Winter Returns

Chapter 157 The Indifference of Bystanders

There weren't many people on campus.

Zhang Shutong looked at the withered tree at the school gate, and the second to last leaf fell from it.

"Shutong, do you have something to say to me?" Old Song turned around and asked curiously, "I saw you send them away as soon as we finished eating. Usually, they would get together and talk for half a day. What happened today?"

Zhang Shutong didn't rush to speak. He noticed that Lao Song's voice sounded weak and listless. At noon, Song Nanshan barely touched his chopsticks, picking up a few pieces of green vegetables and tofu before putting them down. He didn't even touch the dipping sauce, saying that the doctor told him to eat something light recently, and boiled vegetables would be better.

Men are like trees in the cold wind, tall, but withered.

Zhang Shutong quickly shook the unlucky analogy out of his mind and told Lao Song that this was not the place to talk, and that they should go to the library to talk.

Old Song was still a little puzzled and asked why things were being made so mysterious. He said, "Why don't you call Qiu Mian and the others, and we can go there together and have a chat?"

His mind isn't as sharp as it used to be. Old Song has always been a master of interpersonal relationships; he used to be able to spot hidden motives in the blink of an eye. Now, however, he just raises an eyebrow, seemingly lost in thought.
"Oh, I see. I told you not to miss me too much. Why are you so sad? I'm just going out for a walk. It's not like I won't come back to see you again."

Old Song chuckled:
"Shutong, to be honest, I realized today that I'm quite popular. So many kids are reluctant to part with me. You know, people are such sentimental and contradictory creatures. Although I also hope that you won't be affected by the teacher change, you're already in the fourth year of junior high, right? It would be best if you just pretended that I didn't exist and listened to your teacher, Ms. Xu, from now on. But when I came here today, I found that some of you couldn't help but cry. If I said I was actually happy, it would seem weird. So, to use a phrase from the internet, it just warmed my heart."

He said with satisfaction and smugness:

"Yes, it's warm."

Zhang Shutong stumbled, and seeing this man, who was almost thirty, repeatedly say "warm and cozy" while stroking his stubble and grinning foolishly with a happy expression, made him seem even more perverted.

Song Nanshan took out a cigarette. He hadn't fully recovered, and when he smoked, he would cough violently a few times. He would usually just enjoy the cigarette for a moment, then simply hold it between his fingers without smoking it, watching the smoke drift around. The campus was empty, and Old Song's sense of public morality wasn't exactly perfect.

If that large drainage hole was Zhang Shutong's base, then Fox was Lao Song's base. He used to smoke there. Now that the base is gone, it doesn't really matter to a man, but it will make his back look lonely.

"It's still a pity," Old Song glanced at the teaching building not far away, "In the end, I still couldn't accompany you to the end of this journey."

The wisps of smoke drifting in the cold wind hit Zhang Shutong's face, causing him to blink unconsciously.

All primary and secondary schools in the city operate on a five-four system. Thanks to this peculiar system, it takes middle school teachers an extra year to teach a class of students from beginning to end compared to teachers in other places.

Of course, four years is one year more than three years, but the point is, how many four-year periods does one have in a lifetime?
Old Song is 28 this year. If we go back a bit, he was 24 when they were in the first year of junior high school, and 20 before that. Of course, he hadn't started working yet back then. Zhang Shutong occasionally heard him talk about his past work experiences in the city, and he could roughly tell that Old Song's career had always been one of constant ups and downs, moving from the city to the island, and then leaving the island again. It must not have been an easy decision to make. Zhang Shutong felt a little sad thinking about it, but Old Song finally realized something was wrong:
"So, you're looking for me because..."

The man stood there, frowned, and then exclaimed in surprise:
"Did everyone secretly prepare a gift for me at the library?"

Zhang Shutong almost suffered internal injuries from holding it in again. Talking to some people is mentally taxing, but talking to his mentor is purely emotionally taxing. His mood fluctuates like a rollercoaster. He could only say embarrassedly that it wasn't him. But Old Song patted him on the shoulder and said that he was just joking. He came back so suddenly this time that even if he really wanted to, you wouldn't have had time to prepare.

The two strolled slowly toward the library, the lazy afternoon atmosphere rising like the hotpot before it boiled at noon.

The smell of hot pot still lingered on Zhang Shutong's clothes, and it would take a long time for it to completely dissipate.

Actually, lunch wasn't a very enjoyable meal. It wasn't the cheerful farewell dinner that everyone had imagined, with everyone clinking glasses. The other students in the class were reluctant to part with Lao Song, let alone the few of them. Ruoping was unusually quiet; she was usually very talkative in these situations, but today she kept her head down and ate in small bites. While eating, she seemed to remember something and said that the bottom of the pot had splashed into her eyes, so she took a tissue and wiped her eyes.

Qingyi was never one to talk much in these situations. In the past, he would always sit with Zhang Shutong and whisper about other things, but today the two were a bit far apart, so Qingyi silently poured water for Lao Song until Lao Song said with difficulty that he really couldn't drink anymore. He sighed and took the water bottle away, which made Lao Song feel quite embarrassed. He gritted his teeth and said, "Pour it, pour it, I'll have another cup." He made drinking a cup of plain water feel like a heroic drinking contest.

Of the group, Ruoping and Dukang were the most lively, but Dukang wasn't there today, so the atmosphere at the dinner table became rather somber.

Gu Qiu Mian and Zhang Shutong sat together. They exchanged a few words at first, but then fell silent. Gu Qiu Mian was also a little sad. You see, they had spent most of the last weekend in that Ford Focus, with Old Song practically doting on them.

But even the young lady couldn't avoid this separation; it had nothing to do with whether her family could mobilize any resources or connections.

Song Nanshan's home is not in the next city, but in a more distant place.

It doesn't mean that once we leave, we can take a boat back to the island anytime.

They didn't have a proper class group chat, only one created privately by the students. So Ruoping immediately created a new group, planning to add everyone back later so they could stay in touch. That wasn't much else she could do. All four of them had Lao Song's contact information, whether on QQ or by phone, and they promised to keep in touch. Lao Song smiled and told Ruoping, "Next time you go fishing, remember to send me a picture." He said there were no lakes in his hometown, so he'd often be itching to go fishing, just to satisfy his curiosity.

After saying that, he encouraged Gu Qiumian, saying, "If you go to sing, remember to record it when you perform well. I'll also post it on my social media to show off. If anyone asks which little star you are, I'll say, 'This is my student. Isn't that amazing?'"

There was no glitz or ostentation involved; he was simply feeling empty inside.

Of the six plates of mutton, only two were eaten. The remaining four plates were returned by Zhang Shutong before they were even served.

What's truly heartbreaking isn't eating a farewell meal, but rather not even having the appetite to eat one.

Some students walked by on campus. There was a slight delay in the news of Lao Song's return. Some of these students used to be in Class 1, but had been assigned to other classes and didn't know that Song Nanshan was back. When they saw Lao Song, they all asked him how he was doing. Lao Song stopped and slowly talked to them. More and more people came up. Finally, Zhang Shutong came up with a compromise and suggested that they go to the library to talk. There would be a quiet place, and the teachers wouldn't have to stand outside in the wind. These students went to inform the others, and Zhang Shutong and Song Nanshan continued on their way.

"Take it slow, some things can't be rushed," Old Song advised him.

Zhang Shutong nodded and said okay. Actually, he only half understood what he was saying. Soon they arrived at the library. There was a water dispenser in the corner. Zhang Shutong turned on the air conditioner, then took out a disposable paper cup and filled it with hot water. He mixed one-third boiling water with two-thirds cold water, and the temperature was just right. The days of frantically filling the cups with hot water were gone forever.

Looking at the cup of hot water, Old Song sighed:

"Although the teacher doesn't have children yet, everyone says that daughters are like warm cotton-padded jackets, while sons are like leaky cotton-padded jackets. Today I finally understand this saying."

Zhang Shutong asked what he meant, and Lao Song sadly burped and said, "Although you and Qingyi meant well, why do you only know how to make your teacher drink water? I'm really about to throw up. Sit down, sit down, let's talk for a while, don't run around."

It seems that you shouldn't tell girls to drink more hot water, and you shouldn't tell teachers either.

Old Song suddenly said:
"When I came here today, I first went to see Teacher Xu to learn about your situation."

Zhang Shutong wondered what his mentor was up to. Was he going to give him a final warning before leaving?
Fortunately, Zhang Shutong had been studying diligently recently. He was just about to introduce his achievements when Old Song's next words almost choked him:
"Are you and Qinglian dating too early?"

"No."

Zhang Shutong regretted not adding more hot water to the paper cup, since it would have been cold by the time Lao Song drank it anyway.

He thought to himself, "No matter what happens, your gossipy heart hasn't changed." Heaven knows why Old Song was so hesitant about bringing this up:

"Shutong, you must not be confrontational with Teacher Xu. She's doing this for your own good..."

Zhang Shutong didn't know what to say. He sighed and was about to explain when Old Song also sighed.
Do you know who the teacher was most worried about when he left this time?

Zhang Shutong subconsciously wanted to say Gu Qiumian, but then he thought that Gu Qiumian's interpersonal relationships had changed this time, so in Lao Song's eyes, she might not be someone to worry about.

"Let me talk about you guys first. Ruoping seems energetic, but she's actually very sensitive. Don't treat her like a carefree girl. Take care of her feelings. Qingyi has always been a decisive person, but he's just too calm. He's better at giving suggestions than making decisions. As for Dukang, he's even more fine. I haven't seen him have any worries in the past three years. Of course, when you three get together, you can do anything. Fortunately, the three of them are willing to listen to you, so I'm just giving you a few more words of advice."

"You know about Qiu Mian's family situation now, but to be blunt, there's nothing we can do about it. We can't help or cause any trouble. It's not that we're ignoring her, but Qiu Mian is actually a very strong girl. Don't always underestimate her; you'll suffer for it later."

Old Song paused for a moment:
"Actually, of all these students, the one I'm most worried about is Qinglian. You might find it strange, Qinglian has always been number one in her class, never causes trouble, and prefers to be alone. What's there to worry about with that kind of personality? But precisely because of that, I'm most worried about her. "I remember telling you before that although we advocate respecting other people's beliefs, it's not sustainable for her to stay on the island forever. She can't be a temple keeper forever; she'll eventually go to high school and university. Staying on this island indefinitely would be unfair to her."

Old Song said with a worried expression:
"Look, she's having a pretty tough time. She doesn't even own a bicycle and walks to and from school every day, rain or shine. And let me tell you a secret, but don't tell anyone I told you—"

Zhang Shutong subconsciously pricked up his ears, but Old Song said:

"Have you never seen Qinglian when you eat lunch before? As far as I know, she always goes to the rooftop to eat alone."

Zhang Shutong thought to himself, "I already knew that. I thought you were going to say something."

Old Song then said:

"Once it was raining, and she didn't go up to the rooftop. I happened to run into her eating in the classroom. Well, she wasn't starving, but it wasn't anything nutritious or delicious. I initially thought it was because her family was poor, but Qinglian told me that wasn't the case. It was just that all the temple keepers ate like this. Of course, she didn't want to say more, so I just took my word for it. Maybe it's related to their beliefs? For example, monks aren't allowed to eat meat, right? Maybe their temple isn't that strict, but it's probably not much better."

“When I take you guys out to eat, I’ve often thought of inviting her along. Firstly, I wanted you guys to make friends so she wouldn’t be all alone. Secondly, it would be nice to have a better meal. But she never came, and I’ve stopped mentioning it much.”

Only then did Zhang Shutong belatedly realize something—

It seems that Lu Qinglian got out very easily this time.

It wouldn't be strange for anyone else; having a meal with classmates or teachers is perfectly normal. But for Lu Qinglian, it was extremely unusual. You see, Ruoping had called her name several times before, directly or indirectly, and each time she had politely declined.

The only time was when Lao Song treated them to a meal at the mall, but it was more of a coincidence. He had a fever, and Lu Qinglian's foot needed rest. Lao Song happened to call them, and the two of them needed a place to go, rather than having a meal together.

Apart from that, it seems that Lu Qinglian has not participated in any group activities.

"So I was quite surprised that Qinglian came out this time," Old Song joked. "Maybe she's just giving the teacher face since he's about to leave?"

Zhang Shutong had a different opinion on this matter; he felt that what Lao Song said was the truth.

Lu Qinglian is someone who isn't close to anyone, but there are degrees to it.

Just like yesterday on the rooftop, she followed him without hesitation to the dormitory building. Given that Lu Qinglian is such a quiet person, if it weren't for the fact that the person might be related to Lao Song, she would have simply walked away as if she hadn't seen anything. Knowing Zhang Shutong as she does, at most she would have gone down from the rooftop to find another teacher to remind her.
"If someone jumps off a building, it's best to call 120 (emergency services)."

Lu Qinglian still respected Song Nanshan, her homeroom teacher, which was not surprising, as interpersonal relationships are a give-and-take process.

Old Song has always taken good care of her. Just from Zhang Shutong's memory, whenever she said she had something to do at the temple, Old Song would never ask why and would readily approve her leave. In comparison, now that it's Teacher Xu, Lu Qinglian will probably have a lot of headaches in the future.
Every year when the parent-teacher conference is held, their class always starts by praising Lu Qinglian. Old Song stands on the podium, spitting as he speaks. Ten minutes have passed since he finished speaking. Other classes have already started reading out the results of this exam, but their class is still talking about how Lu Qinglian is. It's not because Lu Qinglian has good grades, but because no one ever sits in her seat. It's more like they are supporting her in front of all the parents and students.
In addition, when bad weather occurred on her way to and from school, he would give her a ride in his car. Zhang Shutong remembered that Lao Song even said that he wanted to pay for Lu Qinglian to buy a bicycle out of his own pocket, but the girl did not want it.

This is only what he can see; there are many more places he can't see.

Zhang Shutong felt that Lu Qinglian had a certain kind of persistence. For example, if someone was nice to her, she would stubbornly believe that she had to repay them. Like that time when they found the footprints of a long-haired woman on the mountain road, and everyone went to the villa for a meal. At that time, Lu Qinglian had already determined that the footprints were not those of the "fake Lu Qinglian". Logically speaking, the basis for their cooperation was gone, and Gu Qiumian's safety was not of much concern to her. However, she ate lunch and even took a few extra bites of king oyster mushrooms out of curiosity. She felt that she owed Gu Qiumian a favor, and it was only right that she had run around all day with an injury.

The thought that she alone is worth four or five bodyguards, while the bodyguards' salary is just a plate of stir-fried king oyster mushrooms, makes me wonder what Boss Gu would think.

Zhang Shutong didn't know what Lu Qinglian thought about Lao Song's departure. At the dinner table, she just ate her food silently. Perhaps in her opinion, this was her way of saying goodbye. When everyone agreed to keep in touch, she couldn't get a word in edgewise, since she didn't even have a cell phone.

"And it's hard to say what her grandma's attitude is. I feel like she doesn't really approve of Qinglian going to school," Old Song muttered. "I feel like something's not right about this, but I didn't say anything before, and now it's too late. Of course, like I said, it's not like I'm not coming back. I'll see her again next semester."

Old Song spoke earnestly:

"So, Shutong, let's not talk about puppy love for now. I heard from Ruoping that if it weren't for Qinglian this time, you would probably be in big trouble. You can't handle such a strange thing on your own, can you? I'm not trying to morally blackmail you, but I'm saying that if you have the means, please help Qinglian out whenever she needs any help."

Zhang Shutong had no objection, but felt that this was easier said than done, and Lu Qinglian was not someone who would easily accept help from others.

Moreover, he felt that Lu Qinglian was quite... how to put it, she was invincible because she had no desires, but Old Song said:

"wrong!"

After an unknown period of time, Zhang Shutong once again listened to his mentor's teachings.

He added:
"But don't misunderstand, this mistake is not quite the same as when I used Qiu Mian as an example before. I mean, Qing Lian may not necessarily be as otherworldly as she seems on the surface."

Zhang Shutong asked if he could explain in more detail.
Just then, Old Song picked up a book that hadn't been returned from the table:

"Some people are like a book; you have to slowly turn the pages yourself to find them interesting. It's no fun talking about them... Well, to be honest, I don't really understand them either; it's just my intuition. Don't judge things by appearances. You're too easily trapped by superficial things. Don't get too attached to appearances."

Zhang Shutong didn't know how he went from being an expert in relationships to a philosopher after just one hospital stay, while he himself had nothing to do after lying in the hospital for several days, and instead developed a strange anxiety disorder.

"Alright, alright," Old Song yawned. "This is the last lesson I'll give you. I'll wait for the kids to come over and say goodbye, then I'll be leaving. If you need anything, just call me."

"So fast?"

Zhang Shutong had processed the news that Lao Song was leaving, but he didn't expect that he couldn't stay on the island for even a day.

“That’s right, otherwise why would I have called you guys to lunch?” Old Song smiled and pointed to his forehead. “How come you didn’t notice something was wrong this time? I was in a rush to get the ship off the island today, so I specifically chose to come at noon. Otherwise, it would have been better to wait until dinner, when there would have been more time and everyone could have talked more.”

"But why do we have to leave the island today?"

“Something happened at home. My mother’s health isn’t good, and she needs to have surgery. It was very sudden. I just booked the tickets this morning.” Old Song’s expression was unreadable when he said this. “Shutong, at my age, I really can’t be willful anymore. Birth, aging, illness, and death are all inevitable.”

“But you don’t need to worry about me, it’s not a big deal. But you definitely need to go home and check on me. Otherwise, I’d rather stay in the hospital for a few more days. It’s reimbursed, which is quite comfortable,” Old Song muttered. “I found that the nurses at the county hospital are quite young, which is much better than on the island.”

He reverted to his unserious ways.

Some things just had to be said, so Zhang Shutong asked the teacher a few more questions.

As the two parted ways at the library entrance, Zhang Shutong stepped into the empty campus, and Old Song called out behind him:

"Shutong—"

Zhang Shutong turned around, ready to hear what inappropriate things he was going to say.

Old Song, however, spoke with unusual seriousness:

"It's not appropriate for me to say this to you, it might seem disrespectful, but there's actually someone else your teacher is worried about..."

"Take care of yourself."

(End of this chapter)