That day, Wang Tian was wandering around the city as usual.
He didn’t have much to do, and he didn’t need to work, so aimless walks had become his main way of passing the time. This time, though, something unexpected happened.
While he was out walking, he happened to spot a man in an alley who looked as if he’d been badly shaken by something. The man was carrying a cleaver and chasing another man. The one being chased had probably already been slashed several times and was covered in blood.
At first, Wang Tian hadn’t wanted to get involved. But when he saw that there was no one around to help the man, and that the two were running straight toward him, he simply stood where he was and waited for them to reach him.
“What’s this guy up to?” Zhang Yang and his partner happened to be keeping an eye on him that day. They watched as the guy stood at the mouth of an alley with his hands in his pockets, apparently doing nothing.
“Who cares? As long as he doesn’t break the law.” Zhao Tong replied indifferently. Their task was only to watch him; no one had told them to restrict his movements.
When a man covered in blood came running out, the two of them immediately sat up straight.
But before they could react, another man came running out of the alley with a knife in his hand—and was instantly subdued by Wang Tian.
“Holy shit, let’s get over there!” Zhang Yang and Zhao Tong hurriedly got out of the car and ran over.
By then, plenty of people on the street had noticed what was happening. They called the police while taking pictures, and some kind-hearted passersby went over to help the blood-covered man.
“You’re here. What should we do with him?” Wang Tian asked as the two came running over, keeping the struggling man pinned down.
“Zhao Tong, take him back to the car. I’ll stay here and handle things.” Zhang Yang took hold of the struggling man, then spoke to his colleague.
“All right. Come with me.” Zhao Tong nodded, then said to Wang Tian.
Wang Tian shrugged. He’d done what he needed to, so he obediently followed Zhao Tong to the car.
Only after the police arrived, Zhang Yang spoke with one of the officers in charge and showed him his credentials. Then he turned and went back to the car.
“I wasn’t the one looking for trouble,” Wang Tian hurriedly said. He hadn’t really wanted to get involved, but he’d been itching for a fight, so he’d stepped in.
“We know. We saw everything. It just means we’ll have to write a report tonight.” Zhang Yang waved a hand and said gloomily.
It had happened right under their noses, so of course they’d seen the whole thing. Still, they would have to write a report.
“Let’s go. We’ll take you home first.”
The two drove Wang Tian straight home. After he turned and walked away, Zhang Yang spoke quietly.
“Did you see him make a move just now?”
“I couldn’t see clearly, but he’s no amateur.” Zhao Tong replied gravely.
They’d been watching Wang Tian for over a year, and had never once seen him fight. They’d assumed he was some kind of financial or intelligence-related criminal, but now it seemed he didn’t quite fit their assumptions.
“Stay here. I’m going out to call the team leader and report what happened. I’ll pick up a couple of bottles of water while I’m at it.” Zhang Yang said.
Back home, Wang Tian felt a little frustrated. He’d planned to wander around for a while longer, but that was out the window now.
“Ugh, this is all your fault. Why are you always so quick to get involved?” Wang Tian gave himself a couple of smacks.
“But I’m kind of bored. Should I find something to do?” Wang Tian muttered. He’d been here for over a year. He’d always wanted a peaceful life, but this was a little too peaceful.
When he’d first returned to the country, the slightest disturbance would wake him up. But by now, he’d gotten used to it.
Ding-dong. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
“Who is it?” Wang Tian asked as he got up and casually opened the door.
“Knock, knock! Come have a drink!” Qian Yang came in as soon as Wang Tian opened the door, carrying two cases of beer.
“What’s up? Did your wife give you the night off?”
“She took the kid to my father-in-law’s place. They won’t be back until the day after tomorrow.” After changing his shoes, Qian Yang plopped down on the sofa, tossed the beer onto the coffee table, and said excitedly.
“Look at you, getting all worked up over this. I’ll see if there’s anything in the fridge to go with the beer.” Wang Tian said, exasperated.
A little while later, he came back with a plate of peanuts, some vegetables with dipping sauce, and some leftover pig’s head meat from the day before.
Qian Yang was probably Wang Tian’s closest friend in the residential community. They lived one floor apart.
And perhaps because they’d played together as kids, Wang Tian felt warmly toward him, even though he didn’t remember much. The only thing was, this guy was too afraid of his wife—and insisted it was because he doted on her...
“Come on, cheers!” He opened two bottles and handed one to Wang Tian, then eagerly clinked bottles with him. Without waiting for Wang Tian, he downed half his bottle in one go.
“That hits the spot.” Qian Yang put down his bottle, ate a couple of peanuts, and sighed contentedly.
“You must’ve been craving this pretty badly.” Wang Tian took a sip and said with a laugh.
“Once you get married, you’ll understand what it’s like not being able to smoke or drink.” Though he said it that way, Wang Tian couldn’t help feeling that he was showing off.
“By the way, Tian’er, I’ve noticed you’ve been wandering around ever since you got back. Aren’t you going to do anything? Sure, you got a decent amount from the relocation, but it won’t last if you keep spending more than you make.” Qian Yang asked as he drank.
Qian Yang’s memories of Wang Tian were pretty fuzzy too, but with his mother’s reminders and their recent conversations, the feeling of their childhood friendship had come back quickly. It was as if they’d only been apart for a few years.
“The main thing is, I don’t know what to do. I’ve been kind of bored lately too.” Wang Tian said gloomily.
“You’re bored in a place like SY? You clearly haven’t experienced our bathhouse culture. I’ll take you out tonight and show you a good time. I guarantee you won’t want to leave.” Qian Yang thumped his chest as he spoke.
“Bathhouse culture? You mean taking a bath?” Wang Tian asked curiously. He’d been back for over a year and had never gone to one.
He often saw places called bathhouses along the road, but he’d figured they were just public baths. What was there to do?
“You’re such a country bumpkin. You’ll find out tonight. How can you be from the North and not know about bathhouse culture? It’s embarrassing.” Qian Yang looked at the country bumpkin with disdain and said irritably.
“You little...” Wang Tian was so annoyed by Qian Yang’s expression that he decided to start pouring drinks.
But he’d forgotten his lesson: the first time the two of them drank together, they’d been evenly matched. Today, they once again drank each other under the table.
It wasn’t until after seven that evening that the two of them woke up. Qian Yang hurriedly made a video call to his wife and told her he was at Wang Tian’s place. Once he’d managed to placate her, he patted his chest in relief.
“Come on, I’m going to show you what it means to be a real man from the North.” The two headed straight downstairs after sobering up. Wang Tian was genuinely curious, after all.