permit, and an apple she’d packed. Chen Yi lazily emerged from his room to use the bathroom. Just as she stepped out the door, he called out through toothpaste foam, “Wait for me.”
Splashing cold water on his face and ruffling his bristly buzz cut, he said, “I’ll take you there.”
“Okay…”
They rode off on his motorcycle, Miao Jing wearing a helmet and cautiously holding onto the hem of his shirt. As the engine roared to life, he planted his feet on the ground, turning his head to warn, “Hold on tight. If you fall, we’re heading straight to the hospital.”
The motorcycle accelerated, throwing Miao Jing forward against his back. His broad shoulders carried a sharp scent of tobacco, mixed with a healthy, vibrant aura—not unpleasant. Whether from the speed or something else, she felt a faint dizziness, a floating sensation.
This time, she didn’t struggle to sit upright but leaned lightly against his back, clutching the sides of his T-shirt, eyes slightly closed, quietly and nervously absorbing the rushing wind and clamor whistling past her ears.
There was a hint… of vague happiness.
Chen Yi dropped her off at school and sped away. Miao Jing merged into the crowd, glancing back at the retreating black figure on the motorcycle.The exam went smoothly. When she walked out of the test center in the afternoon, the school gate was surrounded by layers of parents waiting for their children. Miao Jing walked slowly with her head down when she suddenly heard a sharp honk. Looking up, she unexpectedly spotted a tall, young figure outside the crowd, lazily perched on a gleaming motorcycle with a cigarette between his fingers. His dark eyes seemed to hold a faint smile as he watched her idly.
Her eyes instantly lit up. She hurried over in a few quick steps, stopping right in front of him, completely unaware of the radiant smile spreading across her face and her buoyant steps, all melting into the sweltering afternoon breeze along with the blazing sun.
Chen Yi’s expression was indifferent, his tone perfunctory: "How did it go?"
"Not bad."
"Let’s go."
"Mm."
As soon as the exams ended, Chen Yi disappeared again without even saying goodbye.
The high school entrance exam results were released in early July. Miao Jing ranked in the top ten at her school and within the top hundred in the city. Tengcheng had a Provincial Key High School, and with these scores, her admission was practically guaranteed—a truly commendable achievement.
Chen Yi also saw the bright red admission letter. Slouching in his chair with his legs crossed on a stool, he calmly asked her, "When are you planning to leave?"
Miao Jing’s smile faded. She blinked, placed her hands on her knees, and pressed her lips together.
It had been agreed upon earlier: once she graduated from middle school, she would leave. She had already stayed in this house for a long time. Chen Yi hadn’t pursued the matter with Wei Mingzhen or made things difficult for her. Miao Jing had no reason to stay any longer—but Wei Mingzhen’s phone was still unreachable.
Should she go directly to the address Wei Mingzhen had given her to look for her? Or follow Wei Mingzhen’s suggestion and return to her hometown in Z Province to continue her studies with her aunt’s family?
"I’ll buy you a train ticket back to your hometown," Chen Yi said, pulling his legs back and lowering his gaze as he spoke slowly. "Pack your things. I’ll take you to the train station."
Miao Jing softly replied, "Mm," then turned and went back to her room to pack. There wasn’t much to pack—a few faded, well-worn clothes, some daily necessities, a few extracurricular books, the admission letter, and her personal files. It wasn’t even enough to fill a suitcase; a backpack would suffice.
Chen Yi indeed bought her a train ticket to Z Province, took her to the train station, and accompanied her to the ticket check entrance. Standing tall in front of her, he thought for a moment before pulling a stack of money from his pocket: "Take it."
"No need," Miao Jing shook her head, withdrawing her hands. "I still have some money on me. It’s enough."
He put the money back and gave her a gentle push on the shoulder. "Then go ahead."
"Goodbye," Miao Jing said softly, keeping her head down and avoiding his gaze. "Thank you, Chen Yi."
"Goodbye, take care." He reached out as if to pat her head lightly, then turned and strode away, waving twice over his shoulder as he quickly exited the waiting hall.
Miao Jing watched his retreating figure, silently withdrew her gaze, and sat blankly on a chair, waiting for her train to arrive.
OpenNovel