In front of the kindergarten's gatehouse, Thor poked half his body in, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Hello, is there a teacher here named Fang Yu?"
"Yes, that's right." The gatekeeper put down his newspaper.
"Could you please call her for me? I need to give her something."
"Okay, you wait here."
Fang Yu ran out, calling out, "Lei," but then hesitated, unsure whether to call him Thor or Lei Feng, "Why are you here?"
Thor clutched a brown paper medicine bag tightly in his hand, containing several boxes of throat lozenges. He reached out and handed it to him, saying, "Here you go."
"What is it?" Fang Yu opened her mouth and looked at it. "Oh, thank you!"
"I didn't know your phone number, so I just came over."
Are you free at noon?
"No, no! Do you still want to go and check your house?" Thor asked.
"After the kids take their afternoon nap, how about I treat you to something to eat?"
"Great!" Thor's eyes lit up.
"Then you'll have to wait for me a moment. I'll go to the classroom and make the arrangements before coming over."
"Okay, I'll wait for you here."
“This…” Fang Yu looked at the kraft paper medicine bag.
"Here, this is for you. My throat is fine, so I can't eat it."
"Okay, then I'll take it in."
Thor nodded quickly, watching her turn and walk into the teaching building. He felt a warm glow in his heart, as if the sun had shone on him. He leaned against the sycamore tree by the door, a slight smile involuntarily playing on his lips.
Fang Yu ran back to the classroom, took the children to the nap room, and then ran out, saying, "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, no." Thor straightened up.
"Have you had lunch?" Fang Yu asked.
"have eaten."
"Then let's go sit somewhere cooler, and I'll treat you to a cold drink over there by the old city wall."
"Alright!" Thor hopped on his motorcycle. "Get on!"
Fang Yu hesitated for a moment, then sat sideways on the back of the motorcycle, her fingertips gently gripping the hem of Thor's clothes.
With a roar, the motorcycle turned into a side road shaded by green trees, braving the midday heat. This was the site of the old city wall of the county town, which had just been transformed into a small park last year. The old camphor trees along the wall had such dense branches and leaves that they could filter the sunlight into dappled light.
"Right here." Thor stepped on the brakes and pointed to the red-painted tea stall at the base of the wall.
A large oilcloth umbrella was held high, under which several small wooden tables were set up. The proprietress was refilling glasses with cold tea, and the aroma of tea mixed with the scent of mint wafted over.
They ordered two cups of herbal tea. Fang Yu picked up the cup and took a sip. The cool minty flavor slid down her throat, instantly dispelling the summer heat.
She looked at the old city wall not far away, where an old man was playing chess while fanning himself with a palm leaf fan at the base of the wall, and children were running after the dappled sunlight. The sounds of cicadas and the shouts of tea vendors filled her ears.
"Thank you so much for last night. If it weren't for you, my mom and I wouldn't know what to do." Fang Yu and Thor sat facing each other.
"It's nothing! Don't worry about it. And thank you for letting me leave you my number so you can contact me."
"I should be thanking you."
"Never mind, no need to thank me. It's too much trouble to keep thanking me." Thor waved his hand.
A creaking sound came from the cart. Thor looked over and saw an old man hunched over, struggling to pull a cart full of scrap uphill.
The wheels slipped on the concrete road, the car wobbled, and it looked like it was about to roll backward.
Thor got up almost immediately and rushed over.
He didn't say anything, but steadily held the handlebars, used his waist and abdomen to pull the old man's bike to a flat area without making a sound.
The old man turned around, grabbed his arm and thanked him repeatedly. He gave a brief smile, said, "It's alright, be careful and walk slowly," and then turned and walked back.
Fang Yu watched him walk back, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. The sunlight shining on his skin made him seem less aloof.
Just as Fang Yu was about to say something, she saw Thor's gaze fall on the crooked sunshade at the cold drink stall, where the rope securing it had come loose.
Without giving it much thought, Thor quickly walked over. He stood on tiptoe and deftly re-secured the parasol, even tugging at it to make sure it was sturdy before stopping.
The stall owner was busy serving customers and only mumbled a "thank you." Thor didn't mind, clapped his hands, and sat back down.
Fang Yu looked at him, and the corners of her mouth curved up.
Thor noticed her gaze, wiped his sweat, and suddenly laughed, saying with a self-deprecating tone, "Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean to show off in front of you."
Fang Yu raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. She took a tissue out of her bag and handed it to him.
“I mean,” Thor paused, his tone becoming more sincere, “I would have done these things even if you weren’t here.”
He scratched his head, a little embarrassed, and added, "It felt like the way I acted just now was like something out of a TV show, like I did it specifically to please you."
Fang Yu couldn't help but laugh out loud. The cold drink tasted sweet and refreshing in her mouth, and warmed her heart as well. "You really live up to your name."
Thor smiled too, this time a more relaxed smile, his eyes seeming to sparkle with starlight.
The parasol was held firmly in place, blocking the glaring sunlight.
Looking at the somewhat enthusiastic and cute boy opposite her, Fang Yu gradually felt a sense of affection that was hard to explain.
"I'll treat you to dinner after I'm done with my work on Children's Day!" Fang Yu said earnestly.
"Okay, call me when you're done with your work, you have to treat me to a meal." Thor didn't stand on ceremony at all. "Give me your number, if you don't call me, I'll come to you."
Fang Yu smiled and said, "Yes, I will. My mom also told me this morning to thank you."
“Baby Fish, if we fall in love, there’s absolutely no pressure about meeting the parents. Your mom and I have already met them,” Thor said with a grin, leaning closer.
"Calling me 'Fish Baby' in broad daylight?" Fang Yu lowered her head.
"In broad daylight? Hmm, we've always met at night." Thor looked up at the sunlight. "They say online relationships die when they meet in person, but not us. We just get more vibrant the more we meet. Baby Fish, does your mom know I like you?"
"My mom didn't ask any questions." Fang Yu glanced at the time; it was getting late. "I have to go back to work."
"Okay, I'm going to work now." Thor got up to pay the bill.
"You said it was my treat." Fang Yu pulled his hand back.
"You mean you're treating me to a meal? This isn't a meal. You'll treat me next time." Thor still gave the money to the stall owner.
"Where do you work?" Fang Yu asked.
"You've finally come to ask about my situation?" Thor raised one eyebrow slightly. "I'm currently working in a factory doing water and electricity-related work, but I'm planning to go to a construction company. The salary is higher there, so I can earn more money to get married."
Let's go!
"How old are you? Where do you live? Do you need to ask about your family situation?" Thor pressed on.
"I'm not asking anymore, I'm going to be late!"
"Okay, ask me again next time."
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