Chapter 40: Exclusive to Jinjiang 

That night, Song Fuzhi had a dream about a certain evening in high school.

He returned to his youth, wearing the high school uniform that had not been taken off, sitting at a neat desk with a drawer half-open and an open comic book inside.

Song Fuzhi immersed himself in reading with relish.

Suddenly, a series of footsteps came from outside. Song Fuzhi quickly closed the drawer, subconsciously straightened his back, and picked up a pen as if doing homework seriously.

However, the room remained quiet. His parents did not return home; it was just the neighbor aunt who had returned.

It turned out to be a false alarm.

Song Fuzhi casually solved a few problems; his face was calm, but his heart was already eagerly looking forward to it.

Ten minutes later, he opened the drawer again and started reading the comic.

This was the first comic book he bought with his saved pocket money.

Since the day he accidentally peeked at a comic book in his mother’s office, he couldn’t stop. Finally, on the way home that day, he sneaked into a small bookstore, pretending to be calm, and bought a book.

Although his father was on duty at the hospital and his mother was teaching at school, there was no one else at home, but Song Fuzhi was still used to reading secretly.

At this time, Song Fuzhi’s family still lived in a small town.

Not as bustling as a big city, they lived in a traditional building without an elevator. The neighbors in the building almost all knew each other.

Song Fuzhi was reading with great interest, but suddenly, a man’s angry shout came from downstairs: “If you dare to go out dressed like this, don’t come back!”

Followed by the crisp voice of a girl, “Fine, I won’t come back!”

It was Apei, living on the first floor, attending the same high school as Song Fuzhi, a year older than him.

Song Fuzhi looked down through the adjacent window. Apei wore a tank top on her upper body, revealing two fair arms, and a pair of jeans on the bottom, which was a normal outfit.

There were several of her friends around, probably planning to go out together, all wearing short sleeves and skirts suitable for summer.

Apei’s father was shirtless, holding a broom with frayed ends, chasing fiercely after his daughter, “Dressing like this and still going out to play! You crazy girls!”

The girl had her hands on her hips, pointing at her father. “You can go around naked; what’s wrong with me showing a shoulder? Is it against the law?”

“A grown man is afraid of what. You few girls dressing like this, don’t even feel ashamed!”

The man wanted to catch up with the broom, and the girls turned and ran. The neighbors who passed by grabbed the man and stopped him, advising him to talk nicely. Don’t resort to violence; she’s your own daughter.

Song Fuzhi sighed softly. Apei’s relationship with her parents was not good; everyone in the building knew it.

This girl had a strong personality, and her parents had hot tempers. The conflicting opinions often led to arguments heard on the first floor.

Some neighbors said to Apei, “Apei, you should take care of yourself. It’s not good for a girl to dress like this, showing this and that. It’s not appropriate. Apologize to your dad, change your clothes, and then go out.”

Apei pulled her friend aside and said, “I won’t. I want to dress like this; there’s no problem.”

Perhaps because he lost his face in front of outsiders, the man was immediately furious and cursed several offensive and derogatory terms.

Song Fuzhi frowned upon hearing them.

These words carried a heavy insult to girls, and a father using such words to curse his own daughter was simply outrageous.

Apei’s friends seemed angry too, and they wanted to retaliate with verbal abuse.

Song Fuzhi was also angry, clenching his fists in his heart.

The onlookers first advised the man not to say angry words, then turned to advise Apei, saying that her father was about to lose his mind, and, being a young girl, couldn’t she just wear a jacket before going out?

Song Fuzhi silently hoped that Apei wouldn’t compromise because, in his view, Apei hadn’t done anything wrong.

Apei smiled at her father and said, “You should first sort yourself out.”

Then she raised her head, held hands with her friends, and walked away without looking back.

In the depths of his heart, Song Fuzhi shouted, “Well done.” Although it seemed satisfying to watch, he knew that in the face of the disapproval and discipline of so many adults, sticking to oneself and expressing oneself was a difficult thing.

Song Fuzhi rested his chin on his hand, thinking that if he were Apei, he would definitely not confront his parents. He would probably be like he is now, wearing his school uniform obediently every day.

Lost in thought, he heard a clear sound of an unlocking not far away.

Song Fuzhi was startled, looking at the manga book spread out in his hand. A cold sweat broke out as he hastily closed the drawer.

Fortunately, his mom didn’t enter the room, didn’t notice anything, and just said from a distance, “I’m back.”

Song Fuzhi breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the still-lingering pedestrians downstairs and the backs of the girls who had already left, feeling that they were dazzling, possessing a courage he could never have in his lifetime.

As the sunlight grew stronger, Song Fuzhi opened his eyes and saw a plastic yellow duck.

He blinked and remembered that it was the little thing Shi Zhang had placed on his bedside last night.

And Shi Zhang’s last words whispered in his ear—

“I hope Fuzhi lives freely and contentedly.”

—

Since the last evening of self-study, the students in the class have become very well-behaved, at least in front of Song Fuzhi, and extremely disciplined during class and self-study. Song Fuzhi had a relatively peaceful time.

During lunch break, some kids were napping, and others were quietly studying in the classroom. Song Fuzhi wandered outside the classroom for a couple of rounds; seeing them all behaving well, he decided to go back to the office to rest.

Returning to the office, Song Fuzhi noticed a long string of messages on his phone. Only one person could send him such a flood of messages at once—Luo Luli.

“Sis is back!”
“Did little Songzi miss me during my absence?”
“Oh my god, I met so many friends on my way, and I even received postcards from them after returning home.”
“The Yarlung Zangbo River is so beautiful, you must go there at least once in your life!”
“Sob, you won’t forget me, right?”
– “Fine.”

Luo Luli is truly an interesting person.

A few days ago, Song Fuzhi couldn’t contact her no matter what, thinking she was still struggling with her project. Later, he got worried and sent her a message every few days to check on her safety.

After a few days, Song Fuzhi received a message from Luo Luli, saying that she took a long vacation, packed her bags, brought her camera, and went to Tibet alone.

She couldn’t be reached because some places had no signal, and she didn’t bother turning on her phone.

Luo Luli went on this trip for no particular reason. Work and life were a bit exhausting, so after finishing the project, she directly escaped from the hustle and bustle.

Song Fuzhi replied to her: “At school.”

Luo Luli asked, “Lunch break?”

Song Fuzhi: “Yes, free.”

Luo Luli was waiting for these two words. She immediately sent Song Fuzhi a dozen photos, each with a long bragging caption.

“You see, I captured this and that in wherever; it’s so wonderful, so beautiful. The photos can’t capture even one percent of the beauty at that moment.”

She was very talkative, but Song Fuzhi always enjoyed chatting with her.

Luo Luli probably lived the kind of life Song Fuzhi yearned for—carefree and lighthearted.

While Song Fuzhi was still admiring the beautiful pictures she took, Luo Luli changed the topic and asked, “I haven’t heard any gossip about you during this time. How are you and your newlywed husband? You must be an old married couple by now.”

This was followed by an eavesdropping emoji.

Song Fuzhi smiled and replied, “Still pretty new.”

Luo Luli: “Oh, what does that mean? The honeymoon phase isn’t over yet?”

Luo Luli: “Are you saying you two are passionately in love, finding it hard to part?”

That’s her style, always bringing up suggestive topics within three sentences.

Song Fuzhi: “Not that exaggerated.”

Luo Luli instantly laughed: “Not ‘that’ exaggerated means it’s quite exaggerated, right?”

Song Fuzhi: “Everything is normal for now.”

Luo Luli: “Don’t give me these boring answers. Tell me honestly, how’s Professor Shi?”

Song Fuzhi lowered his eyes and typed one by one: “He’s really good. He’s a very gentle person who understands me well and encourages me.”

Luo Luli: “Tsk, tsk.”

Actually, Song Fuzhi rarely praised people so directly. Luo Luli was worried before about their sudden marriage, thinking they might not get along, but now it seems they are doing well.

Luo Luli: “I got it; Professor is a good person.”

Luo Luli: “Now, spill some juicy details!”

Song Fuzhi: “What details?”

Luo Luli: “Come on, we’ve been married for so long. Is there anything we can’t talk about, Professor Song?”

Luo Luli: “Don’t tell me, you two haven’t even held hands yet.”

It would be too insincere to keep pretending. Song Fuzhi’s lips curled slightly, actually feeling a bit inclined to share a little.

Song Fuzhi scrolled up their chat history with Luo Luli, finding the day he first met Shi Zhang through a blind date.

That day, he and Shi Zhang had dinner at a high-end restaurant in Jiangnan. Luo Luli messaged him about the progress.

She asked, “This male guest, how many abdominal muscles, how many mermaid lines, how many centimeters?”

At that time, Song Fuzhi replied with a “ridiculous.”

But now, Song Fuzhi pulled out this question again and, after several months, replied to it.

— 6, 2, I can’t say.

Luo Luli stayed silent for several seconds, apparently trying to locate which day this record was from.

After a while, Luo Luli sent a string of “hahaha.”

Luo Luli: Is it so explosive? My, my.

Luo Luli: I envy you! Flash marriage to such a handsome guy!

Luo Luli: Wait a minute, why can’t you say? Is it too good or too bad? This is important.

Song Fuzhi didn’t know what came to his mind, and in the quiet office, he blushed a bit.

This “can’t say,” of course, couldn’t be said.

Luo Luli: Playing dead, huh?

Luo Luli: Then I’ll change the question. Compared to the “Dark Dragon,” how does Professor Shi rank?

At the sight of these words, Song Fuzhi almost sprayed water.

This woman actually had the nerve to bring it up!

The Dark Dragon was a birthday gift Luo Luli gave him the previous year. She named it herself because it had a robust and terrifying appearance.

Luo Luli originally picked out toys for herself, but when she saw this one, she thought it was too exaggerated and amusing, so she bought one for Song Fuzhi.

At that time, they were already good friends who could share and exchange toys, so giving him this gift was only natural.

Although, when he received the gift, Song Fuzhi’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.

Later, Song Fuzhi did try it once, and he could only say the experience was quite average. Often, these frightening-looking things weren’t comfortable.

Naturally, the night in the bathroom instantly occupied Song Fuzhi’s mind.

Song Fuzhi was grateful that Professor Shi was a true gentleman. The entire time, his actions weren’t too intense. He held onto Song Fuzhi’s waist, kissed his ear, and even took care to assist him, keeping both hands busy.

Thanks to the professor’s gentlemanly conduct, if he had been more careless, Song Fuzhi wouldn’t know if he could have endured it.

Thinking about these things in the classroom office was taboo. Song Fuzhi’s rapidly beating heart forced him to stop thinking and take two deep breaths.

Biting his lower lip, Song Fuzhi silently replied, “They’re incomparable!”

Luo Luli didn’t ask any more questions; he just sent back a bunch of hahas.

After chatting for a while, Song Fuzhi sat up straight, thought for a moment, and still typed out a sentence.

Luo Luli, have you ever played cosplay?

Luo Luli: I played before in college; I even played the female lead in a cosplay stage play!

Luo Luli: Why the sudden question?

Luo Luli: OMG, don’t tell me, serious, Professor Song wants to play cosplay!

Song Fuzhi: No, I was just asking casually.

Luo Luli: Don’t be shy! If you want to play, I can guide you! I haven’t cosplayed in a long time; I kind of miss it.

Song Fuzhi: What do you need for cosplay?

Luo Luli: You mean makeup, clothes, and stuff?

Song Fuzhi: Yes, exactly.

Luo Luli was a prominent figure in the anime club back then. Although it had been a while since she cosplayed, the necessary items and basic procedures were engraved in her DNA.

She briefly explained to Song Fuzhi everything from makeup, colored contacts, wigs, and clothes (which were only a small part of what you wear) to props, sets, and photography. When it came to those details, it would take hours to cover them all.

Song Fuzhi asked, “So, what is the most essential?”

Luo Luli said, “Makeup and clothes! You can rent or buy second-hand clothes from others. As for makeup, I can let you use mine, haha. Of course, if you want to buy, you can start with the basics.”

Luo Luli: A coser’s collection of makeup is beyond your imagination! (Raises eyebrows)

Song Fuzhi smiled and replied, “Thanks, Teacher Luli.”

Luo Luli still asked, “Is it true? Getting married made Old Song here ten years younger at least. Do you really want to try?”

Song Fuzhi: I’ll look into it first.

—

Since finishing the comic convention and announcing his withdrawal from the community, Shi Zhang has significantly reduced his activity on Weibo and QQ.

There were still many fans mentioning him on Weibo, commenting on his previous photos, crying, and saying it’s heartbreaking that the teacher left the community.

Actually, Shi Zhang himself felt uncomfortable seeing these messages. Giving up a hobby of over ten years, saying it’s easy to let go, and claiming not to be nostalgic would be false.

But he also knew that in different stages of life, there would be different lifestyles. He was satisfied with both stages and had nothing to regret.

One day, Shi Zhang received a QQ message reminder from a group chat of the previous comic convention guests.

Shi Zhang had never spoken in the group, firstly because he had no time, and secondly, the messages in the group were too fast, and he couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

The group consisted of lively and cute young people, including cosers, artists, writers, and dancers, all of whom were guests at the comic convention hosted by Zhong Ziyan.

After the convention, the group transformed from a notification group into a chatting group, becoming lively every day.

On this day, there was a message reminder in the group because someone had mentioned everyone.

Shi Zhang clicked in and found that the artist Dan had posted a wedding invitation he drew, with his and another cosplayer named Hu Ya’s names on it.

The group’s friends replied rapidly, showering them with blessings.

Shi Zhang had a deep impression of them. Before the comic convention, they were a highly anticipated CP. During the convention, they were quite intimate, and they went public afterward.

Fans went crazy for a while; they really made it happen!

Unexpectedly, they got married so quickly. They were efficient, and the invitation card was beautiful, showing that they were deeply in love. Every detail revealed thoughtfulness.

Meeting a soulmate early in life and being able to firmly hold hands for a lifetime is truly a fortunate thing.

Shi Zhang genuinely felt happy for them and broke his silence in the group.

A simple sentence: “Happy wedding, grow old together.”

The group’s messages paused for a moment, then exploded like a bomb.

Everyone was shouting: Ahh, it’s Teacher Octopus, the living Teacher Octopus! Senior!!

full screen of exclamation marks, Shi Zhang’s eyes were almost blurred.

One of the grooms, cosplayer Hu Ya, was also very excited and jumped out to say several times, “Thank you, Teacher Octopus.”

He also said, “Also wishing Teacher Octupos a happy marriage! May you and your loved one be happy forever!”

With Hu Ya’s words, the content in the group changed again, and everyone started to bless Teacher Octopus. The atmosphere in the group became joyful and happy.

Shi Zhang enjoyed reading these words. After everyone said enough, he replied in a low-key manner, “Thank you all, and I also wish everyone happiness.”

After saying that, he disappeared.

Dan and Hu Ya held their wedding in Shenzhen, too far away for Shi Zhang to attend, and it wasn’t convenient either.

Seeing that many people in the group had signed up, he thought that since he couldn’t go, he would send a gift.

—

In the evening, when Song Fuzhi returned home, he saw Shi Zhang sitting in the study.

Surprisingly, Professor Shi’s computer wasn’t displaying a research paper or an experimental report, but the official English website of an international high-end cosmetics brand.

“Looking at cosmetics?” Song Fuzhi was a bit surprised.

It didn’t seem like something Shi Zhang would browse.

Shi Zhang nodded and said, “A friend I know is getting married, but I can’t attend their wedding. I’m choosing a wedding gift for them and planning to send it over.”

“Sending cosmetics for a wedding?”

In Song Fuzhi’s impression, weddings were usually associated with red envelopes, alcohol, and tableware.

Shi Zhang said, “Because one of the newlyweds often uses cosmetics, I thought of sending something practical.”

“One of them.” Song Fuzhi smiled. “What about the other one?”

Shi Zhang pulled up another webpage: “The other one likes painting, so I’m planning to get him a set of paints.”

Looking at it from behind Shi Zhang, Song Fuzhi thought it was a good idea. They were sending things that the couple could use in their daily lives—nothing wasted, very appropriate.

Shi Zhang asked for Song Fuzhi’s opinion: “Take a look; which set of paints is better?”

Song Fuzhi didn’t really understand, but he helped check review posts and then chose a more expensive set based on a combination of reviews and price.

Shi Zhang smiled. “Okay, I’ll go with your choice.”

Song Fuzhi suggested, “How about considering the paints as my contribution? Your friend is my friend; shall we send it together?”

This expression of family unity warmed Shi Zhang’s heart, and he agreed with a smile.

Seeing Shi Zhang switch back to the cosmetics page, Song Fuzhi waved his hand and said, “I really don’t know how to choose this. I haven’t looked into it.”

Shi Zhang said, “No problem,” and added, “I’ll do the choosing.”

As Song Fuzhi watched Shi Zhang pick out the gifts, he suddenly realized that Professor Shi also had friends like this.

one who liked painting, and one who often used cosmetics.

Song Fuzhi suddenly remembered what Luo Luli had described to him—cosplayers having a complete collection of cosmetic equipment.

But then he thought again: Many people nowadays know how to use makeup, both boys and girls. Sending a set of cosmetics was quite normal.