Chapter 21

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The beginning was cheerful, but the ending had a tinge of melancholy.

Most of the boys had not caught on to the girls’ little trick—the so-called group discussion about the freshman talent show was actually nonexistent for the girls. The boys, however, were so absorbed in the stress of their performances that they didn’t even notice.

After the dinner gathering, there were only about three or four days left until the teacher’s review, and thoughts turned to what each person might perform. Most people wanted to showcase something, though the girls weren’t overly concerned about it and had already returned to their dorms.

It’s worth mentioning, this dorm held eight people.

If three women are enough to put on a show, what about eight?

This was bound to be quite the drama.

Indeed, although it was early in the semester, small cliques were already forming. For example, Meiting and Hu Jing often ate together because of their similar personalities, while Zeng Li and Yuan Quan, who had been colleagues before, naturally stuck together since Zeng had even encouraged Yuan to apply.

However, these were just minor alliances. Fortunately, no one seemed to have clashing personalities, so everyone could talk openly.

…

Once they were inside, Zhang Ziyi exclaimed:

“Let me tell you, when Lin Hao took the wine glass at the door, he looked so effortless. I wish I could see him lose his composure just once; he always seems so calm.”

“Right?” Zeng Li chimed in. Unlike the other boys who were obviously eyeing her, Lin Hao interacted with her normally. It’s always easier to like a guy who doesn’t act impulsively.

“Anyone can tell he’s seen the world and isn’t like those show-offs who think they’re handsome but are barely passable,” Yuan Quan, who had had a few drinks, added. Having worked already, she judged men by more than just a student’s perspective.

The group discussion got lively and ended on a joking note: “Don’t let good resources go to outsiders.” Then, a little embarrassed, they quickly changed the subject and started teasing Zhang Ziyi to take them to the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace after training.

…

The dinner gathering felt like a short interlude, easing the tension of the initial intense training days and adding a vivid memory for this group of young people.

Then came the freshman talent show, which received a lukewarm response from the boys. Even Lin Hao, who was rumored to be the “heartthrob of the class of ’96,” didn’t leave a big impression. His performance of an excerpt from *A Journey to Suzhou* was decent, but nothing spectacular.

One classmate studying drama and film literature even joked that his cheers were entirely due to his looks—there were plenty of others at school who played instruments better.

In contrast, Hu Jing stunned everyone with her colorful peacock dance. The other girls weren’t bad either, and this event showed that male cheers tend to be louder than female ones in this era.

After a night of excitement, one overly enthusiastic dorm group ended up being late the next day. They were collectively punished with an endless series of push-up holds as the drill sergeant counted “one, one, one…” to drive the lesson home.

Lin Hao’s training with the flag squad gradually relaxed, as he had learned most of what he needed. Even though a superior who admired him asked if he’d consider joining the military, he politely declined. The person felt it was a pity but didn’t press.

Day by day, everyone adjusted to the training, and preparations began for the final review. The boys, led by Liu Ye, made a habit of playing basketball with the sergeant after training every day.

Liu really loved basketball and wasn’t bad at it either, claiming his skills were “better than Lin Hao’s.” But every night, Lin Hao would insist he shower, as Lin Hao had a thing about cleanliness. He showered every day, changed clothes after training, and was meticulous about hygiene.

Today, however, Liu Ye hadn’t gone to play basketball, so he didn’t hear Lin’s complaints. But he’d surely get a report when he returned to the dorm that night.

Lin Hao’s dorm had air conditioning—a big deal in the sweltering autumn of Beijing. Many wanted to crash in his room, though Lin Hao’s rule was clear: anyone entering must shower and change clothes first.

However, instead of basketball or his dorm, he had gone elsewhere for a few hours.

It wasn’t far, though.

He wandered through alley after alley. In Beijing, where everything is laid out in a grid, it’s hard to get lost; directions are always in terms of north, south, east, and west. Soon, he found his way to a small restaurant known for iron pot pork intestines.

He had a craving for intestines, especially those trimmed of extra fat—not too greasy, and best enjoyed with bamboo shoots, small side dishes, and plum juice.

“Wow, I’m impressed you found this place.”

The ceiling fan offered a bit of relief as Lin Hao stepped in and smiled as he took a seat.

“Of course,” Xu Wei boasted a little. “With enough friends, you pick up all kinds of tips—especially about food.”

It had been a while since they’d seen each other, and Xu’s hair had grown longer, giving him an unruly look. He was clearly more restless now, though the time he had spent staying at Lin Hao’s house had likely been his calmest period.

Xu Wei observed Lin Hao as well; though Lin had gotten a bit darker from training, his demeanor seemed more upright, almost military-like.

“Let’s have a toast?”

…

Xu Wei’s edgy, somewhat rebellious demeanor was not Lin Hao’s style. In the past, although Xu could be brash, he hadn’t been quite like this. Beijing, the city where dreams converge, was a mix of all types now.

Still, around Lin Hao, Xu tended to reel in his rough edges. After a little conversation, the atmosphere became pleasant as Lin Hao mentioned he wasn’t drinking because of his flag squad duties. Xu, then, drank a bit more slowly, and they found a rhythm to their conversation.

Halfway through, Xu began questioning his recent foolish behavior—arguing with company people over some petty face-saving in front of new acquaintances he’d known for only a few days.

In light of this, he finally decided to bring up the real reason he was there. Actually, if he had another choice, he wouldn’t have come to Lin Hao, but things were becoming too difficult.

“Lin?”

“Hmm?”

“I need a favor.”

“Alright, tell me.”

“Could you…lend me some money? I had a falling out with my company over my album, and now I have to cover some costs myself.”