Chapter 39: Qi Mu: He doesn’t want you to leave

After graduation, the four of them got together for a reunion.

As they took their seats, Xu Xiaoming leaned against Qi Mu and said, “Brother Mu, let’s sit together!”

Qi Mu didn’t know what had gotten into him this time. “Why?” He didn’t want to sit next to him. This guy was never quiet; even during a meal, he would be all over the place. Sitting next to him was like picking at leftovers.

Xu Xiaoming refused to let go of him and sourly said, “Those two are the top students in the grade. What are we? Let’s not bother them.”

Qi Mu looked down on him. “You have no ambition.”

Xu Xiaoming was not convinced. “We’re all good brothers. Why should they be flying high while we’re still crawling?”

Qi Mu retorted, “What were you doing when they were doing practice papers and reviewing material?”

Xu Xiaoming: “…” Playing games, watching anime, and flirting with girls. Basically, everything except studying!

Xu Xiaoming was still unwilling to give up. “Brother Mu, why do you always speak up for them? We’re the ones who are a team!”

Qi Mu smacked him. “You can be your own team. I don’t want to be dragged down with you.” With that, he sat down next to Yin Xiuzhu.

Xu Xiaoming was so angry his liver hurt, and he hugged himself while crying, “You just like Yin Xiuzhu, you only love him, you don’t love me at all!”

The three others present: “…”

Xu Xiaoming, being a drama queen, cried even louder, “Your heart and eyes are full of Yin Xiuzhu. What am I? What am I to you? Wah wah wah.”

His nonsense made Yin Xiuzhu’s heart itch, and he turned to look at Qi Mu.

Qi Mu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, his hands itching to hit the little troublemaker.

Fang Junqi glanced at Xu Xiaoming and sneered, “Do you even know what you are? A crybaby.”

Xu Xiaoming: “…” No more acting, time for some domestic violence!

The two of them started fighting first, leaving Qi Mu no choice but to intervene. In the end, he had to step in and break it up, saying, “Alright, alright, what kind of scene is this with all the noise and fighting?”

Xu Xiaoming, still fuming, said to Qi Mu, “Brother Mu, you be the judge. I’ve been protecting this fatty since we were kids, and now he turns around and bullies me. He’s a real ungrateful wolf!”

Qi Mu thought to himself, “Isn’t it just because you have a sharp tongue and love to provoke?”

Fang Junqi seemed to be in a bad mood, silently drinking his beverage and ignoring everyone.

At this moment, Yin Xiuzhu actually spoke up. He asked Xu Xiaoming, “Are you going abroad?”

One sentence left Xu Xiaoming speechless, instantly as quiet as a chicken.
Qi Mu asked in surprise, “Have you decided decided?”

Xu Xiaoming immediately deflated, biting the straw in his mouth, “I’m just a poor little cabbage, no one loves me.”

Qi Mu: “Speak human words.”

Xu Xiaoming whimpered, “My dad is a tyrant, a dictator, a Hitler! I told him I didn’t want to go abroad, but he still went behind my back and completed the paperwork!”

Qi Mu was curious about something else and turned to Yin Xiuzhu, “How did you know?”

Yin Xiuzhu replied, “I ran into Uncle Xu yesterday, and he mentioned it while we were chatting.”

Qi Mu felt a bit sorry for Xu Xiaoming. This kid was so out of the loop that his own father told others about it but not him.

Xu Xiaoming, dejected, said, “I don’t want to go abroad either, but I…”

He was afraid of his dad. Xu Xiangyou, nearly sixty years old, had Xu Xiaoming late in life and, while doting on him, was also a strict, authoritarian figure whose word was law. He could indulge Xu Xiaoming’s small mischiefs and didn’t demand much in terms of achievement, but he made major decisions without consulting Xu Xiaoming at all.

Qi Mu understood his situation. It wasn’t surprising that Xu Xiaoming’s older brother, Xu Shengyuan, constantly argued with their dad. With a father who was controlling and rigid, rebellion was the only way to avoid losing one’s freedom.

Xu Xiaoming, usually lively and full of energy, was now completely deflated by the reality of his situation.

Xu Xiaoming said, “My scores in the high school entrance exam were too poor. My dad doesn’t want me to embarrass myself in the country.”

No wonder he had such a big issue with Yin Xiuzhu and Fang Junqi today. Normally, he didn’t care much about grades, but today he was clearly affected. If his scores were better, he wouldn’t have to go abroad, part ways with his friends, or go to a completely unfamiliar place alone.

Seeing him like this, Qi Mu also felt uncomfortable and asked, “Is there really no way out?”

Xu Xiaoming sighed, “What can I do? I wish I had a dad like Uncle Dashan!”

Qi Mu: “…” Dashan was an extreme case, a peculiar man who even mocked his own son on the morning of his high school entrance exam!

Fang Junqi, who had been silent, spoke up, “Stop saying this. You should decide for yourself.”

Xu Xiaoming exploded, “How am I deciding for myself?”

Fang Junqi, usually one to avoid arguments, was quite irritable today. “If you don’t want to go, talk to Uncle Xu. You haven’t even tried to talk to him, and you’re here crying like a fool!”

Xu Xiaoming said, “You know what my dad’s temper is like. Do you think talking will work? Even my brother can’t persuade him. What chance do I have?”

“You’re a coward!” Fang Junqi, who had never been this harsh with Xu Xiaoming, snapped, “You’re just a turtle who won’t even try!”

Xu Xiaoming’s face turned red with anger. He glared at Fang Junqi and shouted, “Say it again, I dare you!”

Fang Junqi met his gaze with equal intensity, “Say it a thousand times if you want—coward, useless, pathetic…”

With a loud smack, Xu Xiaoming slapped him.

Qi Mu immediately sensed things were getting out of hand. He jumped up and grabbed Xu Xiaoming’s arm, saying, “Alright, alright.” Normally, it was common for them to roughhouse a bit, but slapping was crossing the line. Fang Junqi was clearly too heated today, and his words were too harsh.

Fang Junqi pushed his chair back, stood up, and said, “I’m leaving.” Without looking back, he walked out.

Xu Xiaoming yelled after him, “Get lost! I never want to see you again!”

Fang Junqi paused for a moment but then took bigger strides, walking away even faster.

Xu Xiaoming was furious, his eyes red.

Qi Mu gave Yin Xiuzhu a look. Yin Xiuzhu nodded, stood up, and followed Fang Junqi out.

Qi Mu held Xu Xiaoming back and said, “Don’t say such harsh things.”

Xu Xiaoming had never felt so wrong before. He was about to explode, his whole being burning with anger, and he was losing his sense of reason. “Listen to what he said. Is that even human language?”

Qi Mu tried to comfort him, “Fang Junqi is wrong, but he’s in a bad mood, so…”

“In a bad mood?” Xu Xiaoming’s anger flared even more. “He scored second in the entire school and he’s in a bad mood? Should I just go die for being at the bottom?”

Qi Mu hesitated before saying, “He doesn’t want you to leave.”

Mentioning this only made Xu Xiaoming more upset. Tears started flowing uncontrollably as he cried, “Do I want to leave? Do I want to go abroad? Do I want to leave you all and go to a place where I don’t know anyone? I can barely score fifty in English. How am I supposed to survive abroad?”

Qi Mu also felt deeply troubled. It wasn’t just the years of friendship between them; even the thought of parting with middle school classmates after graduation was heart-wrenching.

Not to mention going abroad—Dong Jisheng was a living example. After finishing elementary school, he went to the U.S., and it was rare for him to come back even once a year.

Xu Xiaoming, overwhelmed with emotions, couldn’t hold back his tears. He wanted to let out all his grievances. “What can I do? My dad and brother argue every day. Whenever they meet, it’s like they’re enemies! My dad’s health isn’t good, and after arguing with my brother, he has heart pain all night. He’s not young anymore. He worked day and night in his youth, and now he’s in poor health. Seeing him like this, how can I dare to upset him?”

Xu Xiaoming said, “Fang Junqi says I lack courage, but he’s my dad. How can I have the guts to defy him? If he gets seriously upset because of me, I’d hate myself!”

Qi Mu listened with mixed emotions. He patted Xu Xiaoming’s shoulder and said, “Uncle Xu is still in good health.”

Tears streaming down his face, Xu Xiaoming finally vented everything he had been holding back: “Yes, it’s my own fault. I know Fang Junqi looks down on me now. How impressive he is—good at studying, tall, handsome, and even has people confessing to him! How could he possibly think much of me? I’m useless. I’m a failure. I can’t even study properly or make decisions about my own life.”

Qi Mu frowned and said, “Don’t talk like that.”

Xu Xiaoming was heartbroken: “He really does look down on me. Ever since we started middle school, he’s changed more and more.”

Qi Mu paused, then said, “You should know a bit about Fang Junqi’s family situation too.”

Xu Xiaoming was left speechless.

Qi Mu continued, “Fang Junqi has had a tough time. He wanted the same things as you, but given his family’s situation… he had to stand on his own. No matter what, Uncle Xu is doing this for your good. And Fang Junqi’s dad? The company is a mess, and there are others involved. How much can he give Fang Junqi? If Fang Junqi was like you, just playing around, what would his future look like?”

Xu Xiaoming knew that the Fang family had faced difficulties in recent years but was only aware of the surface details. His father, Xu Xiangyou, kept personal and professional matters separate and never brought such issues home. Xu Xiaoming had asked Fang Junqi about it before, but Fang Junqi, knowing Xu Xiaoming couldn’t help and being too proud, had refused to share more.

Being the most childlike of the four, Xu Xiaoming never really considered these deeper issues.
Qi Mu added, “Don’t be mad at him. He’s the one who’s most reluctant to see you go.”

Outside, Yin Xiuzhu caught up with Fang Junqi and asked, “Aren’t you just pushing him away like this?”

Fang Junqi stopped at his words and frowned. “No matter what I say, he’ll leave if he has to.”

Yin Xiuzhu said, “So, just letting him leave like this means you’ll never see each other again?”

Fang Junqi felt a deep ache. Having grown up together, his bond with Xu Xiaoming was almost like that of his brother. The thought of parting was like cutting away a part of himself.

Fang Junqi bit his lip, unable to speak.

Yin Xiuzhu added, “Arguing won’t help. If you don’t want him to leave, then find a way to keep him here.”

Fang Junqi looked at him, “How?”

Yin Xiuzhu offered a suggestion. Fang Junqi was taken aback and once again felt the gap between them and Yin Xiuzhu.

At sixteen, Yin Xiuzhu seemed to have never been impulsive, always remaining as calm as an adult who saw through everything.

Fang Junqi sighed, “I was too impulsive.”

Yin Xiuzhu said, “Go back.”

When Fang Junqi returned, Xu Xiaoming was still fuming, “…It’s not true. He just looks down on me!”

Fang Junqi: “…”

Xu Xiaoming, still unaware of Fang Junqi’s return, continued angrily, “I know, standing with him only stains the face of this top student!”

Fang Junqi replied coldly, “Then put in some effort and study well.”

Xu Xiaoming was taken aback and turned around abruptly.

Having just argued with him, Fang Junqi walked a few steps away and then came back, feeling a bit embarrassed. He said gruffly, “Do you want to go abroad or not?”

Although Xu Xiaoming was furious with him, recalling Qi Mu’s words and the situation with the Fang family made him reluctant to provoke Fang Junqi further. “No!”

Fang Junqi said, “Then go back and tell your dad that you don’t want to go abroad.”

Xu Xiaoming exploded again, “If I dared to say that, I…” Did he need to be told he was a coward?

Fang Junqi interrupted, “Use your brain. Who told you to throw a tantrum in front of Uncle Xu? Go back and mention how bad things are for Dong Jisheng abroad, make it sound as dire as possible, and then assure Uncle Xu that you’ll study hard after high school. If you still score at the bottom of the class in your final exams, you’ll agree to go abroad!”

Xu Xiaoming was stunned, clearly not processing the plan.

Qi Mu realized this was likely Yin Xiuzhu’s idea, and he mentally applauded. Out loud, he added, “Make sure to mention how strict foreign laws are too.”

Xu Xiaoming began to understand, but hesitated, “But… but what if my high school grades are still bad?”

Fang Junqi rolled his eyes, “Can’t you be a bit more ambitious?”

Xu Xiaoming exploded, “You just look down on me!”

“And what if I do? Scoring those pathetic grades day after day, who would respect you?”

Xu Xiaoming turned to Qi Mu, indignantly saying, “Brother Mu, look, he’s just…”

Qi Mu was about to interject when Fang Junqi added, “When you get to high school, I’ll tutor you. If your grades are still bad, then go abroad and make trouble there—don’t embarrass yourself here!”

Clearly, Fang Junqi knew Xu Xiaoming well, and this provocative approach was quick and effective, instantly hooking Xu Xiaoming: “Damn it, if I don’t get into the top twenty… I’ll take your last name!”

Fang Junqi’s sharp tongue showed itself: “Our family can’t afford to keep you, you useless chicken.”

Xu Xiaoming was outraged, “!!!”

“Damn it, Fang Junqi!” Xu Xiaoming lunged at him, and they began wrestling.

Qi Mu sighed with relief, knowing that the two were reconciling.

In the end, Xu Xiaoming did stay in the country. Xu Xiangyou wanted to send him abroad, hoping for a better future for his son. Despite Xu Xiaoming being fifteen or sixteen and still somewhat childish, it was no surprise that Xu Xiangyou made decisions for him.

This was the first time Xu Xiaoming expressed his own thoughts clearly and with reason, making promises in the process. Xu Xiangyou was pleased and could only feel gratified, not angry.

He even praised him, saying, “Xiaoming is really thoughtful, much better than that worthless brother of yours!”

Xu Xiaoming remembered what Qi Mu had said long ago. At that time, Qi Mu mentioned how his brother and father were nearly on the brink of severing their relationship, and Qi Mu said, “That’s why you need to go home more often.”

He understood it a bit back then but hadn’t fully grasped it. Now, it all became clear.

His father and brother had a strained, uncommunicative relationship, and he needed to be home more often—to comfort his father, to help his brother, and to ease the tensions between them.

He couldn’t go abroad or leave. He needed to stay here, to watch over these two “fighting roosters”!

So…Xu Xiaoming put the word “struggle” on his forehead.

It’s just the first twenty, after all—give it everything! If even the little fatty can do it, why can’t he?

Because Xu Xiaoming became a struggling chicken, Qi Mu also felt a bit awkward about going out to have fun during the summer vacation.

Yin Xiuzhu said to him, “If you want to go out, you can play for a few days, and I’ll accompany you.”

“Forget it,” Qi Mu said, “You’re so busy.” He wasn’t sure if Yin Zhenggong was overly ambitious or if Yin Xiuzhu was just highly capable, but he had actually managed to get Yin Xiuzhu to be his assistant during the summer vacation.

Yin Xiuzhu really was competent, handling everything in an orderly manner, though it was quite busy…

Yin Xiuzhu said, “It’s fine, I can take some time off.”

Qi Mu shook his head and said, “I don’t really have any place I want to go. I might as well review my homework in advance.”

Yin Xiuzhu’s mind raced: “How about you come to my place tonight, and I can tutor you?”

Qi Mu wasn’t fond of studying, but it seemed unreasonable to always lag behind when even Xu Xiaoming was making progress. So he said, “Alright, I’ll come to your house!”

Early that evening and Qi Mu arrived at the Yin residence, he immediately started playing with Gui Gui.

The little cat had grown quickly and had now become an elegant little black fatty, patrolling the Yin home all day long with great swagger.

Qi Mu picked it up and said, “Gui Gui, you need to lose weight.” It’s so heavy; could it be that this is just an orange cat painted black?

Yin Xiuzhu said, “Aside from eating and sleeping, it doesn’t do anything. How can it not get fat?”

Qi Mu enjoyed seeing Yin Xiuzhu being affectionate with Gui Gui and teased, “Did you hear that? Little fatty, your brother is complaining about you.”

The term “your brother” made Yin Xiuzhu glance at Qi Mu.

Qi Mu felt a bit uneasy and regretted bringing it up.

Yin Xiuzhu, feeling dry-mouthed, couldn’t help but say, “I’ve achieved the score you mentioned.”

Qi Mu: “…”

Yin Xiuzhu didn’t press further and asked, “What do you want to eat tonight?”

Qi Mu replied, “Anything is fine.”

Yin Xiuzhu thought for a moment and said, “Then you go watch TV for a while. I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

Qi Mu nodded, settled on the sofa with Gui Gui in his arms, and, after seeing Yin Xiuzhu leave, he rubbed Gui Gui’s forehead and said, “What should I do? From now on, your brother will also be my brother.”

Gui Gui rubbed his palm and lazily meowed.

Qi Mu stared at the TV, hesitated, and struggled to say the word “brother”…

It was too hard; that word was really difficult!

But promises must be kept, so Qi Mu tightly held Gui Gui and practiced diligently. Fortunately, the TV wasn’t sentient; otherwise, it might have black-screened from his frustration at trying to say the word “brother.”
What Qi Mu didn’t expect was that Yin Xiuzhu had actually made a chocolate cake.

It was about six or seven inches in size, with hot chocolate drizzling on top. Just smelling the aroma made Qi Mu’s legs go weak.

“This…” Qi Mu didn’t even know what to say.

Yin Xiuzhu said, “The cake base was made this morning. I just baked it a bit more; it should taste decent.”

Qi Mu’s mouth nearly watered: How could it possibly just be decent?

“You’re amazing!” Qi Mu was impressed, “You can make this?”

Yin Xiuzhu said, “It’s not a meal.”

Qi Mu eagerly said, “I’ll just have two pieces, to fill the gap.”

Yin Xiuzhu cut him a small piece, and after Qi Mu took a bite, he was completely melted: “It’s delicious!”

Yin Xiuzhu laughed, “As long as it’s chocolate, you love it.”

“No, this is really delicious; the flavor is so authentic!” Chocolate has its nuances, after all; different cocoa beans make a huge difference in taste.

Yin Xiuzhu cut him another small piece and said, “Alright, you can have the rest after dinner.”

Qi Mu couldn’t bear it and quickly said, “Just one more piece, please. Just one.”

Yin Xiuzhu remained unfazed: “You need to keep your word.”

With that, he carried the cake back to the kitchen. Qi Mu grew anxious and called out, “Yin…”

Just as the word was about to come out, he stopped and corrected himself, “Brother…”

Yin Xiuzhu: “…”

Qi Mu whispered, “I still want to eat some more.”