That Nameless Summer Chapter 47

never again

Song Li broke away from Ling Qingye’s hand, turned around and walked towards the living room, his steps were a little panicky, and the redness on the tips of his ears had not faded away.

Ling Qingye followed behind, still holding the unwashed dishcloth in his hand, with some foam on his fingertips.He didn’t move closer, just leaned against the kitchen door frame and laughed. Watching Song Li fidgeting on the sofa, he picked up the phone and put it down again, and finally clicked on the live broadcast background.

“Not broadcasting today?” Ling Qingye asked.

Song Li didn’t even raise his head: “Enough was broadcast yesterday.” There were messages from fans on the screen, and he was still scanning the figures that flashed by during last night’s live broadcast, asking if anyone was accompanying him.He ran his fingertips across the screen, did not reply, and exited the background.

Ling Qingye walked over and sat down next to him, keeping half an arm’s length away.There was still last night’s e-sports magazine on the coffee table. He flipped through it casually, but his eyes always fell on Song Lifa.Song Li felt uncomfortable and moved to the side. The sofa cushions made a slight friction sound.

“Would you like to go for a walk?” Ling Qingye closed the book.

Song Li raised his eyebrows: “Where to go?”

“Old place.”

The two of them walked slowly along the roadside without driving.The autumn sun was just right, making it warm on my body, and the leaves were rustling in the wind.Passing by a convenience store, Ling Qingye went in and bought two bottles of ice cola, and handed one to Song Li, with drops of water dripping from the bottle.

Song Li took it, his fingertips felt cold, he opened it and took a sip.The bubbles exploded on the tip of his tongue, and it was sweet, just like the bottle Ling Qingye secretly gave him seven years ago.

“Remember the game arcade nearby?” Ling Qingye said suddenly.

Song Li paused and looked up.The old game arcade at the entrance of the alley is still there, its sign has faded, and new game posters are pasted on the glass door.When he was a child, he always dragged Ling Qingye here. When he lost in the King of Fighters, he would cheat and steal Ling Qingye’s Coke.

“I forgot a long time ago.” He said harshly, but his steps deviated towards the entrance of the alley.

Ling Qingye didn’t expose it and followed him in.There were not many people inside, mostly young people, and the sound of rockers and buttons being clicked came and went.Song Li went straight to the King of Fighters machine, put in the coins, and tapped the joystick with his fingers, his movements familiar.

“Let’s play a game?” He looked up at Ling Qingye.

Ling Qingye smiled and picked up another joystick.

Song Li lost the first game. He clicked his tongue, but with a smile in his eyes, he moved his fingers faster.Ling Qingye deliberately let him play two games. Song Li noticed it and glared at him: “Be serious.”

“Okay.” Ling Qingye responded and KOed Song Li’s character in the next second.

Song Li patted the machine, a little annoyed, but turned around and caught Ling Qingye’s gaze.The other person’s eyes were full of smiles, warm and dazzling than the lights in the hall.He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly turned away, picked up the Coke and took a swig.

Ling Qingye looked at the red tips of his ears, said nothing, and just put in the coin again.

The two stayed in the game room all afternoon, until the setting sun slanted into the window, stretching the shadows very long.Song Li won the last round and raised his eyebrows proudly, like a young man who had won a battle.Ling Qingye looked at him and suddenly stretched out his hand to brush away the broken hair on his forehead.

Song Li’s movements paused, his body stiffened, and he did not hide.The fingertips felt warm, slightly rough and calloused, and it was a little itchy when they crossed the skin.

When I walked out of the game room, it was already dark.The evening breeze was chilly, so Song Li wrapped up his coat. Ling Qingye walked to his side naturally and blocked some of the wind for him.

“Go get something to eat?” Ling Qingye asked.

Song Li nodded and followed him into a small noodle shop.It’s still the same restaurant we often came to seven years ago. The boss still remembers them and asked with a smile: “Or two bowls of beef noodles, less spicy and more coriander?”

“Yes.” Ling Qingye responded, pulling out the chair for Song Li to sit down.

The noodles arrived, steaming hot.Song Li lowered his head to eat the noodles. The soup was so spicy that it made his stomach feel hot.After taking a few bites, he looked up and saw Ling Qingye giving him the beef in his bowl, his movements as natural as if he had done it a thousand times.

“I have it myself,” he said without moving the bowl.

Ling Qingye smiled, said nothing, and continued eating noodles.

When I walked out of the noodle shop, the street lights were already on.The two of them walked back, their pace slowing down a bit.Passing by an old locust tree, with lush branches and leaves, its shadows fell on the ground, mottled and intertwined.Seven years ago, he used to hide here to smoke, share secretly hidden snacks, and talk about the far-fetched future.

Song Li stopped and looked up at the tree crown.

Ling Qingye also stopped and stood beside him.

“You said back then that you would play in all the games.” Ling Qingye’s voice was very soft, “Now you have done it.”

Song Li turned to look at him, and the light from the street lamp fell on his face, softening the outline.He pursed his lips and said nothing, but his heart was a little sour.He left in a hurry back then, without even saying goodbye. Those unsaid words, I didn’t expect to hear him mention them again seven years later.

“Ling Qingye.” Song Li suddenly spoke.

“Huh?”

“Don’t find me again.”

Ling Qingye’s eyes brightened and he reached out to hold his hand.Song Li’s hands were slightly cold, and his fingertips were a little stiff, but he didn’t pull away.The two of them held their hands together under the street lamp, and warmth spread in their palms.

“Not anymore.” Ling Qingye’s voice was firm, “Never again.”