Chapter Twenty-Three: Sailing on the West Lake

In the days that followed, we first defeated Class 4 of Grade 10, and then swept past Class 2 of Grade 12 in the semifinals, miraculously advancing to the finals of the high school basketball league. Our opponent in the final was Class 3 of Grade 12—the very same class that had humiliated us with a crushing score the previous year when they were Class 3 of Grade 11.

For some reason, Lele hadn’t come to school these past few days. Worried about her, I found it hard to focus on the court, and my performance naturally suffered. I just couldn’t seem to get into the game.

After practice, Xiaoyi sat with me on the grass beside the field and asked with concern, “Xiaobei, what’s going on with you these days? You seem so distracted during the games!” By then, school had long since ended, and aside from us, the playground was deserted.

“Lele hasn’t come to school for days, and when I call her, she just says a few words and hangs up. I…” Facing Xiaoyi, I was really just talking to myself.

“You can’t just keep guessing by yourself! If she doesn’t come to you, you can go find her! Whatever it is, if you just talk face to face, things will work out.” Xiaoyi patted my shoulder and added, “The final is the day after tomorrow—don’t let this affect your performance.”

I didn’t reply, only bowed my head in confusion. “Thank you, Xiaoyi. No matter what, I’ll give it my all the day after tomorrow,” I promised myself silently.

After saying goodbye to Xiaoyi, I went straight to Lele’s house. Xiaoyi was right—things couldn’t go on like this; I had to find Lele and figure out what was going on.

Just as I was about to press the doorbell at Lele’s house, the door suddenly opened, and there she was.

Lele was clearly surprised to see me. “Beizi Pig, what are you doing here?”

Looking at her pale face, I couldn’t help but ask with concern, “Are you okay? You haven’t been to school for days. I was worried, so I…”

“Um, it’s nothing, really. How about… how about coming with me for a walk around West Lake?” Lele quickly blocked my view, shut the door behind her, and hurriedly ushered me toward the elevator.

“Xiaobei, I’m sorry. There’s been something going on at home these last few days… I didn’t even feel like watching your games…” Walking along the long stone path by the lakeside in the park, Lele nestled quietly into my side as she whispered her explanation.

“Lele, are you sick?” Seeing how listless she was, I just couldn’t stop worrying.

“Probably just tired from not sleeping well lately. It’s nothing—a few days of rest and I’ll be fine.” Lele turned her head and smiled faintly at me. “Beizi Pig, stop imagining things! See, I’m perfectly fine.”

“But…” I was still not entirely convinced.

“But what? Don’t be such a worrywart!” Lele shook my arm vigorously, then pointed excitedly at the boat dock not far ahead. “Enough, Pighead! Come row a boat with me.”

Seeing her like this, I finally let go of my worries. After buying tickets, we walked onto the dock and, with some help, boarded a battered old pedal boat. As we pressed the pedals, the little boat creaked and groaned its way away from the shore.

“Lele Pig, what made you suddenly want to go boating?” It had been years since we’d last done this. It felt as if we’d been transported back to elementary school—the evening sun shone warmly on the weathered hull, which was almost hot to the touch.

“I just felt like it, that’s all. Why ask so many questions?” Lele shrugged and swayed with the gentle rocking of the boat.

“I have to say, Lele, this isn’t exactly rowing,” I said, pretending to be serious.

“Oh? Then what is it?” Lele looked genuinely puzzled.

“Well, see, we’re pedaling, not rowing.” I pointed at the pedals beneath our feet, teasing her.

“Whatever, call it what you want. I don’t care.” Lele laughed happily, stretched out her arms, and lay back on the boat, gazing up at the canopy above.

“What do you see?” I leaned over, curious.

“I see a big pig’s head!” Lele stuck out her tongue and made a face at me.

“Oh, you! How dare you call me a pighead! I’ll get you for that!” I pretended to be angry, scooped up a handful of lake water, and splashed it right at her.

“Ah! You pig, are you looking for trouble?” Lele, not to be outdone, sat up and started a water fight with me in the middle of the lake. Before long, both of us were soaked through.

When we were too tired to play anymore, we steered the boat under a bridge. By then, the sun was beginning to set, its reflection casting a long golden ribbon across the lake. I held Lele in my arms, quietly admiring the beauty of West Lake at dusk, savoring this rare, perfect moment.

Soon, the sun faded from orange-yellow to a deep tangerine, and the rosy clouds along the horizon turned the trees on both shores into silhouettes. As time slipped by, that golden ribbon grew shorter and shorter until it finally vanished into the landscape.

“Leaning on the western tower at sunset, gazing at distant mountains by the window. No sign of her face, but the green waves still flow eastward…” Lele settled back onto my chest, softly reciting lines of poetry, lost in her thoughts. “Beizi Pig, we watched the sunrise together on Huangshan, and now here at West Lake we’re watching the sunset. If only every day could be like this forever.”

“Lele, you’re being pretentious again.” I lowered my head, looking at her with affection.

“Don’t you think it’s romantic?” Lele murmured, her voice drowsy, as if she might fall asleep at any moment.

Night had fallen; the streetlights along the shore flickered on, and the figures on the bridge across the water were already hard to discern. Only those of us actually on West Lake could truly appreciate its nighttime tranquility and serenity.

Time was almost up, so we guided the boat back to shore. As we left the dock, Lele suddenly said, “Thank you, Xiaobei.”

“Pighead, what are you thanking me for?” Her words puzzled me.

“Hehe, it’s nothing. Oh! Promise me you’ll do your best in the game the day after tomorrow.” Lele quickly changed the subject, raised her fist in encouragement, and made a cheering gesture.

Seizing the moment, I grabbed her arm and pulled her into my embrace, asking in all seriousness, “Then… will you come watch me play?” If the girl I loved couldn't be by my side, how could I play with an untroubled heart?

“Mmm, I’ll come! I promise…” Lele vowed earnestly, and in her eyes I saw a hint of anticipation.