The first day of summer vacation. I got up early. The night before, I received a message from Sheng Siwei saying he was returning to Beijing today and hoped to see me one last time. So, I took the bus two hours early, but still arrived at the airport a bit late. Blazing sunlight streamed through the airport’s glass walls, passengers bustling around, and the flight information screen was flashing with departure times, while announcements echoed through the hall. Sheng Siwei carried only an ADIDAS backpack, with no one to see him off. He stood alone at the entrance of the grand airport hall, wearing a large white T-shirt, jeans, sneakers, a sun hat, and sunglasses covering half his face, looking very handsome, somewhat like the Korean star Rain. For a moment, I thought I was seeing things. He saw me, walked over quickly, and took off his sunglasses. During the two-hour bus ride, I had thought of many things to say when we met, like ‘Hi, hello, how are you, are you okay,’ and so on. But when we actually met, we both stood there, not knowing what to say, each looking burdened with thoughts. After a long while, as I was about to speak, we both said simultaneously, “Are you okay?” OMG! Silence! Then we looked at each other in astonishment, quickly averting our gazes as if we were caught doing something wrong. How strange, when did I, Gu Xiaowu, become so shy? It’s unbelievable. “Hi.” “Hi.”
After the greetings, there was silence again. Two minutes later, he led me into the waiting lounge. The air conditioning was on full blast in the lounge. Sheng Siwei had me sit down anywhere, and we both lowered our heads, still not speaking, as if there was something stuck in our throats. The time on the internet passed by minute by minute. Finally, it was time to board. “Passengers for flight xxxxx to Beijing, please proceed to gate x for boarding.” I stole a glance at him; just as he was pretending to touch his nose and was peeking at me from the corner of his eye. Our gazes met, creating an awkward moment as if we were both caught in the act, quickly averting our eyes. The announcement was repeated three times. “Well, goodbye then.” I couldn’t help but stand up, thinking if I didn’t speak first, he might forget the boarding time or delay until it was too late. He smiled, his gaze somewhat evasive, and stammered, “Oh!” After a while, he added, “Thanks for seeing me off, I’m glad you came.” I smiled back. “I should board now, you should head back.” He stood up. “Yeah.” I nodded, then turned to leave, paused, thought for a long time, and finally said, “I’m sorry.” Sheng Siwei clearly paused, seemingly not quite believing what he heard, “What did you say?” “I’m sorry,” I said loudly. He was stunned and asked, “Why say those three words?” “Nothing.” He pursed his lips, “Alright then, it’s nothing, you can go back.” “Oh!” I was somewhat distracted. “Be careful on the road, remember to take the air-conditioned shuttle back, and remember to contact me online.” “Yeah, we’ll keep in touch online.” I lowered my head and smiled. After walking a few steps, I turned back to see he hadn’t left yet, watching me leave. Seeing me turn back, his face was immediately filled with surprise, his eyes asking, “What’s up?” I walked back, looked up at him, and asked, “Will you come back next semester?” My heart was pounding out of my chest as I said that. “Do you want me to come back?” My handsome Sheng Siwei had caught me off guard. After a moment, I gave a half-hearted smile and said, “I don’t know.” Feeling something was off, I added, “I’m sure many at our school would not want you to leave.” “Including you?” “Hehe.” I laughed again. A bright smile appeared on Sheng Siwei’s face, just like the clear, bright smile I saw when I first met him a few months ago, and my heart suddenly relaxed. He said, “If you also want me to come back, then I definitely will.” “So, goodbye then.” “Goodbye.” I slowly walked back. “Xiao Wu, wait a moment.” He called out to me, startling me, and I turned around. He quickly walked up to me. I looked at him blankly and asked, “Is there something else?” “You must wait for me to come back.” “Hey.” I laughed, my heart pounding, yet pretending to be nonchalant, “Sure. It’s just a trip back to Beijing, not Mars…” “I really like you.” He suddenly became serious, looking at me earnestly, “If you think I’m not sincere enough: then, I—love—you.” I was stunned; I hadn’t expected him to say such words at this time. Instinctively, I stepped back, but his arms were long enough to easily pull me into an embrace. It was like being immobilized in a martial arts novel; my body stiffened, and I was extremely nervous. I was truly afraid he would do something abrupt like he did that day, so I didn’t dare to move. He was much taller than me; my head only reached his chest, and I could hear his strong heartbeat, and him whispering in my ear, “Xiao Wu, I love you, I love you…” The lounge was bustling with people rushing by, and no one paid attention to this little episode. The summer vacation began. “Passengers for flight xxxxx to Beijing, please hurry to gate x for boarding; the plane is about to take off.” The announcement came again. “You should go now.” I said, blushing and pushing him away, “If you don’t leave soon, you’ll miss the flight.” He let go of me, “Take care of yourself.” “I know.” “Wait for me to come back.” “I know.” “Goodbye.” He turned and strode away. “Goodbye.” I stood still, watching him pass through security and disappear inside. The vast, empty airport hall seemed devoid of anyone else, and I felt a mix of emotions. The long, boring summer vacation had begun. I spent my days at home, wasting time, online, sleeping, dreaming of wealth. I felt I was doing quite well, but was utterly despised by a woman in love, repeatedly called a pig. This was the fifth time she had insulted me, “Xiao Wu, have you noticed you’re quite similar to a certain animal?” “A pig?” “Correct answer.” “So what if I’m a pig? You don’t mind calling yourself a pig farmer…” Before I could finish, I felt something bump into me. When I came to, I realized I was on the ground, and Xiang Tong was withdrawing her big foot from my body, looking triumphant. I was furious! Just as I was about to retaliate, I saw she had already picked up her small bag and was walking away, not forgetting to stick her tongue out at me. —OMG, I was defeated! Women in love are truly formidable. I continued my pig-like existence, engaging in battles of wit with Xiang Tong, looking for any chance to expose her secrets in front of Jiang Fuyang. I thought I was enjoying myself until one day, I saw an ad in the newspaper for casting actors. It said over 500 people had already signed up, and suddenly, I realized how boring the previous two weeks had been. The TV station was casting for an inspirational idol drama, and anyone fitting the roles, regardless of age, could apply. I was excited; although I, Xiao Wu, am not a beauty, I have a unique personality. I jumped out of bed, eager to try; I didn’t dare dream of being the lead, but even a small role would be enough to pass the time, better than staying home as a super bright light bulb. 🙁 Life, one should not waste youth being a light bulb. Xiang Tong! Humph! I don’t want to see her sweet face anymore. Revenge! About half an hour later, Xia Wei called, sounding extremely shocked, “Oh my God!”
“Have you seen today’s newspaper, Xiaowu? They’re holding auditions for a role in an idol drama.”
“I saw it,” Xiaowu replied, pretending to be indifferent. (^__^) Hehe…
“Ah! That’s great, shall we go and participate? Please?” Her tone sounded very excited.
“Uh, okay…” Xiaowu clearly wanted to go but pretended not to, O(∩_∩)O~ “I perform really well, super talented, Xiaowu.”
