Chapter Forty-One: Midnight Roaming

The summer vacation was monotonous and dull; I stayed cooped up at home all day, and before I realized it, half of the three-month break had already slipped by without me doing much of anything. Out of sheer boredom, I decided to go out for a walk after dinner.

Every night, Meizi worked overtime until after eleven, but the main entrance to my building closed at ten thirty, so I never found the chance to pick her up after work. To make up for this regret, I decided tonight to spend the night at an internet café, and on the way, escort Meizi home to surprise her.

It was still early, so I spent a few hours playing CS at the café. When it was almost time for Meizi to finish work, I paid my bill and strolled leisurely toward her little shop. As I passed by a McDonald’s, I suddenly stopped in my tracks.

I remembered Meizi often telling me that her job was so hectic, she barely had time to eat, usually grabbing a quick bite just to stave off hunger, which left her ravenous by evening. Silly Meizi, tonight I’ll make sure you’re truly touched! Chuckling to myself, I turned and walked into McDonald’s.

With a bag of takeout—Coke-flavored McFlurry and McChicken in hand—I hurried off toward Meizi’s shop, full of anticipation.

It was ten o’clock, the shop’s peak business hour. Seeing it packed with customers, I decided not to go in and distract Meizi from her work. So I sat down by the green belt outside the shop.

The residents who’d come out for the evening breeze had already dispersed, leaving the vast lawn rather empty. As boredom set in, a new plan began to form in my mind—I wanted to give Meizi an even bigger surprise.

I decided to wait until Meizi walked out of the shop after her shift, then suddenly jump out from the shrubbery, hold out the bag of supper to her, and say with deep affection, “Let me walk you home tonight.” Surely, Meizi would be moved to tears by my gesture. The more I thought about it, the more I admired my own ingenuity, and I couldn’t help but feel a bubbling joy inside.

But as I waited outside the shop for ages, my legs covered in mosquito bites, Meizi still hadn’t finished work. It was already eleven thirty—seemed like she would be leaving even later than usual tonight.

After sitting for over an hour, my legs were numb. I absently squeezed the supper in my arms, swallowed hard, then stood up and stretched. Once I’d loosened up, I wandered around the green belt for a bit, feeling much more comfortable. But when I circled back, to my dismay, I found the shop had already closed.

This can’t be happening! My mouth dropped open in shock. Just then, I spotted the girl who’d worked with Meizi that day, about to leave with her bicycle. Without thinking, I rushed over and blocked her path, breathless. “Hey, beautiful! Did you see Meizi?”

She looked up at me and suddenly smiled. “Oh, it’s you! Meizi left not long ago…”

I didn’t have time to say anything else. I broke into a run in the direction she pointed, but after chasing down an entire street, there was still no sign of Meizi. Left with no choice, I pulled out my phone and called her. “Hey, Meizi, where are you?”

“I just got on the bus. What’s up, darling?” After a long day, her voice carried a hint of fatigue.

“Oh, nothing, nothing. Just remember to call me when you get home, okay?” I decided not to mention anything, forcing myself to sound casual despite my disappointment.

“Okay, will do. Bye-bye!” Perhaps I’d hidden my feelings too well, for Meizi didn’t notice anything strange in my tone.

After hanging up, I stared at the supper in my hand, a wry smile spreading across my face…

Sitting down again beside the green belt, I ate the supper I’d bought for Meizi. Once I’d finished, I had no idea what to do next. It was rare for me to be out so late, and I didn’t want to just go home. In the past, I would have gone to Lele’s place, but now…

After much deliberation, the internet café was the only option left.

Still stewing over what had just happened, I browsed the web restlessly for a while before boredom overtook me. By the time I left the café, it was already two in the morning. The empty streets were mine alone to wander, which somehow had its own peculiar charm.

A gang of hooligan-looking youths loitered at the distant intersection; naturally, I kept my distance and took a detour. Apart from a few scattered streetlights, the road was shrouded in darkness. Most shops were closed, and after a long walk, I finally found a 24-hour supermarket. I grabbed a bottle of iced tea; the old cashier glanced up at me, took my money, and said nothing.

Wandering aimlessly through the night, I suddenly remembered the steps in front of that bank. I didn’t know why, but even after all this time, I still had a special fondness for that place.

On my way to the bank, I unexpectedly saw a homeless man, hunched over, greedily lapping up stagnant water beside a storm drain. The sight made me nauseous—I almost threw up the supper I’d just eaten. Hastily, I quickened my pace to get away; out of sight, out of mind.

A strange thought struck me: If one day I ended up like that, would I do the same as him? I couldn’t help but mock myself for entertaining such a notion.

Not far off, a couple was kissing. It was rare to see such a scene on the street, yet I felt no excitement; instead, a vague sense of loneliness crept over me.

I sat quietly on the steps that bore so many of my memories, scrolling through the tender text messages Lele and I once exchanged. The past resurfaced. My thoughts, like green buds sprouting on dead branches, gave rise to a gentle melancholy that wound its way through my heart, impossible to shake off.

“Once, through rain and wind, amidst falling leaves; faded blossoms, withered grass and trees, in the dead of night’s silence. I searched in vain, braving wind and rain just to shield you, recklessly. Yet your heart remained unchanged, all my devotion flowing away like the endless river in spring. Spring flowers, autumn moon, even wine cannot ease my sorrow, nor can I endure this vast, uncertain road. Memories resurface, my heart surges and cannot be calmed; I wonder how I’ll pass this lonely night? The streetlights stand in silent vigil, but cannot illuminate the corners of our hearts. I suppose I should dry my tears, and cherish what remains.” Inwardly, I recited these lines I’d once written out of boredom, never expecting to find myself living them tonight.

“Piggy Bei.” That voice, so sweet and melodious, began to echo in my mind again, growing clearer with every passing moment. Looking up, there wasn’t a cloud or a single star in the sky.

“Let’s go to the seaside to watch the stars during the holiday—the night sky there is truly beautiful…”

“You promised! No backing out! Piggy Bei, let’s pinky swear.”

“Honestly, aren’t we a bit old for pinky swears and make-believe?”

“Nonsense, who’s old? Hmph! Piggy Bei, are you swearing or not?”

“Uhh! Swear… of course I swear! Dearest wife. Pinky swear, hang it high, a hundred years unchanged.”

…

When old promises have turned to dust beneath our feet, those vows once sworn to the ends of the earth, too, have scattered like the wind.

My longing for you is like silent dust; once disturbed, it grows wings and takes flight, drifting wherever it pleases. I plucked a leaf from the tree beside me and carefully spelled out Lele’s name on the steps…

(August 24, 2010—Chapter revision complete)