A kid's play (Teach me how to live again) - Hualian AU + TGCF as kids

Flipping calendar pages

***

The kids were playing games, always going back and forth over that fine line between total chaos and just excitement. While it was still okay, teacher and assistant sat side by side to catch their breaths.

Actually, Xie Lian couldn't hold it any longer. "San Lang, I want to say something, and please tell me if I'm wrong, even if it's madness, okay?"

Hua Cheng didn't look at the teacher but replied, "I'm not sure how well I can stick to this promise, but sure, Gege. What is it?"

Xie Lian started saying, "well, it's just... don't you also think that, if the director disapproved so much of me, or if the parents' complaints were so hurtful for the school image, as Kemo told me again yesterday, wouldn't the director himself have called out me or you already?"

With a relieved sigh, Hua Cheng smiled, "Yes, I hold my promise true. For sure. I think there is nothing to worry about. This Kemo guy..."

"...is great at his job, right, San Lang?" Xie Lian suddenly interrupted and laughed awkwardly. "Good morning, sir."

Kemo had the same everyday-creased-brow-no-sympathy look. "Good morning, Mr. Hua. I advise you watch your words carefully."

Hua Cheng bowed slightly. "My words would never be any different than what teacher Xie said, sir."

Kemo was about to ask something but he got porridge splashed on his suit by Qi Rong, who started a war with Lang Qianqiu, swords at hand and all. As Kemo left, Hua Cheng smiled to Qianqiu before taking his sword away. That was the first time Qianqiu ever saw Hua Cheng smiling. The boy thought it so terrifying that he cried.

***

The steam was fogging the mirror as Xie Lian washed over the now yellowish-green stains over his ribs. It was almost healed and he didn't feel pain anymore.

Hectic images from the days passing by flew inside his mind along with the water running through his hair. Pei Su giving Banyue a hug. Feng Xin and Mu Qing helping each other escape through the window. The sunset at the lake. Two ducks swimming close together. San Lang laughing after tripping on a rock around the lake. A couple holding hands, looking at each other, chatting. At that moment, they seemed careless, organically happy together.

It was inevitable to compare it to his own latest relationship, and it couldn't have been more different. After all, he was usually alone. Why did he put up with it for that long?

Well, not worth anymore pursuing that train of thought. He wiped a space on the mirror and looked at himself. Better to think ahead, he thought. What would he want for his next relationship? He wished he knew.

Touching the back of his hand absentmindedly, he went to bed.

***

"Mr. Xie, do you have a moment? Someone's at reception for you."

Teacher Xie Lian looked up from Mu Qing's side, where he was helping the kid to improve his calligraphy, and said "San Lang, could I ask you to watch..."

"Of course, Gege."

As Xie Lian left, Qi Rong stood up too. Hua Cheng told him to sit down.

"But Jun Wu said I could..." Qi Rong started justifying.

"Jun Wu doesn't know anything," Hua Cheng replied staring at Jun Wu, who frowned.

Hua Cheng came closer to Mu Qing, who eagerly declared, "I know how to do it! I don't want Assistant Hua to help! Go away!"

The assistant eyed him intently making the kid quiet, then started to walk around the class. The children were practicing how to write their names. Hua Cheng noticed Xuan Ji watching him. He came closer to her and looked down, asking, "what is the problem?"