That Nameless Summer Chapter 6

The bell signaling the end of the monthly exam sounded like a clarion call for liberation. Song Li tossed his pen aside and slumped onto his desk with a long sigh of relief, his cheek pressing against his workbook until the paper creased. The sky outside had cleared up for once, and the warm sunlight sliced through the glass at an angle, casting bright spots of light on the corner of the desk. Even the chalk dust floating in the air was clearly visible.

Li-zi, I bet you five bucks you’re going to fail math again. Liu Qiuhao leaned over and nudged his shoulder with an elbow.

Song Li didn’t look up, muttering a vague curse. Screw off. I guessed three of the multiple-choice questions right this time. I’m safe.

Keep dreaming. Liu Qiuhao laughed and turned around, only to be stopped by Xu Jiangyou in the front row.

Xu Jiangyou was applying lip balm in front of a mirror. The pink paste spread a glossy layer over her lips. Seeing Liu Qiuhao, she tilted her chin. Seen Qin Jiangwen? He was just here.

He went to the office. Mr. Guo called him to help grade papers. Liu Qiuhao pointed toward the hallway. I’m telling you two, you’ve practically written ‘mutual crush’ all over your faces. Can you guys just get a move on already?

Xu Jiangyou’s face flushed red instantly, and she shot him a glare. None of your business! Watch out, or I’ll tell the Boss you copied homework.

The Boss was the nickname for their chemistry teacher, who was notoriously strict.

Liu Qiuhao immediately raised his hands in surrender and scurried back to his seat.

Song Li chuckled at the exchange. When he looked up, his eyes met Ling Qingye’s. The boy had just finished the last problem; his pen tip paused on the paper before he deftly twirled the black gel pen between his fingers. The movement was fluid and graceful. Sunlight caught on his eyelashes, casting fine shadows that seemed to soften his gaze.

What are you laughing at? Ling Qingye asked. His voice was clear and cool, like icy spring water dripping onto stone.

Song Li was about to respond when he noticed a piece of candy fall out of Ling Qingye’s desk drawer. It was orange-flavored, the same brand he usually ate. He leaned down to pick it up and handed it over. Your candy dropped.

Ling Qingye took the candy, his fingertips brushing against Song Li’s palm with a faint chill. It’s not mine, he said.

Oh? Then whose is it? Song Li asked curiously.

You left it at my house last time. Ling Qingye placed the candy on the desk. You forgot to take it.

Song Li’s face suddenly felt a bit hot. He remembered that night at Ling Qingye’s place; he had indeed casually left the candy from his pocket on the coffee table. He hadn’t expected Ling Qingye to remember, let alone bring it back.

Oh, thanks. He took the candy, peeled the wrapper, and popped it into his mouth. The orange sweetness instantly spread across his tongue. It was almost cloyingly sweet, yet it somehow made his mood brighten.

Is it good? Ling Qingye suddenly asked.

It’s alright, Song Li mumbled, his cheeks feeling a bit warm.

The break passed quickly. When the bell rang for class, Song Li was still savoring the sweetness in his mouth. This period was physics. The teacher was lecturing at the podium with spit flying everywhere. Song Li felt drowsy and couldn’t help but glance over at Ling Qingye.

Ling Qingye was listening intently, his pen flying across his notebook in handwriting so neat it looked printed. Sunlight hit his profile, outlining a sharp jawline and the exposed stretch of his neck, making him look exceptionally handsome.

Song Li was dazed for a moment until the teacher’s voice rang out: Song Li, come explain the force analysis for this problem.

Song Li snapped back to reality and stood up, his mind a complete blank. He stared at the physics problem on the blackboard, having no idea what the teacher had been talking about.

Tsk. He instinctively frowned. Just as he was about to make up an answer, he heard Ling Qingye’s voice from beside him. It was very low, but clear enough: Horizontal to the left; friction is balanced with the pulling force.

Song Li repeated the words exactly.

The physics teacher nodded. Sit down. Pay attention in class.

Song Li sat back down, feeling a sense of relief. He turned to Ling Qingye and whispered, Thanks.

Ling Qingye didn’t look at him, but the corner of his mouth quirked up almost imperceptibly. Pay attention next time.

I know, I know. Song Li waved him off, but he felt a bit of sweetness in his heart. He realized that with Ling Qingye by his side, things didn’t seem so hard to endure.

After the afternoon classes ended, Xu Jiangyou dragged Song Li to the sports field to watch Qin Jiangwen play basketball. Qin Jiangwen usually looked refined and scholarly, but he was surprisingly good at sports. His dribbling, passing, and shooting were all fluid and impressive.

Xu Jiangyou stood by the edge of the field, her eyes sparkling as she watched him. She held a bottle of mineral water, unable to hide the smile on her face.

Look at you, acting like a total fangirl, Song Li teased.

Mind your own business, Xu Jiangyou shot back with a glare. When he comes off the court, I’m going to give him this water.

Go for it, don’t chicken out. Song Li gave her a nudge.

Xu Jiangyou took a deep breath and walked quickly toward Qin Jiangwen with the water. Qin Jiangwen had just finished playing and was drenched in sweat. When he saw Xu Jiangyou approaching, his eyes lit up. He took the water and said thanks, his ears turning red instantly.

Song Li laughed as he watched their interaction. He turned and saw Ling Qingye standing under the shade of a tree not far away, holding a book and reading quietly. The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, dappling him in light like a serene painting.

Song Li walked over and stopped beside him. Why aren’t you playing?

Not interested. Ling Qingye looked up, his gaze landing on him. And you? Done watching them?

It’s boring. Song Li shrugged.

The corner of Ling Qingye’s mouth curved into a very faint smile. Then should I solve some problems for you to watch?

Song Li’s heart skipped a beat for some reason, and his cheeks felt a bit hot. Forget it, I wouldn’t understand them anyway.

The two of them stood in the shade, quietly watching the people come and go on the sports field. A gentle breeze blew past, carrying the scent of green grass and a faint hint of orange—the taste of the candy in Song Li’s mouth.

Ling Qingye, Song Li suddenly spoke up. What do you think will happen to us in the future?

Ling Qingye’s gaze lingered on his face for a few seconds. His voice was very soft. I don’t know.

Fair enough. Song Li smiled. But things seem pretty good the way they are now.

Ling Qingye didn’t say anything. He just turned to look at him, a hint of gentle warmth in his eyes, like a spring breeze rippling across a lake.

The setting sun stretched their shadows long, pulling them close together as if they would never be parted.

Looking at Ling Qingye beside him, Song Li felt a sudden surge of inexplicable emotion. He thought that perhaps some things didn’t need a deliberate answer.

And those secrets hidden deep in the heart were just like that orange candy—cloyingly sweet, yet impossible not to savor.