When He Comes, Close Your Eyes [Ding Mo]

15

Winter makes way for spring.  

The trees that lost their leaves over winter are starting to grow new leaves again.   These Ginkgo trees line either side of the road leading to the university dormitory block for the girls.  Underneath the trees, students are standing in groups, catching up with one another about what happened during the holidays.  There are also couples in the more secluded spots, cuddling and displaying their affection for each other. After, the romantic spring season has arrived. 

Jian Yao’s roommates have not returned to the campus, so she has the room all to herself.  She spends her day reading, surfing the net and recording the details of working with Bo Jinyan on a journal. It was a one in a lifetime experience.  She wants to keep a note of everything that has happened.

———

Jian Yao is lying in bed when Fu Ziyu calls.

“Your voice sounds funny.  Are you ok? Do you have a toothache?  Or is your face swollen because someone hit you?”  asks Fu Ziyu. 

Jian Yao tries not to laugh.  She has a whitening mask on her face. It’s hard to talk when you don’t want to open your mouth.

“Mask! What’s up?” She answers.

Fu Ziyu is amused.  He turns to Bo Jinyan and says: “Hey Bo Jinyan, she sounds like a sheep.  It’s kinda whiny but it’s cute. Do you want to listen to it?” 

Bo Jinyan answers :”Why would I want to hear her distorted voice?” 

By this time, Jian Yao has removed the thin piece of sheet from her face: “Hey, I didn’t answer the phone to get mocked.” 

Fu Ziyu laughs and tells her the reason for the call:”Let’s have lunch together.  I’ve found a flat for you.”

“I’ll treat you. Come over to the campus.  There’s a restaurant nearby that does a nice fish dish.”

———

There’s a lot of small eateries around the campus.  Yao picked a restaurant that does a good lamb and fish casserole. It’s a popular choice amongst the students.  

- Does he own suits of any other colour?  Jian Yao wonders.  At least he looks good in a black suit. Hang on, why should she care what Bo Jinyan wears.   

 • 

They stand at the entrance, waiting for a waiter to show them to their table.  Bo Jinyan takes a look around.  The place is filled with the smell of chilli, fish and lamb.

“They source their fish from the fish market every morning.  It’s guaranteed fresh.  And the lamb is from Mongolia.” Jian Yao looks at Bo Jinyan, “Have you tried this before?” 

Bo Jinyan take a glance at her.  He doesn’t answer her question.

Jian Yao passes the menu to Fu Ziyu: “Is there anything else you want to order?”

Fu Ziyu asks the waiter: “Can we order a steamed fish as well?”

“Sorry, we specialises in lamb and fish casserole.  The kitchen prepares the food in the morning. We don’t have any whole fish fillets left.  The portions are quite large, it should be more than enough for the three of you.” 

It’s a pleasant meal. Jian Yao and Fu Ziyu did most of the talking.  Bo Jinyan will add a sentence or two occasionally, but it’s always in his arrogant and inconsiderate manner.  They are used to his style by now, so they just laugh it off.  When Bo Jinyan leaves the table to take a phone call outside, Fu Ziyu says jokingly to Jian Yao: “What’s wrong with us?  Why are we friends with Bo Jinyan? Do we like to bring torture upon ourselves?”