Chapter 11: A Familiar City, Unfamiliar Encounters

Zhong Tian stepped out of the car, shielding his eyes from the overhead sun with a hand, and squinted at the towering skyscrapers in the distance, their heights reaching dozens of meters.

Binhai City’s development truly outpaced that of Taisan City.

He tidied his hair, donned his hat, and headed towards the Binhai Cultural and Sports Plaza, the designated venue for the comic exhibition.

“Wow, Xiao Zhong, you’re positively radiating girlish charm.”

Lin Chu chuckled, observing Zhong Tian, who was clad in a T-shirt, a long skirt, and a sun hat.

Zhong Tian’s cheeks flushed faintly, and without a word, he continued on his way.

“You remind me of Jingjing back in high school,” Lin Chu remarked, walking abreast of Zhong Tian. “She was just as beautiful as you are now, though she remains stunning today. Still, there’s nothing quite like the vibrancy of youth, is there?”

Unsure of how to respond, Zhong Tian could only offer a silent nod.

Lin Chu, lost in her own thoughts, continued, “Your sister had countless suitors throughout high school and university, but sadly, not a single one succeeded. I remember being incredibly anxious watching her back then. She simply wouldn’t catch on, and I couldn’t tell if she was genuinely oblivious or simply disinclined to date.”

“And what about you, Xiao Zhong? Given that you usually pretend to be a girl at school, I’m sure you’ve captivated quite a few young boys, haven’t you?”

‘How did the conversation swing back to me again?’

“Not really…”

“Saying ‘not really’ implies there is, doesn’t it?” Lin Chu’s smile widened playfully.

“…” Zhong Tian murmured in response, “There are a few, indeed… but I typically project an air of aloofness, so few people dare to approach me, let alone pursue anything further.”

“In that regard, you’re quite similar to your sister.”

“…I see…”

“However, you certainly have a better knack for styling yourself,” Lin Chu observed. “She’s undeniably a great beauty, yet she’s constantly preoccupied with those baggy hoodies and shorts of hers. In terms of ‘feminine charm,’ she even falls short compared to her own brother. Honestly, I don’t know what to make of her.”

“On that point, I couldn’t agree more,” Zhong Tian affirmed, nodding vigorously. “My sister’s self-sufficiency is truly abysmal; I often wonder how she even managed to get through high school and university…”

Even now that she’s entered the workforce, Zhong Tian, as her younger brother, remains responsible for managing the household’s cleanliness and meals.

He recalled the sheer disarray when he first moved into Zhong Jing’s home, a sight that instantly sent shivers down Zhong Tian’s spine, given his mild洁癖 (TL Note: a slight obsession with cleanliness or tidiness). That very day, he had to forcefully coax Zhong Jing into thoroughly cleaning the entire house, leaving no corner untouched, not even the guest room or storage space.

Truthfully, Zhong Tian found himself entirely sympathetic to the feelings of those who had pursued his sister only to eventually give up.

‘Sometimes, he couldn’t help but wonder if that woman would ever truly manage to get married…’

****

“Ah, enough talk, we’ve arrived.” Lin Chu gestured to Zhong Tian. “This is the staff entrance. You’ll go in through here when the time comes; there’s a lounge inside.”

The two entered the venue, proceeding for about several dozen meters.

“This is the one. You’ll present this when the time comes,” Lin Chu explained, retrieving a badge bearing Zhong Tian’s portrait from her bag. “Simply show this to the staff, and you’ll be granted entry.”

“Understood.”

Zhong Tian nodded, accepted the badge, and tucked it into his canvas bag.

“And then there’s our designated spot,” Lin Chu said, raising a hand. “It’s that area over there.”

Following the direction Lin Chu indicated, he observed a particularly conspicuous area. Moreover, it appeared quite spacious.

Already, the long tables and temporary railings were fully arranged; it seemed only the comic books and the authors themselves were yet to be seated.

A sudden wave of pressure washed over Zhong Tian.

It was a sensation akin to learning he had to perform on stage for the New Year’s Eve party back in junior high—a peculiar blend of shame, nervousness, and anticipation.

“That pretty much covers it. For the remainder of the time, feel free to explore on your own,” Lin Chu stated. “I’ll send the specific details and precautions to your WeChat later.”

“Oh, right, are you absolutely certain you don’t need to book a hotel?”

“No, it’s quite alright. I’ll be staying at my parents’ place,” Zhong Tian answered.

“I see. Should anything arise, however, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.”

Zhong Tian nodded, then retrieved his suitcase from the car before bidding Lin Chu farewell.

He strode directly out of the venue, casting a contemplative glance around him.

Adjacent to this cultural and sports plaza lay a bustling commercial street, a place where Zhong Tian and Li Jianren had often played during their childhood. Having returned to Binhai City after a year, he decided a stroll was in order.

With some pocket money still in hand, he figured he might as well pick up a few things for his parents.

As he dragged his suitcase into the familiar commercial street, a faint smile involuntarily graced Zhong Tian’s lips.

‘These familiar surroundings truly bring a sense of peace.’

Approaching a bubble tea shop he had frequented in his youth, Zhong Tian placed his order: “I’d like a large lemon passion fruit tea with less ice, a jasmine tea, and an iced coffee.”

“Anything else for you, beautiful?”

“No, thank you.”

“That will be 68 yuan.”

“Alright.”

Zhong Tian completed the payment via WeChat, then sought out a less crowded spot near the bubble tea shop to occupy himself with his phone.

‘Lately, I’ve been constantly scrolling past Apex videos. Could it be making a comeback? I should find some time to dive back in with Li Jianren and check it out.’

“Yo!”

The abrupt sound shattered Zhong Tian’s train of thought. He lifted his gaze to find two young men approaching him.

“Are you waiting for someone, miss?”

“…”

‘A pickup attempt, then…’

‘Indeed, a large city like Binhai is truly different… Even this early in the morning, people are already trying to pick up strangers…’

However, Zhong Tian was quite accustomed to such encounters, possessing ample experience in handling them. “Yes, I’m waiting for my boyfriend,” he replied with a polite smile.

“Oh, I see…” Both young men before him exchanged uneasy glances.

“Well, how about we exchange WeChat contacts then?”

“?”

‘This was the first time Zhong Tian had ever encountered someone bold enough to ask for a WeChat contact after being told she had a boyfriend. Do they want to be a bull-headed demon (TL Note: A Chinese slang term, ‘niutouren,’ referring to a cuckold or someone who actively tries to break up a couple.)?’

‘I’m practically a specialist in slaying bull-headed demons!’

“No, thank you.”

Though his thoughts were filled with slaying bull-headed demons, he knew ultimately he couldn’t and wouldn’t act on them. Thus, Zhong Tian maintained his polite yet subtly distant smile, gently declining their request.

The two, adept at reading expressions, sheepishly took their leave.

Just then, Zhong Tian’s ordered beverages were ready. He accepted the three cups from the attendant, offered a nod of acknowledgment, and departed.

‘Well then, I suppose I’ll take a leisurely walk home now.’

‘It’s only a little past nine; I wonder if Mom is awake yet. Dad must certainly be up, likely engrossed in his painting by now.’

‘Neither of them has a habit of eating breakfast in the morning. Perhaps I should pick up some breakfast… It wouldn’t be good to drink beverages on an empty stomach, after all.’

With this thought, Zhong Tian stopped at a street-side baozi shop, purchasing ten meat buns and having them packed. He then resumed his walk along the commercial street, glancing at the surrounding shops as he headed in the direction of his home.

‘So many new shops have popped up.’

Slowly sipping his lemon passion fruit tea, Zhong Tian ventured into several shops he didn’t recall ever seeing before, satisfying his curiosity before continuing on his journey.

It was likely still quite early, as the street lacked the bustling crowds he remembered from midday. Strolling along the relatively empty thoroughfare felt rather pleasant.

After walking for a while, Zhong Tian arrived back at his familiar residential complex. He retrieved the long-unused owner’s card from his canvas bag, unlocked the gate, and stepped inside the complex.

Building 6, Unit 301

Gazing at the familiar doorplate and main entrance, a flicker of excitement stirred within Zhong Tian.

He pressed the doorbell.

For a considerable moment, there was no response.

“?”