Mistaken Canary Chapter 54
Chapter 54
Late in the evening, Zhuo Shu was about to call it a night when he suddenly received an urgent call from his sister. The moment he picked up, a furious roar from the other end startled him so much that he instinctively held the phone away from his ear.
"I hate you!!"
"What happened?" Zhuo Shu asked, confused.
"That crab wasn't made by our housekeeper, was it? Did you make it yourself?!" Zhuo Zi accused, holding the wall for support.
Zhuo Shu hesitated. "What? Was it not tasty?"
"Tasty is not the problem!" Zhuo Zi cried in despair, "This is a matter of life and death!"
"Are you feeling okay?" Zhuo Shu suddenly became worried. "Did you get food poisoning?"
Zhuo Zi sobbed, "Boohoo, I’m about to pass out from the diarrhea."
"Is the infirmary still open? If it’s closed, I can come pick you up and take you to the hospital?" Zhuo Shu stood up and grabbed his jacket.
"No, it’s fine. I took some medicine, and I’m feeling better now. I’m going to sleep." Zhuo Zi said as she climbed into bed with difficulty.
"So you’re the only one who ate it?" Zhuo Shu pressed. "You didn’t share it with anyone else, right?"
"No."
"That’s good to know." Zhuo Shu sighed in relief.
"?" Zhuo Zi suddenly asked, “Why does it seem like you’re actually glad about this?”
"It’s just your imagination. You should get some rest. I’ll come check on you at school tomorrow," Zhuo Shu reassured her.
"No need."
"I insist," Zhuo Shu said firmly.
"Really, you don’t have to."
"I’m coming, and that’s final."
"..." Zhuo Zi looked at the phone, which had already been hung up, feeling like her brother was acting uncharacteristically affectionate.
…
The next morning during the break, Zhuo Zi requested leave and skipped the morning calisthenics to recover weakly at her desk.
Ying Tongchen patrolled around the sports field and, when he returned to the classroom's back door, he saw a familiar tall, handsome figure standing next to Zhuo Zi by her desk. His eyelids twitched, and he stood still for a moment.
The other person seemed to sense his presence and turned to smile at him. "Mr. Ying."
Ying Tongchen could only walk in. "Hello, Mr. Zhuo. What brings you to our school?"
"She’s sick, so I came to check on her," Zhuo Shu said, pointing at Zhuo Zi.
"What’s wrong with her?" Ying Tongchen asked.
When Zhuo Zi asked for leave earlier, she was weakly slumped over her desk, and since the reason was unclear, he assumed it was because of her period, so he didn’t ask further.
Zhuo Zi shot her brother a glare and complained, "He’s the culprit, this heartless brother of mine. He gave me poisoned crabs to eat."
Ying Tongchen gave Zhuo Shu a long, meaningful glance, but he wasn’t surprised. He only felt sorry for Xiao Zhuo Zi. “How are you feeling now? Do you want to go to the infirmary again?”
“I’m okay, it’s mostly because I got my period today,” Zhuo Zi said, slumping over the desk and poking at the things Zhuo Shu had brought her. “What are all these weird things? Take them away.”
Zhuo Shu glanced awkwardly at Ying Tongchen, his expression embarrassed, and silently picked up the stomach medicine and a small pink toy from the desk.
Zhuo Zi weakly reached into her desk, rummaging around for a while. "Oh no, where's my stuff?"
“What’s missing?” Zhuo Shu asked. “I can help you replace it.”
“My sanitary pads are gone.”
“...” Zhuo Shu pursed his lips. “Can’t you go to buy more?”
Zhuo Zi stared daggers at him before looking away. “Go away, you heartless man.”
Ying Tongchen nudged Zhuo Shu. “Why are you still standing there? While everyone’s still doing their exercises, why don’t you hurry up and go buy them?”
“Can you come with me? I don’t know where to go,” Zhuo Shu looked at him pleadingly.
Moments later, the two men, walking with heavy steps, urged each other along as they entered the campus convenience store. They stopped about a meter from the feminine hygiene products and stared for a long while before Zhuo Shu whispered, “Which one are we supposed to buy?”
“Any should be okay…how about purchasing one of each?” Ying Tongchen replied. “Hurry up, the students will be back soon.”
Zhuo Shu quickly grabbed a few packs and hurried to the checkout counter. When it came time to scan the items, he realized the campus store didn’t accept cash, so he could only glance at Ying Tongchen.
After Ying Tongchen swiped his card, the cashier was just about to finish packing the items into a black plastic bag, when Ban Zhang suddenly appeared at the door.
“Teacher, Mr. Zhuo, you guys...” Ban Zhang began to greet them, but as his eyes fell on what they were holding, he stopped mid-sentence from shock.
“You showed up at the right time.” Zhuo Shu grabbed him and pulled him inside. “Why are you here instead of exercising outside?”
"Buying drinks for others," Ban Zhang admitted honestly.
"Here, I have a task for you. Take this bag and give it to Zhuo Zi." Zhuo Shu took a few hundred from his wallet and stuffed it into Ban Zhang's hand. "I have something to do, so I’ll leave first. Thanks." With that, he fled the scene.
Ying Tongchen: "..."
Ban Zhang glanced at Ying Tongchen, then looked down at the money in his hand. With a stoic expression, he continued his original quest. He bought the drinks and returned to the classroom, placing his new commission on Zhuo Zi's desk.
"What is this?" Zhuo Zi opened the bag before her face flushed red. "You..."
"Mister Zhuo asked me to bring it to you," Ban Zhang replied, his own face turning slightly crimson.
There was a commotion outside as the students returned to their respective classrooms.
As Shi Tiwei approached the door, he saw Ban Zhang hurriedly return to his seat, while Zhuo Zi swiftly shoved something into her desk. Unable to contain his anger, he confronted Ban Zhang, "Did you secretly slip Zhuo Zi a love letter?!"
A'Wei has died once again!
From that day forward, Zhuo Zi noticed that her brother began to visit the school regularly, bringing snacks, clothes for the cold weather, and sometimes even staying to join her for a meal at the cafeteria.
At first, her classmates were shocked and envious, but eventually, they became used to it. When they were alone, Zhuo Zi quietly warned him, “Ge, don’t come anymore. I don’t want a ‘male mommy’!”
“It’s getting chilly. Look, I bought you two new down jackets. Aren’t they pretty?” Zhuo Shu pulled the clothes out of the bag.
“These are for men!” Zhuo Zi was outraged.
Zhuo Shu shrugged, unbothered. "I’m telling you, they’re unisex. If they don’t fit you, just give them to a classmate or a teacher."
Zhuo Zi jabbed a finger at the jackets, teeth clenched. "These clothes are clearly for someone over 1.8 meters."
"It's fine, you'll grow into it."
"......" Zhuo Zi noticed his eyes were constantly darting elsewhere. She sneered, "Ge, do you even remember that Mr. Ying is my teacher?"
"Of course I do."
Zhuo Zi raised an eyebrow, "Then do you also remember that he's your boyfriend's older brother?"
Zhuo Shu: "......" Actually, I really forgot about that.
"Why are we talking about your teacher?" Zhuo Shu hastily changed the subject. "Let’s just focus on our sibling reunion, no need to talk about anyone else."
"......" Zhuo Zi rolled her eyes and took the two jackets. As she turned, she bumped into Shi Tiwei, who was walking out of the classroom. She quickly called out to him, "Tiwei, I’ve got a jacket for you."
Shi Tiwei was overjoyed, quickly grabbing a jacket from Zhuo Zi's hands. He almost couldn't hold himself back from confessing right in front of Zhuo Shu.
"This other one… Ban Zhang!" Zhuo Zi called out to the passerby. "Thanks for helping me with the questions last time, this is for you."
Ban Zhang stood frozen in place, his hands dazedly gripping the unexpected gift, staring at the couple jacket in Shi Tiwei’s hands: "......"
Shi Tiwei’s face darkened. Why would I want to match with him?!
Zhuo Shu: "......"
Angered, Zhuo Shu remarked, "Look at her, all grown up with her own ideas now."
As the bell rang, students began heading back into their classroom. Just as Zhuo Shu reached the flowerbed, he bumped into Ying Tongchen, who was on his way to class. His eyes immediately fixed on him.
Ying Tongchen remained cool, not sparing a glance to the side.
Zhuo Shu opened his mouth, about to speak, when a set of keys was suddenly pressed into his hand.
Zhuo Shu smiled, holding the keys tightly as he quickly returned to Ying Tongchen's apartment.
…
As soon as Ying Tongchen finished class, he hurried home. He stood at the door and gave a soft knock. After a brief silence, the door slowly creaked open, revealing the dimly lit room within. The lights were off, casting everything in shadow.
He walked in silently, but before he could take another step, someone slammed him into the door, pressing him against it with a forceful push.
He tilted his head up, meeting the other’s eyes, and hooked his arm around his neck, expertly exchanging a kiss. "I have no classes tonight."
At the sound of his words, Zhuo Shu’s breath grew heavier. The two of them staggered toward the sofa, their bodies entangled in a haze of breath.
Suddenly, the sound of voices from outside pierced the quiet. Auntie Lin’s booming voice echoed through the door. "Oh? Mister Tei*, long time no see! Coming to visit Xiao Ying today?"
(TLN: The old man’s name is 劳司, which sounds similar to "teacher" in Chinese. Since side-character names aren't that important, I’ll follow the author's style and give him the English name “Tei Cher.” This way, there won’t be a bunch of unnecessary names you don’t need to remember.)
Both of them froze at the same time.
"Yeah, just happened to be passing by, thought I’d stop by for a visit," Tei Cher replied with a cheerful tone.
"The old man’s here," Ying Tongchen whispered in surprise, his voice barely audible.
"Lights are off, shh," Zhuo Shu murmured back, swiftly pulling the shirt tucked into his waistband and sliding his hand up against Ying Tongchen's back.
Instinctively, Ying Tongchen tilted his head back with a soft "mm".
Outside, "I was just thinking about how it's been such a long time since you’ve last visited. Have you been busy lately?" Auntie Lin asked.
"Getting by, about the same as before. Are you getting ready to dance again?" Tei Cher asked as he knocked on the door.
"Yes, there’s a new dance routine today so I’m heading out early to grab a good spot." Auntie Lin replied. "Is Xiao Ying not home yet?"
"Perhaps he’s probably still at school?" Tei Cher answered.
A warm sensation spread over Ying Tongchen’s neck, and he bit his lip, trying to stifle the sounds that threatened to escape. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
"If Xiao Ying isn’t home yet, you can go inside and wait. Don’t stand outside in the cold, don’t you have the key to his place?" Auntie Lin said.
Tei Cher: "Right, right."
Zhuo Shu froze, his body stiffening as he turned to listen to the sound of the key being inserted into the lock. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly rolled off the sofa, diving behind the backrest.
There was a loud thud as he hit the floor.
Ying Tongchen: "..."
Tei Cher paused for a moment, seemingly coming to a realization. He briefly coughed and withdrew the key, and said, "It's kind of boring being alone. Can I come to watch the dance?"
"That sounds great, let's go!"
Once their voices faded away, Ying Tongchen stood up and flicked on the light. He found Zhuo Shu lying peacefully on the floor, hands resting on his stomach, eyes staring vacantly at the ceiling.
Ying Tongchen chuckled softly, kicking his foot. "Get up."
"Don’t rush me." Zhuo Shu responded, still shaken. "If this keeps happening, I swear my junior will be forever traumatized."
“Who was the one that said younger men have the best stamina?” Ying Tongchen laughed, sitting down next to him. He gently moved, reaching over to pinch Zhuo Shu’s ear. "Hmm?"
Zhuo Shu’s eyes snapped open. "I’m good to go again!"
The two men then enjoyed a long meteor shower together, discussing the mysteries of the universe.
…
When Tei Cher knocked on the door again, it was Zhuo Shu who answered. “Good evening.”
Tei Cher sized him up, noting his flushed complexion and energetic demeanor. He grinned. "Ah, it’s you. When did you get here?"
“I just got here, you showed up right after,” Zhuo Shu said, welcoming him in with a sense of hospitality, and poured him a cup of tea.
Tei Cher took a slow sip and asked, “Where’s Tongchen?”
“He’s in the middle of grading papers,” Zhuo Shu answered, pointing towards the study. “He’s just too dedicated. I can’t even get him to go to bed.”
“I’m here.” Ying Tongchen’s face appeared from the study, his voice deep.
He rubbed his forehead in resignation and slowly made his way over to the couch, asking, "What brings you all the way here?"
Tei Cher set down his teacup, clenched his hands, and said in a thoughtful voice, “Well, I’m thinking of going on a trip. You know, retirement tourism is all the rage now. I want to travel abroad a bit.”
Ying Tongchen nodded in support. "Sounds good. How about we go together when the New Year's holiday rolls around?"
Zhuo Shu suddenly leaned in, ‘casually’ glancing at him.
“And you, too. Happy now?” Ying Tongchen said, amused.
"Now that’s more like it." Zhuo Shu’s eyes brightened. "Where do you want to go? I’ll get someone to arrange the itinerary."
“You two don’t have to come along,” Tei Cher waved his hand. “I want to go on my own and clear my head. Don’t want to interrupt your young folks’ plans. Actually... when I was in the hospital, I started thinking about what I’d regret if I suddenly... didn’t make it.”
“Stop talking like that,” Ying Tongchen interrupted with a frown.
“Birth, aging, illness, death—these are things we all have to face eventually. No need to tiptoe around it,” Tei Cher said with a smile, reassuring Zhuo Shu before patting Ying Tongchen’s hand resting on his knee. He let out a long sigh and said with quiet emotion, “I suppose I only have two regrets. I never had children of my own, but to have a student like you by my side in my old age… that’s more than I could’ve asked for. And now that you’re no longer alone, now that someone’s here to care for you, I figure it’s time I tend to my own unfinished business.”
Hearing this, Ying Tongchen’s expression softened. He gave a small nod. “Alright. I understand. Just be careful out there—and keep in touch.”
“Don’t worry, I might not be much of a traveler, but I’m no fool,” Tei Cher remarked with a proud smile. “Besides, after all these years of studying foreign languages, it’s about time they came in handy.”
…
After seeing Tei Cher off, Zhuo Shu, still puzzled, asked, “What business is he going off to deal with?”
Ying Tongchen sighed. “Probably to look for his lover. But with a world this big…the odds of finding him is slim.”
Zhuo Shu looked genuinely puzzled. “They lost contact?”
“Yeah,” Ying Tongchen nodded. “They haven’t been in touch for many years. Teacher stayed in the same place all that time, waiting—afraid that if he left, his lover wouldn’t be able to find him. But later… because of me, he had no choice but to leave it all behind. I’ve been asking friends overseas to keep an eye out, but there’s never been any news. I’m afraid—”
“Don’t worry, good things come to those who wait,” Zhuo Shu reassured him. “Our company handles international operations—maybe we can help with the search too. Tell me his name, and I’ll keep an eye out.”
Ying Tongchen paused for a moment, then said, “His name is Lae Leon.”
“Got it, I’ll remember that,” Zhuo Shu nodded, seeing the sadness in Ying Tongchen’s eyes. He took the latter’s hand gently, squeezed his fingers, and softly said, “Which is why we have to cherish the people in front of us—while we still can.”
Ying Tongchen met his gaze.
Zhuo Shu continued, "We have to cherish every single second we’re together. Hurry up—there’s still time to catch the rest of tonight’s meteor shower. I haven't even shown you the true might of a younger man yet."
"......" Ying Tongchen was dragged toward the bedroom, clearly alarmed. He quickly said, "I haven’t finished grading the assignments yet!"
“I’ll grade them for you later,” Zhuo Shu replied without missing a beat. “Come on, Mr. Ying!"
“A teacher of my age must be handled with care,” Ying Tongchen sighed softly.
"Indeed, shame your student’s hunger is tough to bear," Zhuo Shu said as he closed the door. "So, Teacher, you should exercise more, let's progress together and build a harmonious society."
"......"