Mistaken Canary Chapter 45
Chapter 45
The public park was bustling on the weekend, filled with people picnicking, gathering, flying kites, cycling, and... going on dates?
Ying Tongchen stood at the crossroads, questioning his life choices. He glanced down at his outfit—aside from his usual dress shirt and trousers, the old man insisted on adding a black suit jacket and a fedora. Apart from the hat, it wasn't too far from his usual style, so he could somewhat accept it.
The only problem was the old man's endless nagging. Before he left, the old man had practically tried to shove a thermos into his hands.
"Take this, drink more hot water, and stop drinking all that iced coffee. Oh, and I saw the weather forecast—it might rain today. If it does, don't bother coming back, you understand what I mean?" the old man had repeatedly instructed.
Ying Tongchen nodded half-heartedly, quietly left the thermos behind, and grabbed a pair of sunglasses on his way out to hide his face.
He didn't have to wait long before someone appeared on the other side of the street.
The traffic light turned red, and the two of them stood there, eyes fixed on each other from a distance.
When the light turned green, the person crossed the zebra crossing and walked toward him.
Broad shoulders, long legs, striding with an air of confidence, dressed in a sharp suit, a black fedora on his head, and a white scarf draped casually around his neck.
If Shanghai Beach from ‘The Bund’[1] was playing in the background, the vibe would be absolutely perfect.
Ying Tongchen: "..."
A moment later, Zhuo Shu stood in front of him, the breeze gently lifting the ends of his scarf.
He awkwardly adjusted his hat, then noticed Ying Tongchen's outfit, surprised. "We actually dressed the same?"
This was his mother's handiwork, after all.
Mu Qing had spent the entire evening picking out the perfect outfit, finally settling on a look inspired by Man-keung*. She had assured him, "Don't worry, this outfit is absolutely dashing. Back in the day, Chow Yun-Fat had us all swooning with this style. Just wear it, son, and there's no way your date won't think you look good!"
(TLN: He’s a character from ‘The Bund’—played by actor Chow Yun-Fat.)
"Hehe, looking good," Ying Tongchen feigned a smile. He couldn’t say otherwise—they were matching.
Zhuo Shu, originally skeptical of his mom's unhealthy influences, was surprised by his words. Did Ying Tongchen really think it looked good?
Either way, he decided to return the compliment: "You look pretty good too."
The two of them stood in silence for a moment, drawing occasional glances from passersby.
Under normal circumstances, their outfits wouldn't have been particularly eye-catching, and people would have just admired their handsome faces.
But now, with the two of them standing together, it was like a scene straight out of ‘The Bund’—Hui Man-keung and Ting Lik come to life. Someone even started humming the theme song, "Waves running, waves flowing~"
"Let's take a walk," Ying Tongchen said awkwardly.
"Yeah, sure," Zhuo Shu agreed, turning to head into the park.
They walked aimlessly for a while before Zhuo Shu suddenly asked, "So, what did you want to talk about that you had to meet in person?"
Ying Tongchen, feeling a bit guilty, replied, "Oh, there's something I wanted to ask you."
"What is it that you couldn't just text about?" Zhuo Shu asked, giving him an intrigued look.
"Well, when does your mall usually have sales?" Ying Tongchen asked.
Zhuo Shu's smile stiffened. "That's it? This is what you wanted to ask?" Seriously, I gave you the perfect opportunity to come clean, and you're wasting it.
"Yeah, that's it."
"We don't do sales."
"Oh."
After a moment of silence, Ying Tongchen asked, "What were you trying to imply, calling me 'darling' in that text last night?"
Zhuo Shu stumbled slightly, almost tripping over a small stone. He felt a pang of guilt—how could he possibly explain that it was his mom who had grabbed his phone and called him 'darling'?
"Last night, I was at a gathering and had too much to drink. Don't take it seriously."
"But don't you usually just pretend to drink during business dinners?" Ying Tongchen reminded him.
"Family gatherings are different. No need to pretend there."
"Mn."
The two of them fell into silence again. Just then, Ying Tongchen's phone buzzed. He pulled it out and saw a message from the old man.
[Old Man]: The atmosphere is so awkward! Use your head! Hurry up and find something to talk about!
Ying Tongchen was startled. He put his phone away and glanced around, only to spot a head wearing a black hat and sunglasses peeking out from behind a large rock. It was none other than his old man!
Ying Tongchen: "..."
He quickly typed a reply: {What are you doing here? Go back!}
[Old Man]: I knew you wouldn't be able to handle it. Even from a few meters away, I can feel the awkwardness between you two. It's obvious you two don't talk enough. Listen to me, go hold his hand. By the way, that guy is really handsome—you've got good taste!
Ying Tongchen: "..."
At the same time, Zhuo Shu's phone vibrated twice. He opened it to see a message from his mother.
[Mom]: U r such a wuss! Are you trying to wear out the entire park? Hurry up and hold his hand, hug him, kiss him!
Zhuo Shu turned around in surprise and spotted two disguised figures mingling amongst a family having a picnic. Zhuo Fu and Mu Qing were wrapped up tightly, and the family clearly had no idea who these two strangers were.
[.]: Why are you two following us?
[Mom]: You blockhead, I really don't know how you managed to get a boyfriend. If you want to keep him, go hold his hand!
Zhuo Shu: "..."
The two of them walked a bit further when a child on a skateboard came rushing toward them, heading straight for Ying Tongchen.
Ying Tongchen, still distracted by his phone, was trying to convince the old man to go back. By the time he heard the sound of the skateboard wheels and the child's shouts, it was almost too late.
Before he could react, he was suddenly grabbed by the shoulder and pulled aside, narrowly avoiding the danger.
Ying Tongchen, still shaken, said, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
A moment later, Ying Tongchen glanced at the hand still resting on his shoulder. Seeing Zhuo Shu had no intention to let go, he turned his head forward, pretending not to notice.
Zhuo Shu, stealing a few glances out of the corner of his eye, felt a wave of relief when he saw Ying Tongchen wasn't upset.
Meanwhile, Mu Qing and Zhuo Fu, who had been tailing them, quietly high-fived each other. They then handed some pocket money to the skateboard kid who had run up to them.
Mu Qing muttered, "Honey, doesn't that lifesaving saint look familiar?"
Zhuo Fu nodded: "He looks a lot like Mr. Ying."
Mu Qing pondered for a moment: "Ah, I remember now! Last time I was playing a game, Zhuo Zi told me that our eldest's boyfriend is Mr. Ying's younger brother. I didn't pay much attention at the time. But now that I think about it, no wonder they look so alike. Let's invite both brothers over for dinner sometime."
"Just as long as you don't try to cook yourself," Zhuo Fu said. "It's definitely him. That photo from Wimbledon was of him. He’s got a good silhouette, and his outfit is nice too."
"He's got style, and he even matched our eldest's outfit! Is this what they call couple telepathy?" Mu Qing said excitedly.
"Choose your words carefully," Zhuo Fu said with a forced smile. "You're the one who picked our eldest's clothes. Who exactly are you trying to have a couple telepathy with?"
"Slip of the tongue, my bad. Aiya, they're walking too fast, let's catch up," Mu Qing quickly changed the subject and jogged a few steps to follow them.
It took quite a while to walk around the entire park. Zhuo Shu maintained the arm-over-shoulder but started to feel more like a bro than a romantic partner. He let go and suddenly asked, "Are your hands big?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Let me see."
Ying Tongchen, puzzled, held out his hand.
"Let's compare." Zhuo Shu pressed his palm against Ying Tongchen's, his hand slightly larger. He grinned triumphantly. "Mine's bigger."
"Childish."
The next moment, Zhuo Shu's fingers slid between his—interlacing their fingers.
Ying Tongchen’s heart skipped a beat. He turned to look at him in astonishment, fingers frozen in place.
Zhuo Shu's lips curved into a faint smile, but then he noticed his mother in the distance giving him a thumbs-up. His expression stiffened, and he quickly pulled his hand away, touching his neck and turning to walk ahead. "See, mine's still bigger."
"......"
Ying Tongchen looked down at his hand, as if the warmth of Zhuo Shu's touch still lingered. He stiffly retracted his hand and stuffed it into his pocket.
…
As evening approached, the sun slowly sank below the horizon, painting half the sky in vibrant hues.
"Let's go get something to eat," Zhuo Shu said, turning back to ask.
Ying Tongchen looked up, first captivated by the scenery in the sky, then his gaze fell on the person standing at the edge of the sunset. His heart felt as if it had been gently tugged.
"Okay," he said softly.
The restaurant was one Mu Qing had picked out for Zhuo Shu—a trending spot that usually had long lines. Mu Qing, in her usual decisive manner, had made a reservation the night before.
As soon as the two walked in, they were taken aback by the flashy pink decor. The waitstaff, all dressed in matching pink uniforms, greeted them enthusiastically.
The customers inside were all young, mostly couples.
"Do you want to eat here?" Zhuo Shu asked in a low voice.
Ying Tongchen glanced at the long lines outside the neighboring restaurants and said, "It’s fine. Let’s just stay here."
As the two walked in, they attracted quite a bit of attention, with many people giving them knowing smiles.
Both Zhuo Shu and Ying Tongchen were puzzled, and it wasn’t until the menu arrived that the issue became glaringly apparent.
"Excuse me, what's this 'Love of a Lifetime' set?" Zhuo Shu asked.
The server smiled politely. "The main course is two 100% well-done filet mignons."
"100% well-done?"
Server: "Yes, it symbolizes a guaranteed (100%) lasting love."
Zhuo Shu then asked, "Then which set has the medium-well steaks?"
"‘Love is the Medium’ set."
Zhuo Shu and Ying Tongchen: "......"
"Are all your sets related to love and romance?"
"Yes, because this is a love-themed restaurant," the server replied, blinking innocently.
Zhuo Shu and Ying Tongchen: "......"
Zhuo Shu whispered, "I didn't know about this beforehand. Someone else made the reservation."
Ying Tongchen covered his forehead, blocking the curious gazes of others. "Just order whatever."
They finished their meal as quickly as possible and hurriedly escaped the restaurant, which was practically oozing pink bubbles.
Ying Tongchen suddenly felt the urge to smoke to calm his nerves and walked to the convenience store downstairs to buy a pack of cigarettes. As he was checking out, Zhuo Shu suddenly poked his waist.
"Huh?"
Zhuo Shu gestured toward the counter next to them.
"......"
Zhuo Shu leaned in and whispered, "Get the large size."
Ying Tongchen opened his payment QR code, noticing the cashier's bland smile. Just as he was about to pay, he gave in and grabbed a box of ultra-thin ones from the shelf.
After all, with specs in place, I save my face.
After paying, he held the cigarette pack and stuffed the other box into Zhuo Shu's pocket.
Once they were outside, Ying Tongchen walked to a secluded area and lit a cigarette. He only took a puff when he suddenly noticed an elderly man sitting on a nearby bench reading a newspaper, who subtly gave him a thumbs-up.
Ying Tongchen: "......"
The cigarette trembled slightly.
He immediately put out the cigarette and turned to take Zhuo Shu away.
The old man shook his head and chuckled, "Alas, young people. So full of life."
"Indeed, life is just so full of passion," a female voice nearby sighed.
The old man turned to look at the two elderly people next to him, adjusted his sunglasses, smiled, and then got up to leave. Meanwhile, the other two headed in a different direction, clearly aware of the lovers’ next destination.
Outside, the sky had completely darkened. Zhuo Shu recalled Mu Qing's final instruction: "After dinner, go to the amusement park. You must ride the Ferris wheel."
"Want to ride the Ferris wheel?" Zhuo Shu asked.
Ying Tongchen asked, "You want to go?"
"Yeah, I've never been on one before."
"No way."
Zhuo Shu thought he was about to be mocked, but then he heard Ying Tongchen say, "Me neither."
The amusement park was packed, but the two of them weren't interested in queuing for anything else. After waiting in line for a while, it was finally their turn.
As soon as Zhuo Shu sat down, he received another remote guidance message from his mother: "When the Ferris wheel reaches the top, kiss him! That way, you'll be together forever!"
[.]: Don't believe in superstition.
[Mom]: But it’s also believed that if you don't kiss on the Ferris wheel, a break up will soon follow!
At the same time, Ying Tongchen received a message from the old man.
[Old Man]: Sharing a link: The Secret of Ferris wheels... 99% of people deemed credible......
Ying Tongchen: "......"
Both men simultaneously put away their phones and looked out at the scenery.
The Ferris wheel slowly ascended, and the view expanded. The city's nightscape gradually unfolded before their eyes.
As the Ferris wheel approached the top, both of them noticed the couple in the cabin ahead sharing a kiss. They quickly averted their gazes.
At that moment, the cabin jolted slightly as it reached the very top, as if reminding them of something.
"I have something to say..." Simultaneously, they both turned to face the other and spoke. Their lips accidentally brushed together.
Both men simultaneously widened their eyes, stunned for a moment.
"You go first," they said simultaneously, pulling back and speaking in unison again.
After a while, Ying Tongchen, acting as if nothing had happened, said calmly, "The night view is quite nice."
"Yeah, the Ferris wheel is quite fun too."
"Dinner was quite good."
"Your hands are smaller than mine."
"Are you still not done yet? Don't make me hit you."
"......"
As they stepped off the Ferris wheel, they noticed a light drizzle outside. Zhuo Shu's sharp eyes caught sight of two familiar figures walking away from the cabin before them.
How careless—those two actually led by example!
By the time they hurried to the amusement park exit, the rain had picked up.
Ying Tongchen cursed the old man's jinxing mouth under his breath. He prepared to make a run for the convenience store across the street to buy an umbrella when a large shadow suddenly appeared above his head.
Zhuo Shu held up his jacket to shield both of them from the rain, awkwardly saying, "Don't ask me why I'm doing this. Let's just get to the car."
Everything had a mastermind behind it!
The rain grew heavier as they ran to the parking lot, both of them thoroughly drenched. The jacket did little to help, and the atmosphere was far from romantic.
Two sodden figures stood outside the car. Zhuo Shu handed him a towel. "Here, dry off first."
As Ying Tongchen turned to wipe his clothes, Zhuo Shu's phone rang again—this time, it was a call.
Mu Qing said, "Son, don't let him catch a cold. Hurry and take him to Wimbledon to shower. I've already booked the room for you."
Just as Zhuo Shu was about to reply, Ying Tongchen handed the towel back to him and said, "My place is pretty close. Why don't we go there to shower?"
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Mu Qing immediately said, "Go! If you don't go, you're not Chinese!"
Hiding in another car, the old man wiped away tears of pride: The kid's finally making progress!
.
.
.
TL Note: I love this chapter lolol. It’s so hilarious how these misunderstandings play out. I’m usually not the type who enjoys miscommunication, but this one just hits different.
Footnote:
[1] Shanghai Beach from ‘The Bund’ - this is such a throwback omfg. The song, honestly, if you are a Millennial East Asian, it should sound familiar. I personally never watched ‘The Bund’ but know the song by heart haha. Anyways, here’s a brief from wiki—‘The Bund’ is a Hong Kong period crime drama television series first broadcast on TVB in 1980. It is praised as "The Godfather of the East" and spawned two sequels, two remakes, and a film adaptation. The theme song, which shares the same Chinese title as the series and was performed by Frances Yip, also became a memorable Cantopop hit.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bund_(TV_series)
Song with English lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unGT-enOrqw