#11: Three and a Half Years

As it turned out, the words of children couldn’t be trusted.

Ying Jing had made it sound so easy—fifteen minutes on the subway and five minutes on a shared bike. If they didn’t double their travel time, it would be an insult to Beijing’s evening rush hour. At the subway station, Chu Ning was squeezed into a human pancake, managing to board only after the third train arrived, half her life force drained in the process.

The conditions inside the carriage were even worse—people pressed tightly together, chest to chest. Chu Ning was pinned at the door, unable to move, with half her body still stuck outside, caught between the doors. The incessant warning beeps sent cold sweat trickling down her back.

“Come here.” Ying Jing grabbed her arm and yanked her toward him.

Chu Ning stumbled, her forehead accidentally bumping his chin.

“Ow!!” Ying Jing’s eyes instantly welled up, his lips quickly swelling with blood. His fair skin made the swollen redness oddly striking.

Chu Ning internally mourned the moment, apologizing softly: “Sorry.”

The crowd was so dense that even speaking felt like gasping for air. She wanted to retreat but had nowhere to go. Suddenly, Ying Jing reached out, first pressing on her shoulders in an attempt to pull her closer. When that failed, he simply slipped his hands under her arms and hoisted her backward—a maneuver that resembled an embrace, yanking her like a carrot out of the ground.

In the corner to the right of the door, there was just enough space for Chu Ning to stand. Ying Jing turned around, spreading his arms wide like a great bird, blocking two sides of the carriage and creating a triangular pocket of space for her.

“It’s fine, I’ll shield you,” Ying Jing said, looking down at her. “I’m taller than you, and I’m stronger.”

This proximity forced her to notice his irises—they were amber-brown, almost translucent. Chu Ning shifted her gaze, thinking that people with fair skin often had lighter-colored eyes.

At 7:30 PM, they finally arrived at Brother Qiang’s Hot Pot restaurant. Though past peak hours, two-thirds of the tables were still occupied. The wind and temperature drop gave the night an early winter feel. Inside the restaurant, however, it was another world entirely—smoky, steamy, and bustling with warmth.

“What do you want to eat?” Ying Jing effortlessly picked up the menu and handed it to her. “There’s a pencil on your right.”

Each table had a No. 2 pencil tied to the corner with string. Seeing the words “Exam Use Only” printed on the pencil, Chu Ning deduced that the owner of this place probably had some quirky middle-school fantasies.

She didn’t take the menu, her tone indifferent. “You’re familiar with this place—you order.”

Ying Jing didn’t hesitate. “Three plates of lamb, two plates of beef, bamboo shoots, kelp, potato slices, asparagus, tofu skin, fried dough sticks, and three flatbreads. Oh, do you eat cilantro?”

“Whatever.” Chu Ning replied. “And add a serving of pig’s brain.”

Ying Jing swallowed nervously. “You really eat pig’s brain?”

“I have a strong palate,” she said.

“No wonder you’re so smart.”

That wasn’t a compliment. Chu Ning laughed lightly, teasing: “Hey, kid, if you’ve got something to say to me, just say it.”

Ying Jing scratched his temple, seemingly unrelated to the topic. “I’m not a kid. If you weren’t wearing that outfit, standing next to me, no one could tell who looks more like the older sibling.”

Chu Ning found his comment amusing, leaning back against the chair, her hands crossed over her chest. The platinum bracelet on her wrist gleamed brilliantly. She asked, “How old are you?”

“Twenty-one and a half.” Not wanting to lose out on reciprocity, Ying Jing immediately asked, “And you?”

Chu Ning thought for a moment before replying, “Forty-one.”

Ying Jing’s expression turned comically shocked. “Wow, I thought you were sixty!”

Chu Ning truly wanted to give him a good scolding. They exchanged a laugh, the atmosphere lightening subtly. Without further jokes, Chu Ning clarified, “I’m four years older than you.”

Ying Jing asked, “What month is your birthday?”

“October.”

“Then you’re only three and a half years older than me!” Ying Jing eagerly corrected her.

“...”

The food arrived quickly. Their order was extensive, and the waiter brought over a cart. More than twenty dishes were arranged neatly on the table. Passersby frequently glanced back at their table, likely stunned by the sheer volume of food.

When they started eating, Chu Ning realized just how much this person could consume. It wasn’t wasteful—all portions were perfectly sized. Ying Jing prepared two dipping sauces—chopped chili peppers, soy sauce, white sesame seeds, and a few drops of sesame oil. He then wrapped a slice of lamb in the sauce and handed it to Chu Ning. “Try this.”

Hot pot always tasted the same to Chu Ning. She didn’t react much, casually chatting instead. “Where are you from?”

“Xingcheng.”

Not far from Beijing—it took only twenty minutes by high-speed train. Chu Ning continued, “How did you end up choosing this major? Were you interested in it from a young age?”

“More or less,” Ying Jing skewered three slices of meat with his chopsticks, shoving them into his mouth. After chewing, he replied, “It was random—I just picked something.”

His words carried an air of innate superiority, typical of academic prodigies.

“And you? Did you also study in Beijing?”

Chu Ning lowered her head, eating without reservation. “Halfway through.”

Ying Jing nodded. “Oh, elementary and middle school? You didn’t attend university in Beijing?”

“I stopped after my second year.”

Klang! Ying Jing’s spoon slipped from his hand and clattered onto the plate. “...”

Chu Ning looked at him. “What? Am I not worthy of eating hot pot with a genius?”

Ying Jing shook his head furiously. “No, we’re not eating dinner—we’re eating hot pot, and it’s extremely compatible.”

Chu Ning chuckled, using a strainer to scoop out the boiled pig’s brain. She dipped it in sauce and placed it in her bowl. Her eating manners were elegant; when she lowered her head, the line of her neck was long and pale. She pursed her lips slightly to blow on the food to cool it, then ate it neatly, not a drop of sauce smudging her lips.

For some reason, Ying Jing suddenly felt uneasy. Instinctively, he twisted his head as if Chu Ning were eating his brain instead of the pig’s.

Chu Ning’s appetite was moderate. Too busy to enjoy such leisurely meals, she felt she’d eaten quite a lot today. But seeing Ying Jing’s consumption made her question her own reality.

He not only finished all the side dishes but also ordered a bowl of egg-fried rice at the end.

Chu Ning couldn’t help but ask, “How much allowance do your parents give you each month?” This kind of eating habit was truly extravagant.

Ying Jing replied, “Not a single penny.”

“...”

He raised his eyebrows proudly. “Since my second year, I’ve occasionally worked part-time with classmates, designing circuit diagrams or assembling circuit boards for companies. It’s not much, but it’s enough to support myself.”

This experience was something Chu Ning could relate to. She put down her chopsticks and focused her attention.

“Besides, I have an older sister who often gives me money. Whenever she travels abroad for work, she brings me powdered milk.” Ying Jing’s eyes sparkled as he spoke about his sister. “And she’s beautiful too—she buys me new clothes.” Pausing, he blinked lightly. “You’re as beautiful as her.”

This praise was simple, straightforward, and unadorned, exuding genuine sincerity that struck a chord. A faint spring breeze softened Chu Ning’s brows. Pretending to remain calm, she said, “But I won’t buy you clothes.”

Ying Jing froze, then burst into laughter. Setting down his chopsticks, he quickly stood up. “I’ll go pay the bill.”

Chu Ning grabbed the hem of his shirt. “Stop right there.”

“I’m treating you.”

“Do you have that much money?”

“I have a secret stash.” Ying Jing grinned mysteriously.

Chu Ning didn’t let go. “Oh? How much have you saved?”

Ying Jing replied, “Right now, I’m asking you for a favor, so naturally, I need to bribe you.”

Eat my hot pot, and you’ll do my bidding.

This brat’s every move was inexplicably refreshing.

Chu Ning released her grip and let him go.

The hot pot was delicious, but the lingering smell was hard to get rid of. After leaving the restaurant, Chu Ning began to regret indulging in this feast with the boy.

Ying Jing walked ahead, his suit having lost its initial pretentious aura after being soaked in the烟火 (humanity) of the meal. Probably feeling stuffed, he unbuttoned his jacket, pulling it halfway off and letting it hang loosely on his shoulder. The thin white shirt underneath revealed the outline of his shoulder blades—a classic case of “dressed to appear slim, undressed to reveal muscle.”

“Still want to eat something else...” Ying Jing turned around just in time to see Chu Ning sniffing her sleeve with distaste.

He ran over, bringing his nose close to hers and sniffing. Then, muttering to himself, “Hmm, it smells like beef rolls.”

“...” Where did this little stray dog come from? Chu Ning pulled her coat tighter, the wind blowing her hair wildly. Ugh, suffocating! The hot pot smell was driving her mad.

Just as Chu Ning was about to say goodbye, Ying Jing called out brightly, “Wait a moment!”

He dashed off, his figure disappearing rapidly. Chu Ning called after him, “Hey, where are you going?”

Near the school, small shops selling everything from food to clothing lined the streets. Despite the cold weather, business was booming. Chu Ning watched as Ying Jing ran into a shop called “Ah Yaya,” with pink peach blossoms decorating the sign.

Chu Ning grew impatient, even contemplating walking away. But just as she took her first step, the pedestrian light across the street turned red. Was this traffic light also conspiring with Ying Jing? Reluctantly, she stayed put and waited by the roadside.

Soon, Ying Jing emerged from beneath the peach blossoms, holding a bag that rattled noisily. “Here, for you.”

Chu Ning didn’t recognize what it was. “Huh?”

“Take it.” Ying Jing grabbed her hand, but realizing it wasn’t enough, he carefully unfolded her fingers one by one and hooked the plastic bag onto her little finger.

“...”

How many times had he touched her hand today?

Opening the bag, Chu Ning saw a pale blue box containing... perfume.

“You don’t like the smell of hot pot, right? Just spray some perfume.” Ying Jing’s gaze was clear, matching his neat, pearl-like teeth. Being tall, Chu Ning, even in heels, had to tilt her head slightly upward to meet his eyes.

Ying Jing scratched the back of his head, bashfully saying, “It’s a bit cheap, but it should cover the smell.”

At this moment, Chu Ning was silent, her thoughts complex. This boy’s way of expressing himself was as direct as steel, yet somehow disarmingly tender. He could tickle your funny bone and touch the softest corners of your heart.

Her smile slowly spread. “Shall I spray some on you first?”

Ying Jing immediately jumped back, shaking his head like a rattle drum. “No, no—I’m a man, I don’t use perfume.”

Chu Ning chuckled, still handing the perfume back to him. “Give it to another girl.”

“But you’re a girl.”

“...” Chu Ning wanted to pinch his earlobes—he always left her speechless. Raising an eyebrow gently, she teased, “Honest guy, how many girls have you deceived?”

Ying Jing flashed a sly grin, revealing traces of the cunning wolf beneath his innocent exterior.

Chu Ning checked her watch—it was getting late. She planned to take the subway back to retrieve her car. However, Ying Jing swiftly blocked her path. “Wait, I’ll take you. There’s a shortcut.”

Chu Ning hesitated but, seeing his earnest innocence, inexplicably relented. And so, Ying Jing led the way, and she followed. But after walking for just five minutes... something felt off.

“This isn’t the way to the subway station,” Chu Ning declared firmly. “Stop right there.”

Ying Jing kept his hands in his pockets, head down, pretending not to hear. Sensing that she hadn’t followed, he turned around and grabbed her arm.

“...” This damn kid was touching her again!

Chu Ning wanted to kick him in the crotch of his suit pants!

“Come with me to one more place, just for a little while.” Fearing she might run, Ying Jing tightened his grip, making it look like he was hugging her from behind. “Five minutes, just five minutes.”

“Let go first.”

“No, I won’t until you promise.”

After a flurry of movements, Ying Jing’s neatly tucked-in white shirt was now half untucked, three buttons undone, the cold wind rushing into his chest. His nose turned red from the chill.

This pitiful sight softened Chu Ning’s heart. Today’s feast had been a bloody affair, full of chaotic charm from this little charlatan, making her want to pin him down and beat him senseless.

“...Where are we going?”

Ten minutes later.

Ying Jing sneakily led Chu Ning to the front of a large building. They climbed up to the ninth floor in the dark.

“We’re here,” he said.

Chu Ning looked up. The gilded letters on the sign seemed like hidden weapons yet to be consecrated, thick strokes forming the name:

“Aerospace Engine Simulation and Research Laboratory.”