0134: Was I the Clown All Along?

Over the following few days, with the fraud case settled and the situation at Ji Yun’s home stabilized, Xu Lin prepared to set his shop plans into motion once the weekend arrived.

With a temporary lull in his schedule, Xu Lin returned to his busy, simple routine of studying during the day and writing at night. He had also been planning to record some videos in the evenings to restart his career as a content creator; this time, he was determined not to flake. Unfortunately, after filming a food video, he realized that his phone simply wasn't up to the task—he truly needed professional equipment. He also lacked knowledge regarding lighting and other technical aspects, so he realized he would need to find someone professional to learn from. Since he didn't know any established creators, he decided to shelve the project until he could tinker with it over the weekend.

By the time school let out on Saturday, the November evening in Linshui was already biting cold. As Xu Lin walked along the path with Li Bin and Ma Zhiyu, watching the students in their thin uniforms, he felt the school should be more flexible. While students could layer warm clothes underneath the baggy uniforms, it was never comfortable. Why couldn't they be more lenient in winter and allow students to choose their own attire? Uniforms were meant to foster unity and prevent status-seeking, but in this day and age, competition went far beyond just clothes and shoes. He decided he would mention it to Chu Fengyi; as the school's primary benefactor, she carried significant weight.

"Xu Lin, what’s wrong? See a beauty somewhere?" Ma Zhiyu scanned the surroundings.

"Where!?" Li Bin also peered into the distance.

"Nowhere. Honestly, Ma Zhiyu, you have a girlfriend now—why are you still checking out other girls?"

"Admiring beauty and being loyal to my girlfriend are two separate matters," Ma Zhiyu said, patting his chest.

"Listen to you using big words. You only got a forty on your Chinese exam." Xu Lin scoffed. "Anyway, how is Lu Man doing?"

"She got her ID back and is looking for work. She went to the Zhenhe Mall for an interview today."

"A normal job is good. Did you two say anything you shouldn't have when you were called in for questioning?" Xu Lin was worried; he knew Lu Man would inevitably be grilled.

"No, I remembered what you said. Do you think I'm that stupid?"

"You are pretty stupid, but now that you're back in school, are you giving up on inheriting your dad’s title as the 'Fruit King'?" Li Bin teased.

Ma Zhiyu raised his head to the dim, blue sky and let out a long, dramatic stretch. "After everything settled, I stayed up all night talking with my parents. I learned so much about what they were thinking. In the end, they told me they would respect any decision I make for my future."

"I know they want me to study hard and get into college, but I’m just not cut out for academics. I had planned to drop out, take Lu Man to work in another city, lighten their load, and save up to marry her. But Lu Man urged me to finish high school and told me not to worry about her. Back then, I was terrified—I wondered if she was just playing with me. Now that her troubles are over, would she just leave me? After all, I’m just a kid, with no money and I’m not even handsome..."

"But two days ago, she snuck over to my house and talked to my parents for a long time. She told them not to worry about money, saying her parents were open-minded and didn't need a large dowry or an apartment. She said if my parents agreed, she would marry me as soon as I came of age. Before she left, she gave them fifty thousand yuan—all her savings—saying it was for our future down payment. My parents told me to give it back, but she refused time and again, insisting I keep it."

"I don't know what to say. Even though I'm young, I know one thing: I’m going to spend the rest of my life following this woman!"

"Alright, Ma Zhiyu, thank you for everything you've done for us!" Ma Zhiyu bowed to Xu Lin.

"Enough, cut it out with the sentimentality! Just buy us dinner!" Xu Lin slapped him on the chest.

"Deal! What do you want? Choose anything!"

"Let’s go to the Xia Lange Halal Restaurant!"

"I can't afford that—I just spent my savings on a pair of shoes for Lu Man."

"Forgot your brothers now that you have a wife, huh? Then what are we eating?"

"How about the hot pot buffet?" Ma Zhiyu looked embarrassed; he had bragged too soon, and his remaining cash was only enough for a buffet.

"Xu Lin, should we just settle for that?" Li Bin glanced at him, but Xu Lin retorted immediately, "Settle for what? Last time, you were the one who ate so much the waiter wouldn't stop staring at you!"

"Hey, I was just trying to get my money's worth! It’s not my fault you only drank soda! You ate so little you didn't even break even."

"Don't worry, you’ll never break even at a buffet. Come on, let’s go to Xia Lange, my treat," Xu Lin said with a wave of his hand.

"Really?"

"Of course. I’m going to be busy later, so I might not have another chance to treat you two."

"Alright, thanks! Though we really should be the ones treating you."

"Don't mention it, let's go!"

The three of them walked toward the bike shed with their arms around each other's shoulders, their shadows stretching long under the streetlights. The lives of these young men were just beginning.

By 8:30 PM, the three had finished their meal. Ma Zhiyu was fine, but Xu Lin had to head back to update his work, and Li Bin’s parents were strict; if he stayed out any later, he’d likely be in for a "double-team" lecture from his parents.

"How are you guys getting home?" Xu Lin asked, looking at Ma Zhiyu and Li Bin, who were both slightly tipsy and leaning on each other for balance. It was a good thing he didn't drink, or all three of them would have ended up in a ditch within thirty meters.

"My girlfriend is coming to pick me up. Is that… Lu Man? Over here!" Ma Zhiyu shouted. An electric scooter zipped over, and a girl in a goose-yellow puffer jacket pulled up and hurried toward them.

Xu Lin and Li Bin were both taken aback when they saw Lu Man. Her once-striking, voluminous golden curls had been dyed back to black, and her heavy, vibrant makeup had been replaced by a natural look. Though less flashy, she looked full of vitality and finally appeared to be their age. She went straight to Ma Zhiyu and steadied him, but he started to retch, and she began gently patting his back.

"Why did you drink so much?" Lu Man asked, her brow furrowed in a mix of annoyance and concern.

"Not that much, just a few bottles. I’m not used to it, haven't built up the tolerance," Ma Zhiyu said, scratching his head sheepishly. Lu Man pinched his earlobe and laughed, "If you can't drink, why do it?"

"Ahem! Lu Man, it’s dark out, and there aren't many lights on the road toward his place. Be careful," Li Bin interrupted, feeling like a third wheel.

"Right, thank you both for everything—especially you, Xu Lin," Lu Man said, giving a slight bow.

"It’s nothing, just a small favor."

"Once I land a job, we’ll treat you to a proper meal to thank you."

"Ma Zhiyu is our brother; we can talk about that later. Go on, get him home and let him rest."

"Alright, we're off then," Lu Man said, nodding before helping Ma Zhiyu toward the scooter.

"Stay safe."

"You too!"

The two watched the scooter fade into the distance until it disappeared from sight.

"It’s really nice, finding the love of your life in high school," Li Bin said, leaning against a tree with a look of envy.

"What, feeling a spark yourself?"

"I’ve had sparks for a long time, but my parents are strict, and I haven't found anyone, nor has anyone really noticed me."

"Haha, take it slow."

"At least you're still a good comrade, a fellow single dog to keep me company," Li Bin said, draping an arm over Xu Lin’s shoulder. Xu Lin looked at Li Bin’s bitter expression, feeling it wasn't the right time to tell him that, while he was technically single, he was already "taken."

"How are you getting home, Li Bin?"

"I'll catch a three-wheeled taxi."

"That’s not safe. I’ll give you a ride."

"How?"

"Someone is picking me up."

"Oh, nice! I’ll hitch a ride!"

No sooner had he spoken than Xu Lin saw Chu Fengyi’s red Maserati pull up to the curb. Many people nearby turned to look.

"Teacher Chu is picking you up?"

"Yeah."

"Wait, I thought she was just your master, not a relative or cousin or something?"

"Honestly, if I told you the truth, would you believe me?"

"What?"

"She’s actually my wife."

"Ha! Xu Lin, you haven't even had a drop to drink and you're already hammered!"

"Believe it or not, I'm off!" Xu Lin didn't care whether he believed him or not and walked toward the car.

Li Bin followed, but as soon as he climbed in, he saw Xu Lin casually hand his half-finished drink to Chu Fengyi. She took a sip without hesitation and handed it back, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Suddenly, Li Bin felt the alcohol leave his system, his mind clearing instantly. Something was wrong. Was he the clown here? Could it really be true?!