Chapter Sixty-Eight: Weekend Lovers

“Did you miss me?” I spread my arms wide and pulled Lele into a fierce embrace.

“You’re squashing me.” Lele struggled hard, but couldn’t break free. “I’m still wearing my bag.” Seeing her pitiful expression, I quickly let go.

She took off her shoulder bag and handed it straight to me. “Here, carry it.”

“Oh.” I glanced at Lele, reluctantly took the bag, then grabbed her hand again. “Let’s go.”

“I’m hungry.” Lele didn’t budge, but stayed rooted to the spot like a child, pointing at her stomach.

I checked my phone helplessly. It was only a little after three in the afternoon. Too late for lunch, too early for dinner—women really are hard to please!

“Didn’t you have lunch?” I asked in disbelief.

“I ate before I got on the bus, but I’m hungry again now! I’m hungry! Piggy, I’m starving!” Lele pouted, looking at me with a face full of grievance, swaying from side to side in a coquettish manner.

I had no choice but to take her into a nearby snack shop by the station, where we found a seat at random. Lele ordered a plate of noodles and began devouring them without a care for her image. In no time at all, the plate was empty. Still unsatisfied, she ordered a bowl of wontons.

“Slow down!” I stared, my mouth agape as I watched her eat, nearly dropping my jaw onto the table. “Lele, were you a starving ghost in a past life?”

“Mmmph…” With her mouth stuffed full, Lele could only make protesting sounds.

“Here.” Afraid she would choke, I quickly handed her my Sprite.

Without looking up, she grabbed the bottle, twisted off the cap, and took a long swig, finally managing to swallow. Then she let out a satisfied burp in my direction.

“Lele, you’re less and less like a lady.” The air was thick with a strange odor, and I couldn’t help but wrinkle my nose.

“I just want you to remember another side of me! All right, I’m full now. Let’s go shopping!” Lele grabbed a napkin from the table next to us and wiped her mouth.

“Where do you want to go?” I picked up her bag and stood.

“How should I know? I’m not familiar with this area! You’re the host, aren’t you?” Lele jabbed me hard with her finger. “Lead the way—today I’ll follow you wherever you go!”

The area around the station was well-connected, so we soon caught a bus heading into the city center. Ever since Lele had told me over the phone that she’d visit for the weekend, I’d planned every detail of our itinerary. She’d never been to my city before, so the afternoon was naturally reserved for a tour—there would be plenty of time to visit the campus the next day.

The liveliest street in this city is Zhongshan Road. I took Lele from one end to the other, and back again. She had to go into every store, trying on clothes, then shoes, then pants, chatting with the shop assistants in front of the mirror. The one who suffered most was me—my back ached, my legs were numb, and eventually I was so exhausted I sat down on every chair in every shop we visited.

It took us a full three hours to stroll down that not-so-long street. By the time we finished, it was nearly seven.

“Lele, aren’t you hungry?” I trailed behind her like a defeated soldier, hands weighed down with all her shopping bags.

“I just ate around three, I’m not hungry.” Lele grinned, about to step into a jewelry shop.

“I’m hungry!” Lele, have mercy—just because you ate doesn’t mean I did…

“You really are a pig, getting hungry after such a short walk! All right, let’s eat.” Reluctantly, Lele pulled her foot back from the doorway, and I happened to catch the murderous glare from the shop assistant at the entrance.

Not wanting to take another step, we opted for the nearest place—a McDonald’s by the intersection.

“I…I can’t go on, Lele, you order for me!” As soon as I sat down, I couldn’t bring myself to get up again.

“Okay, what do you want?” Lele took the bag from me and fished her wallet out.

“A McChicken meal, and a side of spicy wings… that’s it for now.” I took the bag back and collapsed on the table like a corpse, watching Lele join the long line…

After dinner, I decided I simply couldn’t handle more shopping, so I changed plans and took Lele to see a movie.

The theater was currently showing “Battle of Wits,” starring Andy Lau, Nicky Wu, and Fan Bingbing. Lele had always loved Andy Lau’s films, so she readily agreed to my suggestion.

After years of decline, the cinema seemed to be experiencing a revival; the vast theater was packed. Since we’d only just bought our tickets, the seats weren’t great. I thought we could switch once inside, but that was wishful thinking.

Seeing my gloomy expression, Lele comforted me in her own quirky way: “Piggy, don’t bother! Sure, we’re close to the screen, but that just makes the movie more intense!”

By the time the movie ended, it was past ten. Lele was tired, yawning nonstop on the way out. It was too late to return to campus, so we found a hotel nearby and checked in.

“It’s cold, hold me.” Lele’s soft voice was full of affection, and I was moved at once. Gazing at the upturned corners of her lips and her half-closed eyes, I couldn’t resist any longer and pulled her tightly into my arms. She wrapped her right arm around my waist and hooked her left around my neck, letting me carry her to the bed. We sat on the edge, and Lele brought her other arm up around my neck as well…

When I came out of the shower, she was already asleep. She’d clearly worn herself out, but insisted she wasn’t tired. I couldn’t help but shake my head with a wry smile.

Lele had sprawled herself out, arms wide, taking up the entire bed. There was only one bed in the room—no way I was sleeping on the floor. So I gently nudged her over, making just enough space for myself. Maybe I’d hurt her; she shifted a bit and rolled over to face away from me.

I reached out and lightly wrapped my arm around her slender waist, my hand brushing her soft, delicate skin.

Lying on my side beside her, head propped on one arm, I couldn’t resist teasing her by brushing my stubble against her slightly warm cheek. Lele frowned and instinctively pushed my face away.

“Lazy pig.” I whispered in her ear, then turned out the bedside lamp.

(Chapter revised on September 19, 2010)