Chapter 19: Little Good Boy
When Mi Yang was about to leave after delivering the braised delicacies, Bai Luochuan held his hand, not letting him go. He said to him, “We have some new kiwis from the south at home. They’re delicious. Why don’t you stay and we can eat them together?”
Mi Yang shook his head. “I’m full.”
Bai Luochuan didn’t give up and asked again, “What about the puzzle we only half-finished last time? And the Rubik’s Cube isn’t solved either.” His eyes darted around as he schemed, just wanting Mi Yang to stay.
The old Mr. Bai pretended to be reading the newspaper in the living room, but he was secretly peeking at the two children.
As expected, the slightly shorter child stood on his tiptoes and patted his grandson’s head, coaxing him like a little adult. Although his precious golden grandson was still reluctant, he slowly let go of his hand and let him leave. He was still willing to listen to reason. The little boy at the door, holding the empty plate, had a lovely smile. The way his eyes curved made it easy for people to like him. He was well-behaved and sensible. The old Mr. Bai also found himself fond of him.
Although Bai Luochuan had let go, he still found an excuse. “I’m going to walk Mi Yang out.” Then, he followed him out, one after the other. The nanny auntie didn’t even have time to stop him.
He and Mi Yang walked hand in hand, and he was still grumbling on the way. He glanced at Mi Yang and suddenly called out, “Little Good Boy.”
Mi Yang turned to look at him. “What did you say?”
Bai Luochuan grinned, revealing his little white teeth, a cunning glint in his eyes. “I heard your grandma call you that. I want to call you that too.”
Mi Yang shook his head. “That’s not good. Just call me by my name.”
Bai Luochuan said proudly, “I won’t.”
He called out a couple more times. Mi Yang didn’t respond. The little young master Bai’s temper came in fits and starts. The more you went against him, the more persistent he became. If you let him have his way and call you that a few times, he would gradually lose interest and stop. Sure enough, after calling out a few times with no response, Bai Luochuan went back to calling him Mi Yang, whispering about their school matters.
Bai Luochuan said, “My mom said we’re going to elementary school in September.”
Mi Yang nodded. “That’s right.”
Bai Luochuan said again, “Can we still be in the same class?”
Mi Yang said yes, but in his heart, he thought it was uncertain whether the young master Bai would even stay for school. Mrs. Bai had been transferred here for a few years, but she still made several trips to Shanghai every year. It seemed she was ready to go back at any time. Bai Jingrong had to stay at the military base, but this place was too harsh. Not only was Mrs. Bai’s own career development limited, but the child’s education also couldn’t keep up. Kindergarten was one thing, it was mostly just playing. But when it came to the nine years of compulsory education, it was impossible for them to stay in this border town.
The little young master Bai, unaware of these hardships, was still happily imagining the two of them continuing to play together in “elementary school.” He even asked Mi Yang if he liked the little wooden horse, and if they could take it to elementary school to continue playing with it.
Mi Yang tricked him, “Why bring it? They give out new toys in elementary school.”
Bai Luochuan was surprised. “Really?”
Mi Yang nodded, suppressing a smile. “Yes, every day.” One exercise per lesson, the essential homework of elementary school, with new assignments from writing to arithmetic every day.
Bai Luochuan didn’t understand and was full of anticipation.
The distance from the Bai’s house to Mi Yang’s was not far, and they arrived after a short walk. After seeing Mi Yang to his door, Bai Luochuan’s eyes darted around, and he lingered at the entrance. “It’s dark. Why don’t I sleep at your house?”
Mi Yang was amused by him. “No, there’s no room.”
Bai Luochuan insisted, “I slept over last Sunday afternoon. There’s room.”
Mi Yang shook his head. “My grandma is here.”
Only then did Bai Luochuan remember, a little disappointed. “Oh, right, I forgot.” He then walked back to his own house, turning back every three steps.
Mi Yang stood at the door and saw that he hadn’t gone far before an orderly came looking for him with a flashlight. Only then did he feel at ease and go inside. He used to be a little afraid of the young master Bai, but after becoming a child and spending so many years with him, watching the little young master Bai grow up bit by bit, he often found himself taking on a protective role, subconsciously keeping an eye on his situation.
