June arrived, bringing warmth to the air. Cicadas buzzed noisily, and the phoenix trees along the school paths stretched out their branches and leaves, radiating vitality in a sea of green. Without realizing it, Jiang Rong had been at this school for almost a year. The two of them worked on problems together every day. Though they worked on different questions, whenever Xu Si saw Jiang Rong, he felt this life was fulfilling and wonderful.
June 17th, a Friday.
“Little Teacher, I’ve finished the problems.”
Jiang Rong checked the time – it was already 11 PM. She asked him: “Have you washed up?”
“Yes, I have something to do. Let’s say goodnight early today, Little Teacher.”
“Okay, goodnight.”
Jiang Rong ended the video call.
Near midnight, Jiang Rong felt sleepy. After washing up and coming out of the bathroom, she took out her medicine from the drawer. She poured it into her palm, put it in her mouth, and swallowed it with warm water. She drank a few more sips to make sure it went down completely.
She heard her phone buzz several times. It was already 11:58 PM.
Jiang Rong saw Xu Si’s message.
[Somewhat Cute Classmate Xu]: Little Teacher, are you going to sleep? [Jiang Rong]: I’m a bit sleepy. [Somewhat Cute Classmate Xu]: Look downstairs, Little Teacher.
Jiang Rong pulled back the curtains and saw the young man downstairs, wearing a beige short-sleeve shirt, hands behind his back.
At exactly midnight.
The young man brought out a small cake from behind him, with a single candle on top. She couldn’t hear what he said, but from his lips she could tell he was saying: Happy Birthday.
Xu Si’s voice call came through. Jiang Rong put the phone to her ear and heard his smiling voice: “Happy birthday, Little Teacher.”
Jiang Rong threw on a jacket and went downstairs.
“Eh? Little Teacher? Why do I hear elevator sounds?”
Just as Xu Si finished speaking, he saw Jiang Rong running toward him.
He held out the cake: “Happy birthday, Little Teacher.”
She had never imagined someone would ride a motorcycle late at night just to wish her happy birthday.
“I’m so happy, Xu Si.”
After speaking, she noticed he was only wearing a short-sleeve shirt: “Aren’t you cold?”
Though it was June, the temperature dropped at night and there was still a chill in the air.
Xu Si shook his head: “I’m not cold, Little Teacher.”
Jiang Rong wanted to give him her jacket but realized it would be too small for him. She said softly: “Wear more clothes next time you come out.”
Xu Si looked at her, his eyes full of tenderness: “Okay. Go back up now, Little Teacher. I’ll give you your present tomorrow.”
He hadn’t expected Jiang Rong to come down – he just wanted to wish her happy birthday, so he hadn’t brought the gift.
“Okay.”
Back upstairs, Jiang Rong saw many messages.
[Ah Xu]: Happy 17th birthday to my little one!! [Ah Xu] transferred 521. [Ah Xu]: I’ll give you your birthday present tomorrow, little one. Go to bed early!
Jiang Rong’s eyes curved into crescents seeing her messages.
[Jiang Rong]: Thank you Ah Xu, you sleep early too. [Ah Xu]: Birthday red packet! You must accept it! Accept it and go to sleep.
Jiang Rong accepted the transfer and exchanged a few more words. Exiting their chat, she discovered Xu Si had sent her many red packets – a string of over ten, from age one to seventeen. Plus two more transfers of 220 and 284. Jiang Rong didn’t know what these numbers meant.
[Somewhat Cute Classmate Xu]: Little Teacher, happy birthday!! [Jiang Rong]: Today was really happy.
Luo Xing sent birthday wishes right at midnight. Hao Ming and Yang Shikun also sent birthday greetings at midnight. And Liu Ma and Shen Mo.
That night, Jiang Rong received many people’s blessings, except from Tian Ling and Jiang Zhien. She checked WeChat again to be sure. She exited that chat – there probably wouldn’t be any messages.
It was normal they didn’t remember. After all, they had never been present for a single birthday. Each time, only after Liu Ma reminded them would they send a transfer and a cold “happy birthday.”
Jiang Rong saw Xu Si’s message again, asking her to accept the red packets. Whether or not she had their wishes didn’t matter anymore.
The next morning.
Just as Jiang Rong left her room, she heard Tian Ling: “Should we make noodles for breakfast?”
“It’s Rong Rong’s birthday. Let’s make her longevity noodles.”
Tian Ling looked embarrassed, checking her phone – today was the 14th of the fifth lunar month, Jiang Rong’s birthday. She had forgotten to check the date.
Jiang Rong heard every word of their conversation. She walked out calmly and went to wash up in the bathroom.
She didn’t believe that something you truly cared about could be forgotten. If you forgot, it meant you didn’t care, hadn’t taken it to heart.
From her childhood expectations to repeatedly having those hopes dashed. She had long since given up hope.
Each time facing an empty table, only Liu Ma holding a cake and singing happy birthday. Later, it was Liu Ma and Jiang Zhixu singing together.
She was no longer that little child hoping her parents would come back for her birthday. She was content with how things were, no longer expecting anything that had disappointed her before.
How could someone who disappointed you only do it once?
Without expectations, there would be no regret or disappointment.
Coming out of the bathroom, she heard Tian Ling: “Rong Rong, accept the transfer later. Mom forgot to check the date. Happy birthday, baby.”
Jiang Rong replied: “Okay.”
She sat at the table. Liu Ma brought over the longevity noodles topped with two fried eggs.
Tian Ling sat across from her, trying to make conversation: “Rong Rong, come home for lunch. Let Dad and Mom take you out to eat. We’ve been too busy before and never properly celebrated your birthday.”
Jiang Rong’s chopsticks paused. She lowered her eyes, emotions unclear: “No need. I’ll celebrate with my classmates.”
“Evening works too. We can take you out in the evening.”
Jiang Rong poked at the egg in her bowl: “That works too.”
As soon as Jiang Rong entered class that morning, many classmates rushed out saying: “Surprise! Happy birthday, Student Jiang!”
She was stunned for several seconds before reacting, her first instinct to look back at Yang Shikun. Meeting her expression, Yang Shikun guiltily looked away.
Jiang Rong’s ears turned slightly red as she softly said: “Thank you!”
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