The next day at school, Yang Haoran waited left and right, but Wei Ming arrived at the classroom just on time as usual. Yang Haoran could only grumble a few words, while Wei Ming was left confused. Then the class bell rang.
After impatiently waiting for class to end, Yang Haoran called Wei Ming over to the railing by the school pond. Leaning back against the railing, he glanced at Wei Ming, who was gazing at the koi fish lazily swishing their tails in the pond, enjoying the breeze. With a meaningful smile, Yang Haoran said, “Little Ming, youβre living the good life! Feasting on fine food every day, embracing a beautiful womanβgive it some time, and youβll surely reach the peak of life.”
“Huh? Haoran, are you out of your mind?”
Wei Ming stared at him blankly. Why did those words sound so weird?
Yang Haoran cut to the chase: “Did Aunt He tell you to invite me over to your place for dinner?”
Caught off guard, Wei Ming finally understood that Haoran had been sarcastic earlier. He couldnβt bear to face Haoranβs teasing smirk and felt so embarrassed he could dig a three-bedroom apartment with his toes. Turning to look at the ornamental fish in the pond, he replied in a much softer voice, “Yeah, thatβs right. Haoran, didnβt you say you were busy?”
“You didnβt tell me Aunt He was the one inviting me.”
Yang Haoran reasoned with him, “Little Ming, is you inviting me the same as your mom inviting me?”
Haoranβs taunting made Wei Mingβs face grow even hotter. Ever since hearing from Haoran that his mom wouldnβt marry that Mr. Li, he had indeed felt somewhatβ¦ conflicted. He didnβt really want his best friend Haoran to spend too much time with his mom anymoreβ¦ But he had promised beforeβ¦ Backing out now was something he couldnβt even bring himself to say aloud.
Just as Wei Ming looked over with a guilty expression, Yang Haoran understood he wanted to apologize and waved it off: “Alright, no need to say more. I was just joking. I wanted to discuss something with youβyour mom seems to think youβve found out about something.”
“Whewβ¦ Haoran, youβ¦ I was feeling so guilty I was about to apologize, and then you say youβre joking.”
Hearing this, Wei Ming felt as if he had surfaced from deep water, suddenly relaxed and natural again. His perspective shifted once more: although Haoran had a sharp tongue, he truly valued their friendship. He had given Wei Ming multiple chances to back out before, and now that everything had fallen into place, Wei Ming realized he hadnβt been as loyal as he should have been.
After reflecting, Wei Ming decided to make a painful sacrifice. Taking a deep breath, he smiled at Yang Haoran and said, “Haoran, you donβt need to discuss it with me. Whatβs on your mind? Iβll do as you say.”
Hearing Wei Mingβs straightforward response, Yang Haoran understood his meaning, and any previous displeasure vanished from his heart.
He patted Wei Mingβs shoulder and said with a smile, “Since youβve figured it out, Iβll be direct. Thereβs always been an obstacle between Aunt He and me, and thatβs you.”
Yang Haoran continued bluntly, “Sheβs worried youβll find out, worried you wonβt agree. So even though she has feelings for me, she still has to keep it hidden from you.”
By now, Wei Ming understood what Haoran meant. His emotions were complicated, and he finally sighed and said, “I get it, Haoran. Iβll go home and be honest with my mom⦔
“Donβtβ¦ If you do that, Aunt He will really end up marrying that Mr. Li.”
Yang Haoran quickly interrupted. Seeing Wei Mingβs confused expression, he explained, “If Aunt He finds out that you and I conspired together to trick her, sheβll be utterly devastated.”
“Then what should we do?”
“Hereβs what you do: tell her you just found out recently, thought about it for a few days, and decided to respect her choice. You agree with the relationship between me and your mom.”
“Uhβ¦ Haoran, youβ¦ Ah, forget it. Letβs just do that!”
Wei Ming almost called Yang Haoran cunning but thought better of it. It seemed like the only way now, though he felt even guiltier toward his mother, He Muchen.
“Aunt He needs a man in her life, Little Ming. Wouldnβt you rather it be me than some other guy?”
“Get lost, Haoranβ¦ Youβre truly shameless⦔
“Hahaβ¦ Let it out. Keeping it bottled up isnβt like you.”
Haoranβs sudden remark stunned Wei Ming. His eyes grew slightly sore, and the last bit of reluctance in his heart completely dissipated.
After this episode, the two returned to the classroom joking and bickering as usual, yet it seemed both the same and entirely different at once.
Several classes passed. Yang Haoran occasionally discussed topics men find interesting with Wei Ming, and sometimes shamelessly eavesdropped on Ji Youxi, Xiao Shaowan, and the other girlsβ conversations. Aside from daily chatter and gossip, it seemed Xiao Shaowan and Yaoyao planned to buy some daily necessities off-campus after lunch.
When noon arrived and classes ended, Yang Haoran and Wei Ming went to Aunt Heβs home. Aunt He prepared a lavish lunch to treat him, and he ate until he was stuffed.
This time, he didnβt stay long. After finishing the meal, he returned to school, giving the mother and son space to have an honest conversation.
After Yang Haoran left, He Muchen returned to her bedroom feelingε€±θ½ (disappointed). Just as she was lost in thought, wondering if the boy had grown tired of playing with her, a knock came at the door.
Thinking Yang Haoran had returned, He Muchen put on a smile and opened the door, only to find her son, Little Ming. His first words made her heart sink.
“Momβ¦ Thereβs something I need to talk to you about.”
β¦