Agreed to Just Once - Chapter 4: Filling in the Gaps
Chapter 4: Filling in the Gaps
After leaving school, He Wenshuo pulled Jiang Yinian straight to the snack shop right across the street from the school entrance.
Grabbing a basket upon entering, the two walked side by side through rows of dazzling snack shelves. He Wenshuo was in charge of initial selection, while Jiang Yinian gave the final confirmation.
Jelly.
Okay.
Potato chips.
Okay.
Dried squid strips.
Okay.
Preserved fruit.
We still have some at home.
After going through one row of shelves, the snacks in He Wenshuo’s shopping basket were already piling up high.
Jiang Yinian glanced at the basket: We don’t need this much.
Of course we do. He Wenshuo pulled Jiang Yinian along to the next shelf. You helped me out, so I should thank you properly. Don’t worry, when these are finished, I’ll buy you more.
No need to be so polite. Jiang Yinian took two packs out of the basket. Just don’t ask me to do this kind of thing again.
He Wenshuo now felt completely carefree: Probably won’t happen again. So many people saw us at school today, and they’ll definitely exaggerate and spread rumors. It won’t be long before everyone at school knows I’m taken. Those who should give up will definitely give up.
Jiang Yinian: That would be best.
He Wenshuo held the basket with one hand and put his other arm around Jiang Yinian: Besides, I wouldn’t want to bring you out for them to see every day anyway.
Jiang Yinian: Cut the crap.
During PE class, the second half was free activity.
After a fierce basketball game on the court, He Wenshuo led his team to victory in the first match with his solid skills.
During halftime break, the boys sat under the basketball hoop drinking water and chatting idly. Somehow the conversation drifted to the topic of girlfriends.
Someone gently elbowed He Wenshuo: Hey, which school is your girlfriend from? Never heard you mention her before.
He Wenshuo gulped down two mouthfuls of water and screwed the cap back on his water bottle: What does it matter which school she’s from?
Tao Hao ruffled his naturally curly hair and joined the conversation with interest: Is she from the dance academy across the street?
During the sports day, many people had seen He Wenshuo with his girlfriend, but most were too far away to see clearly. They only knew she was a tall, slender girl with long hair who was very beautiful, and that was about it.
He Wenshuo: No, stop guessing randomly. If you’re rested, let’s play another game.
No more playing, what’s the point when we can’t beat you anyway. Let’s chat some more.
Guo Jian brought the conversation back on track, pointing at He Wenshuo while analyzing: I think there’s definitely something fishy about you.
He Wenshuo: What’s fishy about me?
Plenty fishy. Guo Jian began his analysis seriously. From what I know about people around me, after they start dating, the first thing they do is inevitably post on social media to show off their relationship one way or another. Hey~ how can you resist not showing off at all! You definitely have problems, big problems!
He Wenshuo was completely speechless: Why should I post photos for you guys to see? And why do you want to see photos of my girlfriend anyway?
The others were briefly stumped.
Of course to get to know her.
Tao Hao was one of the few who had seen He Wenshuo’s partner up close. Also, can you do me a favor and ask if your partner has any single friends, roommates, or classmates who are also looking for a relationship?
He Wenshuo replied decisively, No, he doesn’t.
You’re definitely hiding something, Guo Jian chimed in again. You didn’t even think before saying no. I have reason to suspect whether that person is really your partner. You don’t even have a single photo—are you just making it up to fool us?
He Wenshuo: …
He Wenshuo said disdainfully, You talk more nonsense than the old lady at the crossroads. Why don’t you spend more time practicing your basketball skills instead?
Guo Jian retorted, Old He, you’re guilty. Unless you video call your partner right now to prove it to us.
He Wenshuo: Get lost.
He had only enjoyed a carefree, worry-free life for a week, and now these guys were already causing trouble.
Two days later.
After finishing his afternoon classes, He Wendong made his usual stop at the chestnut shop on the same street as his school before heading home.
The shop’s sugar-fried chestnuts were always popular, with long lines of customers no matter the time of day—students, errand runners, and bulk buyers alike.
He Wendong stood at the end of the long queue, pulling out his phone to message Jiang Yinian: I’m buying chestnuts today. Come home early.
If Jiang Yinian returned early, he could enjoy them while they were still warm. Once they cooled down and lost their flavor, he wouldn’t touch them.
Jiang Yinian replied: .
He Wendong: Still in class?
Jiang Yinian: Almost done. Last period.
He Wendong: The line is long today. I might not get back before you.
On less busy days, he could ride his bike past Jiang Yinian’s school and wait to go home together.
Jiang Yinian: Okay.
He Wendong: What’s for dinner tonight?
Jiang Yinian: We’ll see later.
Though the line in front of the shop was long, it moved fairly quickly. By the time He Wendong finished his brief chat, he had already advanced from the back to the middle-front of the queue.
When Jiang Yinian stopped responding, He Wendong put his phone away. But when he looked up, he suddenly noticed someone standing beside him.
It was the same girl who had tried to confess to him on the sports field last time.
He Wendong instinctively took half a step back, silently staring at the girl. He recalled Tao Hao mentioning her name—Lü Qian.
Lü Qian was petite, with her hair tied in a ponytail. She gazed at He Wendong with wide, watery eyes and asked, Could you buy a portion for me?
He Wendong: …
He glanced back at the long line behind him and refused bluntly, That wouldn’t be fair. You should queue like everyone else.
Lü Qian looked at him gloomily. I heard the person who came to the school last time wasn’t your girlfriend.
He Wendong: ? Heard? From whom?
Lü Qian continued, I just wanted to tell you that I really like you. Ever since the first day of school, when you helped me carry my luggage…
He Wendong wished he could summon Jiang Yinian on the spot. Don’t like me. I have a partner.
He had absolutely no recollection of the incident Lü Qian mentioned. Back during freshman orientation, he and several classmates from the same major had been assigned to help new students carry their luggage. He must have assisted at least fifty, if not a hundred people—how could he possibly remember whose belongings belonged to whom among all those bags and suitcases?
Lü Qian looked dejected: …If you really have a girlfriend, I won’t bother you anymore. But if you don’t, could you consider it? We could start as friends.
No.
He Wenshuo answered firmly in one breath: I do have one. The chestnuts are for him. I buy them for him every week. We’ve known each other for many years and have a very good relationship.
Lü Qian: …Alright.
Fortunately, the line moved forward quickly. He Wenshuo was relieved to see that Lü Qian didn’t continue walking with him. After paying for the chestnuts, he didn’t linger for a moment and immediately rode off on his bicycle.
The usual twenty-minute ride took him only fifteen minutes today.
As soon as he entered the residential complex, he headed straight for Jiang Yinian’s home. But when he keyed in the passcode and opened the door, he noticed Jiang Yinian’s slippers were still on the shoe rack, which meant Jiang Yinian hadn’t returned from school yet.
The class dismissal bell rang. Just as Jiang Yinian stepped out of the classroom with his backpack, a classmate called out to him: Jiang Yinian, it’s my birthday today. How about joining us for karaoke later?
It wasn’t a close classmate, and Jiang Yinian had no idea it was his birthday. They didn’t share any mutual friends, and he hadn’t prepared a gift in advance—attending would feel inappropriate. Happy birthday, but I’m sorry, I need to head back early. I have things to take care of at home.
It’s still early. Come join us for some fun! We’re just gathering for a bit and will wrap up soon. You can leave early if you need to.
The birthday boy tried to persuade Jiang Yinian. Jiang Yinian was good-looking, easygoing, and got along well with everyone in class, able to chat with anyone. Yet, due to limited interaction, he wasn’t particularly close with anyone. That’s why the classmate wanted to invite him, hoping to turn their casual acquaintance into a closer friendship or even a buddy relationship.
Jiang Yinian hesitated for a moment but still didn’t want to go. Karaoke bars were filled with stale air and the smell of alcohol and cigarettes, while at home, there were warm, freshly roasted chestnuts waiting.
Karaoke can happen anytime, said class monitor Qin Tu as he emerged from the classroom. Jiang Yinian, if you have things to do, go ahead. There are enough of us to celebrate his birthday. Besides, I’m worried the private room he booked might not even be big enough.
The birthday boy quickly retorted, Who said it’s not big enough? Don’t worry, class monitor, it could fit dozens of you without a problem.
Qin Tu: I don’t believe it. Let’s go check it out.
Let’s check it out then, the birthday boy waved at Jiang Yinian. We won’t wait for you then. We’re heading off now. Maybe next time.
Jiang Yinian nodded: Alright.
He’d deal with next time when it came.
Jiang Yinian rode his bike from the school, turned at the crossroads, and finally stopped in front of a barbecue shop.
Unlike him, He Wenshuo had few favorite foods, and barbecue was one of them.
Jiang Yinian entered the shop, provided his mobile reservation details, and quickly picked up the packed barbecue. He then rode straight home.
When he opened the door and saw an extra pair of shoes by the shoe cabinet, he knew He Wenshuo had already arrived.
In the room, He Wenshuo sat idly on a chair, peeling chestnuts and meticulously arranging the shelled ones in neat, orderly rows.
Seeing Jiang Yinian push the door open and enter, He Wenshuo extended a freshly peeled sugar-fried chestnut toward his mouth: Here, try this.
The sugar-fried chestnut was as rich and fragrant as ever.
Jiang Yinian ate the chestnut and handed the takeout barbecue to He Wenshuo: Dinner.
He Wenshuo unwrapped the barbecue and laid it out between them. The skewers were aromatic, but he wasn’t in the mood to eat. He picked up a lamb skewer and handed it to Jiang Yinian: You have some first.
Jiang Yinian took it and glanced at him: Not hungry today?
He Wenshuo propped an elbow on the table, watching Jiang Yinian with genuine concern. I ran into that girl again today.
Jiang Yinian: Which one?
He Wenshuo sighed: …
Oh. Jiang Yinian understood—it was the same one from last time. He took a bite of the skewer. And then?
He Wenshuo grew even more troubled: She doesn’t seem to believe that I’m already in a relationship. I don’t know who’s spreading rumors about me at school again.
Jiang Yinian paused mid-bite: ?
He Wenshuo: Tao Hao and Guo Jian don’t believe it either. They said I haven’t posted any photos on my social media to show off, so there must be something wrong with me.
Since things had come to this, it was time to eat first.
Jiang Yinian chose to continue munching on chestnuts: So what do you plan to do?
I was thinking, He Wenshuo pushed all the food on the table toward Jiang Yinian, his eyes exceptionally sincere, maybe we should fill in the gaps and take some photos to post on social media.
Jiang Yinian refused: I don’t want to.