The wind gently blew into the office as it lifted the window curtains. The fragrance of flowers gradually transmitted into the room. The wind loosened my hair and touched the left side of my face. Subconsciously, it made me feel a bit itchy and I wanted to scratch myself. But Suyang grabbed my left hand just as I was about to raise it.
His whole body enveloped around me. The second button of his shirt had came undone mysteriously; revealing his white collarbone that happened to be aligned with my line of sight.
How could a man be as pale as him? He was nearly transparent?!
As Suyang spoke, his Adamâs apple rolled up and down. I was fascinated as I stared and listened to his silky voice, âFirstly, make some efforts in your choice of clothing. Secondly, concentrate in class. Ideally, make eye contact with me. Thirdly, smile more. Fourthly......â
Suyang paused for a second. Then, he reached behind my head and lightly tugged onto my rubber band. My ponytail came undone and my hair spilled over my shoulders.
âYour hair looks better this way.â
My right hand was tightly gripping the table. I didnât know how to respond.
Suyang gradually came closer. I tried to inch away as I attentively watched his pupils drawing near. I shifted my focus onto his rosy lips...
What was I thinking?n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âYou....â Suyang crooked his head, âfeel hot?!â
âHuh? No.....â
âYour face is super red. Youâre not hot?! Do you have a fever?!â Suyang suddenly took a few steps back. He covered his mouth and nose, âIf you have a fever, donât infect me!â
What fever....I placed my hands on my blushing cheeks, âUmm...the office is a bit hot...â
I left the table and walked towards the window. I leaned out to breathe in fresh air.
âDo you remember the four points I mentioned?â
âFour points?â Earlier, I was so focused on watching Suyang that nothing he said had entered my mind. I shifted my vision onto the ground outside, âAh...four points. I r-remember.â
âSpeak the truth! Youâve forgotten already, correct?â Suyang saw right through me.
âHahaha....â I turned around and laughed awkwardly. I raised up my forefinger, âOne more time... just repeat once more!â
Suyang icily smiled, âYour Goldfish title is truly well deserved. How am I supposed to feel anything if youâre always like this?!â
âAbsolutely! Yes yes yes, Iâm so stupid that you cannot fall for me. So what should we do now? Iâll do whatever you want.â Unintentionally, I happened to cast a glance outside and noticed Kevin walking by.
âAt this rate, this is not going to work... forget about the teacher student relationship, letâs go on a date!â Suyang blurted. His explosive statement shocked me so much that my arm almost slipped twice from the window ledge.
âWhat? Are you crazy? What nonsense are you speaking!?â
âIâm serious. Letâs try to go on a date. At least, weâll see each other as the opposite sex.â
I have never....wait! Is he implying that he never sees me as a woman?
Kevin was about to disappear from my horizon. I have things I wanted to ask him. So, I ran to Suyang and patted him on the shoulder, âBoss, continue to think of a constructive plan we can implement. I have something urgent to do, so I have to go now.â
âGoldfish! Lin Yi....Your boss is talking to you. How dare you not listen?!â Suyang angrily yelled behind me. But his voice got cut off once I shut the door.
I quickly ran down the stairs and managed to catch Kevin right before he disappeared. I loudly called out to stop him. It was rare to see him without Xu Weishan around. I clasped my hands behind me and appeared very cheerful, âWow, what a coincidence! Where are you going?â
âNowhere in particular. Iâm just going to the basketball court to play ball.â Kevin took a look at where I came out from and asked, âWere you at Professor Suâs office?â
âHow did you know?â Based on my memory, Kevin didnât take Suyangâs course.
âWell, this is where Professor Suâs office is located, so clearly you came from there!â
âWhat the hell? Suyang isnât the only professor here...â
Kevin nudged me with his shoulder, âLook at you. We call him Professor Su, yet you call him Suyang.... Plus, last time, Shanshan and I have already decided to help you two keep the secret.â He teased.
âAh.....â I had almost forgotten that Kevin was one of the witnesses from the incident at the hotel. âWe only spoke for a bit, but now I have nothing to do... so bored...â
I stood closer to Kevin as I brightly smiled and waited for him to continue. A fool would be able to tell I was hinting, âIâm bored! Whatever youâre doing, bring me along!â
Kevin looked at me and then whispered in my ears, âWere you and Professor Su speaking words of love to each other?â
âWhat?!â For a second, I thought he was a certain sister from the gossip association! If it werenât for the fact I was trying to break into the internal enemyâs side, I would never give any attention to this lousy kid!
Deep down, I rolled my eyes. But on the surface, i was smiling as I tried to demonstrate my most youthful side, âLetâs not talk about me and Suyang...er..Professor Su. Oh yeah, youâre heading to the basketball court. Is it outdoors or indoors?â
âItâs indoors. I am going to practice my skills.â
I clapped my hands, âWhat a coincidence! I heard the basketball association is looking to recruit an assistant. I want to try out, but I donât know where the basketball association office is. Letâs go together!â
âReally? I didnât hear anything about recruiting an assistant....â Kevin tilted his head as he murmured to himself.
Actually, that was a random comment. Why would I know anything about the basketball association?
Fortunately, Kevin wasnât suspicious. He had his heart set on asking about me and Suyang. He went as far as making a solemn vow to reassure me, âDo not worry. I swear to God I will keep your relationship with Professor Su a secret. So, tell me about it! How did you two meet?â
âEh...we just met! How did you and Xu Weishan meet?! How long have you two been together?â
âWe also met naturally... thereâs nothing more to say.â
I asked such a simple question, yet Kevin totally disregarded it. I felt like he didnât want to talk about Xu Weishan. Was it because he could tell the current Xu Weishan was different from the old one? Perhaps he was stressed about it?
Anyhow, I wanted to find out more about Kevin and Xu Weishan, but Kevin wanted to know more about me and Suyang. Ultimately, neither of us were able to obtain any important information from each other.
âHow come Xu Weishan isnât with you today? Arenât you two normally together? I saw her in class earlier...â
âShe left already. Every Wednesday after school, she goes to the orphanage.â
âOrphanage?â My ears perked up; this may be important information, âWhat is she doing at the orphanage?â
âHer parents recently used her name and created a charitable foundation. They have been contributing to a particular orphanage. She said the children from there are too pitiful, so she visits them every week.â
I nodded half-heartedly, âWow, she has such a kind heart!â
Honestly, I couldnât imagine a person who killed her own biological sister would donate to a charity. There must be something fishy about this orphanage!
âThis is the office, Iâll come with you. Iâm very familiar with the president of the basketball association, I can help you say a few good words.â Kevin confidently stated. He had no idea that I had used the assistant thing as an excuse.
âNo need. I can go on my own.â I tried to stop him.
But it was too late, Kevin had already opened the office door. He casually entered like it was his house. Then, he loudly shouted at the guy with glasses, who was sitting by an office desk, âI heard you guys are looking to recruit an assistant?â
In my head, I was thinking of all kinds of excuses. Surprisingly, the guy with the glasses replied, âOh? How did you know? We havenât posted the flyer yet!â He revealed a poster that was even taller than himself. âIâm currently working on the poster to hire an assistant! Looks good, right?â
âNo need. My friend wants to be a basketball court assistant. Take a look.â Kevin pushed me inside. I made direct eye contact with the guy that had acne all over his face.
âMm.. actually, the only requirement we need for this position is sufficient time availability.â
âWeâre in the same class. When Iâm available, sheâs available.â Kevin did all the talking for me. So in silence, I was pushed to a position where I could no longer back down.
âPlease register! From now on, you are a member of our basketball association!â The guy raised his two hands -like he was waiting for me to enthusiastically give him a high five.
I gave him a high five and awkwardly smiled, âPlease treat me kindly.â
Just like that, I was a 25 years old âuniversity studentâ who became the basketball court assistant without somewhat intending to do so. It wasnât until afterwards that I found out my job was to help them pick up the balls, sweep, deliver water and towels on a daily basis.
It was no big deal. It was similar to my situation at home. But instead of serving one person, I was serving a group of individuals.
Strangely, the group was easier to serve than the individual at home.
In addition, unlike the guy at home, watching these young guys play basketball gave me some youthful energy. All Suyang does on a daily basis was play video games on his couch. He only moves his fingers.
With Suyang, a day feels like a year.
Nighttime. After I waved goodbye to the last person, I was all alone in the empty basketball court tidying up. Today, I finally experienced the saying, âYou made your bed, so now you lie on it.â
But in return, I was able to gain something important. Now, I know Xu Weishan goes to the orphanage every Wednesday.
I felt like a famous detective and I was quite proud of myself. Suddenly, the doors of the basketball court opened, and someone came in.
I was quite far from the entrance as I was tidying up. Hence, I wasnât able to see the person clearly, âSorry, the gym is closed for today....â
When I walked closer, I realized it was Suyang.