True or False - Chapter 5

Leaves swirled in small circles by the roadside, but the occasional breeze wasn’t strong enough to lift them far.

The electric bike continued at a steady pace as the chaotic sounds of traffic gradually faded. Leaving the bustling area behind, the bike took a wide turn onto a narrow path. As the wind blew, the scent of leaves and damp earth filled the air.

Shen Hengxi looked around; there were no road signs, and he had no idea where they were, only that the sides of the road were now flanked by endless stretches of farmland.

The person in front of him seemed to lean back, saying something. With the wind whistling past his ears and brushing against his skin, Shen Hengxi couldn’t hear him clearly. He leaned forward. “What did you say?”

The boy’s clean scent instantly flooded his senses, and the warmth of his breath, carried by the wind, brushed against the side of Shen Hengxi’s face. Chu Xi’ang froze instinctively, turning his head slightly to look at the face that was now incredibly close to his own.

After waiting a moment without receiving an answer, Shen Hengxi tilted his head, his gaze colliding directly with the boy’s eyes. They were so close that, under the sunlight, Shen Hengxi realized the boy’s eyes looked almost like glazed glass.

“What did you say?” he asked again.

“Oh.” Chu Xi’ang turned back, raising his voice. “I asked if you ate those dumplings.”

Shen Hengxi didn’t pull back. His breath was still on the side of the boy’s face, making it look as though his chin were resting on the boy’s shoulder. “I did. I added soy sauce and green onions. They were delicious.”

The boy’s profile softened. “Next time, try adding a bit of sesame oil. It’ll be even more fragrant.”

Shen Hengxi smiled. “Alright, I’ll try that next time.”

The bike continued forward, passing fields and small bridges before turning another corner and stopping at the first house in sight.

Shen Hengxi stepped off the bike. He didn’t wander off, choosing instead to wait for Chu Xi’ang to park. Someone inside heard the motor and came out to greet them. Seeing an unfamiliar face standing there, she froze for a second, though a smile remained on her face.

Chu Xi’ang looked at Shen Hengxi and took the initiative to introduce them. “This is my grandmother.” He stepped forward, placing a hand on Lin Fang’s shoulder. “This is a new neighbor of mine. He just came over to visit.”

Lin Fang’s eyes were glued to Shen Hengxi, scanning him up and down. “Is this that ‘outsider’ your mother mentioned?”

Chu Xi’ang confirmed it with a smile, then turned back to Shen Hengxi, looking up slightly. “Ge, welcome. Don’t be too formal.”

Shen Hengxi walked with him, smiling at Lin Fang. “Hello, Grandma.”

Lin Fang nodded repeatedly, saying something with a grin. Shen Hengxi could only look to Chu Xi’ang for help. Meeting his gaze, the boy quickly translated: “Grandma says you’re very handsome.”

Shen Hengxi lowered his head with a laugh. “Thank you, Grandma.”

As Lin Fang went inside, Shen Hengxi trailed a step behind Chu Xi’ang. “I completely forgot one thing.”

Chu Xi’ang turned to ask what it was, coming to a full stop.

Shen Hengxi reached out, placing a hand on Chu Xi’ang’s shoulder to guide him forward. “It’s my first time visiting, and I came empty-handed.”

Chu Xi’ang turned around fully, his expression serious. “Ge, I really didn’t have any ulterior motives in bringing you here. You don’t need to buy anything. We don’t at least between us, care about those empty formalities.”

Shen Hengxi stared at him for a moment. “Alright, I got it. Then let me help you work. Consider it free labor.”

Seeing Chu Xi’ang’s brow furrow, Shen Hengxi added, “Didn’t you say we don’t care about empty formalities?”

After watching him for a long while, Chu Xi’ang turned and headed into the house, bringing out a small stool for Shen Hengxi. “There’s no one else home. Just make yourself comfortable.”

“Is there nothing to be busy with this season?” The stool was quite low; Shen Hengxi looked slightly comical sitting on it with his long legs folded.

Chu Xi’ang’s eyes crinkled, a small smile playing on his lips. He pointed to a burlap sack in the corner. “Not much left to do, just that one last thing.”

Shen Hengxi followed his hand. “What is it?”

“Peanuts,” Chu Xi’ang said, walking over to lug the sack over and grabbing two baskets. “Peeling peanut shells.”

Resting his hands on his knees, Shen Hengxi leaned forward. Chu Xi’ang poured the peanuts from the sack into one of the baskets. With a single pinch and a pop, the peanut kernels rolled out. He looked up. “Simple enough, right?”

Shen Hengxi couldn’t help but laugh, picking one up. “You’re talking to me like I’m a toddler.”

Chu Xi’ang’s hands paused. He pressed his lips together and watched Shen Hengxi’s movements. As he watched, he found himself mesmerized by the man’s hands. Sitting by the window, the autumn light made Shen Hengxi’s hands look exceptionally pale and long. As he peeled the shells, his knuckles and veins would occasionally shift and show through the skin. Perhaps because some of the shells were quite hard, his fingertips and knuckles turned red from the pressure.

“Wait a second,” Chu Xi’ang said, standing up abruptly. His footsteps receded quickly.

“Here.”

When Shen Hengxi looked up, he saw a pair of gloves and a pair of tweezers.

“Put the gloves on. Some of these shells are really hard; it would be bad if you hurt your hands. Use the tweezers too, it makes peeling easier.” Chu Xi’ang held the items out.

Shen Hengxi looked at the gloves, nearly laughing from exasperation. Before he could say anything, his hand was lifted. Chu Xi’ang kept his head down, cradling one of those jade-like hands in his own as he gently pulled the glove on. His movements were incredibly light, as if he were handling a priceless treasure.

Shen Hengxi watched the boy’s profile, his eyelashes casting a soft shadow.

“There,” the boy said, looking up with eyes that seemed to sparkle.

As he withdrew his hand, Shen Hengxi tightened his fist and let out a laugh. “Thanks, Xiao Ang.”

The man who was being “coddled” swallowed all his complaints and simply began grabbing peanuts with much more vigor.

His past life flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern, there had been very few times where he could just sit and do something this peaceful. He had always been surrounded by people pushing him forward, never having the chance to stop and just look.

Staring at the peanut in his hand, Shen Hengxi dazed off for a long moment. Suddenly, he felt a light touch on his shoulder. He turned to find Lin Fang holding out a bottle of water, a wide smile on her face.

Shen Hengxi stiffened for a second, his gaze moving from the water to her face. “Thank you, Grandma.”

Seeing him accept it, Lin Fang waved her hand. “No need to be so polite. Come visit often.”

Those were two sentences Shen Hengxi understood. He nodded. “Alright. Next time I’ll come be your labor again.”

Lin Fang laughed and asked Chu Xi’ang something. Chu Xi’ang looked at Shen Hengxi and shook his head.

“What is it?” Shen Hengxi asked.

“Grandma asked if we’re eating here. I thought about it and decided to take you out instead,” Chu Xi’ang replied.

Shen Hengxi shook his head. “No need to be so formal.”

“Have you tried the barbecue around here?” Chu Xi’ang suddenly looked up, leaning in a bit closer. “Why don’t we just have something simple for lunch, and tonight I’ll take you for barbecue? There’s a place that’s exceptionally good.”

Shen Hengxi looked up, his smile following suit. Perhaps Chu Xi’ang didn’t realize it himself, but whenever he made a request, his voice would habitually soften, making it sound like a gentle inquiry. Whether he was accepting or refusing, he always had a way of making the other person feel at ease.

With his crinkled eyes, the boy looked every bit the youthful lad. Shen Hengxi watched him in silence for a few seconds before tilting his chin up. “Then what are you treating me to for lunch?”

The question seemed to stump Chu Xi’ang. He reached up to scratch his lip, but Shen Hengxi stopped him. “Your hands are dirty.”

“Oh.” Chu Xi’ang rubbed his fingertips together. “Are you a picky eater?”

Shen Hengxi shook his head, amused. “I eat anything.”

“Then I’ll make noodles? I saw we have some minced meat; is tomato meat sauce pasta okay?”

“Sure, I’m not picky,” Shen Hengxi nodded.

The answer seemed to boost the boy’s mood even further, and his peeling speed increased. Before they knew it, only half the sack was left. Chu Xi’ang stopped Shen Hengxi. “That’s enough. Take a break. Your neck will hurt if you keep looking down like that.”

Shen Hengxi didn’t argue. He pulled off the gloves, handed them back, and followed Chu Xi’ang around the house.

“I’ll go get the noodles ready,” Chu Xi’ang said, tucking the sack into the corner. He remembered something and turned back. “Come hang out in the kitchen.”

“Alright,” Shen Hengxi agreed.

Watching the boy’s efficient movements as he sliced tomatoes, Shen Hengxi asked, “Do you cook often?”

“Mhm.” Chu Xi’ang didn’t look up. “My parents are busy. Sometimes when I don’t want to eat out, I just mess around in the kitchen. Over time, I learned.”

As he prepared the oil, he reached back and pulled Shen Hengxi away. “The oil splashes when you sauté the meat sauce. Stand behind me.”

Shen Hengxi looked at the hand on his wrist, his eyebrows lifting slightly.

Chu Xi’ang tossed the minced meat in, expertly stir-frying it before adding seasonings. Within moments, the aroma filled the room. Because of his height, Shen Hengxi only had to tilt his head slightly to see the bubbling meat sauce in the pan.

“Do you eat green onions?” Chu Xi’ang turned to ask.

His forehead brushed against Shen Hengxi’s chin for a fleeting second.

“I do,” Shen Hengxi replied, taking a step back.

Chu Xi’ang started another pot, quickly sautéing tomatoes and adding boiling water for the noodles. During the wait, he chatted with Shen Hengxi. “Are your hands okay?”

Not quite understanding, Shen Hengxi asked, “What?”

“I saw your hands were red when you were peeling peanuts. It’s nothing serious, right?”

This time, Shen Hengxi was truly at a loss. He pointed to himself. “How old do you think I am?”

“Ah… twenty-two or twenty-three?” Chu Xi’ang answered hesitantly.

Shen Hengxi gave him a flat look. “Consider this me thanking you for the compliment, but I’m actually twenty-six.”

“Oh.”

“Do you think a twenty-six-year-old adult male can’t handle peeling a few peanuts?” Shen Hengxi asked.

Chu Xi’ang glanced at his hands and pressed his lips together, his shoulders shaking slightly.

“Laugh if you want to.”

A “pfft” escaped him as Chu Xi’ang looked up at Shen Hengxi. “Ge, I really didn’t mean anything by it. I just figured you’ve never done stuff like this before. And your hands are really nice, they’re just…”

Shen Hengxi rubbed his temples. “Enough. Go check the noodles.”

Chu Xi’ang turned back to divide the noodles into three bowls, topping each with the meat sauce. When he handed the largest bowl to Shen Hengxi, the man was speechless. His expression softened as he asked, “You’re giving this giant bowl to me?”

“Mhm. Is it too much?” Chu Xi’ang placed chopsticks on the table. “I was afraid you wouldn’t have enough.”

“It’s a bit much, honestly,” Shen Hengxi admitted.

Chu Xi’ang pushed his own bowl toward him. “Then give some to me.”

He spoke with such casualness, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Shen Hengxi moved a large portion into the boy’s bowl. “Eat up. You’re still growing; you need it more.”

Chu Xi’ang smiled. “Thanks, Ge.”

After lunch, Shen Hengxi insisted on doing the dishes. He hadn’t planned on staying long and was about to tell Chu Xi’ang he was heading back, but the boy beat him to it.

“Ge, I’ll give you a ride back. I need to get home and finish my homework anyway. I’ll call you tonight for the barbecue.”

Shen Hengxi chuckled. How could anyone not like a boy who is this observant and thoughtful?

“Alright.”

Lying in bed later, Shen Hengxi was still reflecting on Chu Xi’ang’s maturity. Comparing the two, he felt he had been far too self-indulgent when he was that age. He picked up his phone, found Shen Tingci’s number, and dialed it with his eyes closed.

While waiting for the call to connect, he stared at the ceiling.

“Why are you calling at this hour today?” The voice on the other end was full of amusement.

Shen Hengxi put the phone on speaker and rested his arm over his eyes. “Is everything okay at home these days?”

Shen Tingci hesitated for a beat, his voice softening. “Everything is fine. Mom asks about you every day, and Grandma asked today, too.”

Shen Hengxi opened his eyes and let out a dry laugh. “Is that so?”

“Yeah. Hengxi, everyone misses you,” Shen Tingci said.

Bringing the phone back to his ear, Shen Hengxi smiled. “Okay. I’m hanging up, Ge. I’m going to sleep for a bit.”

As soon as the call ended, Shen Hengxi realized how empty the house felt. No life, no laughter, no expectations.

Except for Xiao Ang next door, who called him “Ge.”

He slept for a long time, so long that in his hazy state, he heard someone knocking on his door. It wasn’t a continuous pounding; rather, a knock or two every once in a while. Shen Hengxi opened his eyes and listened carefully. Once he was sure it was his door, he climbed out of bed to open it.

He found Chu Xi’ang standing outside.

“Ge,” he called.

Shen Hengxi let him in. “Who could you possibly wake up with that kind of knocking?”

Chu Xi’ang followed him in, watching his back. “I was afraid something was wrong. Besides, if you were awake or home, you’d hear it eventually.”

Shen Hengxi couldn’t even be annoyed. Even the last traces of his “waking up grumpy” mood were smoothed away. “Have a seat. Let me change.”

When he came back out, he saw Chu Xi’ang sitting on the sofa like a well-behaved puppy, hands placed neatly on his knees and back ramrod straight. Hearing him, the boy turned, stood up, and smiled, calling him “Ge” again.

“Let’s go. Time for barbecue.” Shen Hengxi opened the door first. As Chu Xi’ang walked out, he added softly, “I was a bit short-tempered just now.”

“Huh?” Chu Xi’ang turned, thinking back. “I didn’t think you were short-tempered. Being a bit grumpy when you wake up is normal. It’s actually kind of unique, Ge.”

For the first time, Shen Hengxi questioned the labels he usually received: bad-tempered, indifferent, cold, quiet…

Was it possible the kid was seeing a completely different side of him? Miraculously, Shen Hengxi felt that his personality might actually be alright after all.

Once downstairs, Chu Xi’ang said, “The barbecue place isn’t far. Shall we walk?”

“Sure,” Shen Hengxi agreed.

The sky was completely dark. When they entered the shop, a few groups of people were already seated. After they ordered, Shen Hengxi asked, “Want a beer?”

Chu Xi’ang shook his head.

“Right. You’re still a kid,” Shen Hengxi teased.

When it came to food, Shen Hengxi never doubted Chu Xi’ang’s taste. One bite of the barbecue confirmed it juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. It was easily the best he’d had in years.

They both fell silent for a while. Chu Xi’ang ate slowly, his eyes occasionally drifting to the man across from him. Shen Hengxi felt different to him. His own social circle was so small; the sudden arrival of this “uninvited guest” had instantly fascinated him. His aura, the way he spoke, the way he did things, so many things made him feel like someone who had fallen from another world.

“What are you looking at?” Shen Hengxi asked.

Chu Xi’ang’s eyes crinkled. “Looking at you, Ge.”

Barbecue at night truly had a kind of magic. No matter who you were, a good meal and a drink made everyone feel a little closer.

“See anything interesting?” Shen Hengxi asked.

Chu Xi’ang laughed, holding his hands up at different levels. “I see that you don’t belong here. Your starting point is too high; anyone can see it at a glance.”

Shen Hengxi took a swig of his beer. From Chu Xi’ang’s perspective, it was a look that belonged only to a grown man.

“You think too highly of me, Xiao Ang,” Shen Hengxi said softly, taking another sip. He looked down. “In my world, there are too many people. Everywhere you go, you have to put on a mask. It gets so people can’t even tell who is real anymore.”

Chu Xi’ang opened another beer for him, his voice slow. “Ge, you can’t be so absolute. The world you’ve experienced is what I—no, what most people long for.”

Shen Hengxi stopped mid-drink and looked at the boy.

“This place can’t hold people,” Chu Xi’ang added.

The cold beer slid down Shen Hengxi’s throat, the chill reaching deep into his heart. He rubbed the side of the bottle, resting his chin on his hand. “Is it really that bad?”

Chu Xi’ang’s eyes held no particular emotion; he was simply stating a fact. “Ge, haven’t you seen it yourself?”

Alcohol is a mistake, Shen Hengxi thought. Even beer is a mistake. He regretted his quick tongue.

Chu Xi’ang seemed to notice something and handed Shen Hengxi a skewer. “I don’t think it’s bad, though. There are plenty of things in this world that don’t make sense, but people don’t go around killing each other over it. You don’t get beaten or scolded; you just live your life and follow the rules. In a way, isn’t that pretty good?”

He didn’t wait for Shen Hengxi to respond. He clinked his juice box against the man’s bottle. “But meeting you, Ge, has made me very happy.”

The bottles clinked, and the heavy topic was swept away.