Returning to Infancy with my Nemesis - Chapter 76

Tang Mian happened to notice that the tape had run out. Since Fu Shizhao had left not long ago, he thought of catching up with him to go to the cafeteria together for dinner and then to the small supermarket there to buy new tape.

After all, he had been painting all afternoon and needed a break. After dinner, he planned to take a stroll around the playground to digest his food, and then continue painting in the evening, which would make things much easier.

Recently, he had been under quite a bit of pressure, painting until late for several weeks in a row, with Fu Shizhao bringing him dinner. He would stay in the studio from noon until late in the evening, only taking short breaks to go to the bathroom.

Perhaps because the memories of high school from his previous life were the most vivid and unforgettable, Tang Mian felt a sense of daze after entering high school in this life.

Although he had been living in this world for over a decade and had already adapted to reincarnation, just when he thought all memories from his previous life had been sealed away, those images reappeared before his eyes.

At first, it was because Fu Shizhao and the Fu Shizhao from his previous life had many overlapping traits. Then, after being divided into classes, the teachers often talked to them about the college entrance exam that would take place in two years, urging them to cherish every day and make good use of their time to strengthen their foundations, which reminded him of the failure and choices he had made in his previous life.

Even though he was working hard enough and his grades were excellent in this life, he still occasionally felt anxious. He knew the source of his anxiety was the memories from his previous life, but he didn’t know how to resolve it. Perhaps he needed to completely forget in order to do so…

He could only immerse himself in painting and studying, keeping himself busy and having no time to dwell on those thoughts, which helped to alleviate some of the anxiety.

Standing up from the chair, Tang Mian felt a bit stiff all over from sitting for so long. He took a few steps to ease the stiffness.

Casually picking up the used tape and throwing it into the trash can in the corner of the studio, Tang Mian walked out of the studio towards the direction of the cafeteria.

Unexpectedly… as he walked, he heard a familiar female voice. His body reacted faster than his mind, and almost instinctively, Tang Mian quietly approached the source of the sound.

The two people weren’t standing in a particularly secluded corner; they were right on the path from the studio to the cafeteria. However, there weren’t many people around the studio, so they were unlikely to be disturbed.

The confession was nearing its end.

Spring had returned, bringing warmth with it. The evenings were not chilly, and even the wind was gentle, tugging at the hem of the young man’s clothes and the girl’s skirt. Tang Mian loved to draw illustrations, especially these gentle scenes.

Youth, school uniforms, the aura of adolescence, it all made people especially fond of them.

Tang Mian hesitated for a moment, wanting to hear Fu Shizhao’s response before deciding whether to stay or leave.

If Fu Shizhao rejected the girl, Tang Mian would wait for her to leave before catching up with Fu Shizhao to have dinner and buy things together. If Fu Shizhao agreed, Tang Mian wouldn’t disturb them and would slip away quietly.

However, Tang Mian knew deep down that the latter was highly unlikely. He could tell that Fu Shizhao wasn’t interested in the girl at all, to the point where he couldn’t even remember her name.

Sure enough, Fu Shizhao rejected the girl. But what surprised Tang Mian was the reason for Fu Shizhao’s refusal. “I already have someone I like,” he said.

Tang Mian bit his lip in disbelief.

“Ah… okay, I understand,” the girl’s voice sounded somewhat crestfallen. She didn’t linger any longer and quickly ran off. While being rejected was expected, she just wanted to give herself a chance to completely let go.

After the girl left, Fu Shizhao continued walking towards the cafeteria without any change in expression, still as calm as ever.

Tang Mian hesitated for a moment, not immediately approaching Fu Shizhao, but standing still for a while, pondering the meaning behind that sentence. After Fu Shizhao had walked a distance towards the cafeteria, Tang Mian hurriedly caught up.

It was a bit awkward to witness such a scene. Although he really wanted to know whether Fu Shizhao’s “already have someone I like” was true or not.

Tang Mian speculated that it was probably just an excuse to reject the girl. After all, using the excuse of having someone you like was the most convenient and tactful way to reject someone you weren’t interested in.

“I have someone I like, and it’s not you, so I’m sorry, I can’t accept your confession.”

But Tang Mian couldn’t help but wonder, what if… what if it was true? If it was true, who would it be? Tang Mian didn’t know which answer he hoped for more.

At this point, most of the students who stayed in school for self-study on weekends were heading towards the cafeteria. As they left the vicinity of the art studio, the number of people gradually increased. Fu Shizhao hadn’t noticed Tang Mian’s hurried footsteps behind him until Tang Mian reached his side and gently touched his arm, causing Fu Shizhao’s gaze to finally fall upon him. He had been lost in thought while walking.

Fu Shizhao didn’t hide the surprise on his face.

“Ran out of tape, came to buy some,” Tang Mian explained.

“You could have messaged me too,” Fu Shizhao replied, bending his eyes downward slightly.

Normally, phones weren’t allowed in school, but on Saturdays, the rules were usually lax. As long as the phones remained silent during morning classes, they were generally tolerated. It was convenient for contacting home or planning outings.

“I was tired from drawing, just came out to get some fresh air,” Tang Mian said.

Fu Shizhao nodded, not thinking too much about it, and then asked, “Want to go outside for dinner?”

Due to it being Saturday, the cafeteria had limited options, and many students preferred to eat outside. It involved more walking but offered a wider variety of food at the outdoor food street.

Since many students remained in school for self-study on Saturdays, it was common for Fu Shizhao to bring dinner to Tang Mian from the cafeteria rather than go outside. However, Tang Mian had followed him today, which meant they could go outside together.

Since there were surveillance cameras everywhere on campus, including in the art studio, there was less risk of losing items left inside.

“Sure,” Tang Mian didn’t refuse.

Outside the school gates, there was an art supply store owned by a teacher. Tang Mian was a frequent customer there. Buying tape from there was better than from the school’s mini-supermarket, and they could also pick up some more white paint along the way.

Today, the security guard on duty wasn’t Uncle Ji, who enjoyed watching palace dramas, but another tall and thin man who looked somewhat unfamiliar, likely a new addition to the security team.

They wouldn’t be able to grab any snacks from the guard room this time.

The spring sun lingered longer in the sky, casting a warm glow over the surroundings as dusk approached. The horizon was painted with hues of pink, orange, and purple, creating a mesmerizing scene.

Fu Shizhao stole a glance at Tang Mian, who was lost in the sight of the sunset with a soft smile on his face. Suddenly, Tang Mian tripped over a small stone, instinctively reaching out to grab Fu Shizhao’s sleeve for support.

Fu Shizhao chuckled warmly and steadied Tang Mian with a reassuring hand. “Watch your step,” he said, his eyes filled with care and understanding.

Tang Mian mumbled a quick “thanks” and refocused his attention on the path ahead. While sunsets were a regular occurrence, each one held a unique charm, stirring different emotions in those who took the time to admire them.

The sight of the setting sun brought back memories of a reunion at his old school after graduation. It was a time of celebration and reminiscing, but amidst the laughter and chatter, Tang Mian couldn’t shake the sense of uncertainty about his own future.

Attending the reunion was a decision fueled by invitations from friends, including one who had been a constant source of support during high school. This friend, now a successful designer, often reminisced about their shared dreams of pursuing art.

But amidst the festivities, Tang Mian found himself lost in his thoughts, silently observing Fu Shizhao, who was surrounded by friends and admirers. Despite the lively atmosphere, Tang Mian couldn’t ignore the longing for clarity and purpose that gnawed at him from within.

As the evening wore on, Tang Mian realized that amidst the laughter and conversations, he was still searching for something more—a sense of direction, perhaps, or a renewed purpose. And maybe, just maybe, he hoped to find it in the company of old friends like Fu Shizhao.

Someone noticed him, possibly because of the strained relationship between him and Fu Shizhao during their student days, and deliberately used him as a topic to talk to Fu Shizhao. However, Fu Shizhao ignored the person, treating him as if he were invisible.

Suddenly, the food in his bowl tasted bland, so he made an excuse to go to the bathroom and secretly sent a message to his friend before slipping away.

The gathering was held on the top floor of the school cafeteria, and he rushed down the stairs, greeted by a beautiful sunset, resembling a painting.

He stood there staring for a long time, memories flooding back, recalling the art supplies locked away. Unfortunately, last time, he never had the courage to rescue those things. He had lost the courage to chase his dreams.

Soon after, his friend found him and took him to a bar to sing.

He rarely went to such places, and he rarely sang, but that night he got drunk.

The next morning, he woke up in the hotel and saw Fu Shizhao.

Next to Fu Shizhao stood a young man with a bright smile, and they were having breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

He had some impression of that person, who used to sit next to Fu Shizhao during the gathering, as his former classmate. If not for the sunset, he would have almost forgotten about it.

He wondered if that young man in this life was still in the same class as Fu Shizhao…

The phrase “He already has someone he likes” from Fu Shizhao suddenly came to mind. He secretly decided to pay more attention to Fu Shizhao’s classmates after school next week. Just as he was sinking into his memories, his phone in his pocket suddenly vibrated. He took out his phone and glanced at it. It was a message from his mother.

?Mom?Remember to eat dinner on time, your health is the most important. What did you eat tonight? Take a photo for Mom.

?Mom?I learned a new dish tonight, let’s come back tomorrow, Sunday, and eat with Fu Shizhao.

A warm feeling welled up in his heart.

Perhaps due to the warmer weather, in the past two Saturdays, when Fu Shizhao brought him food, Tang Mian didn’t have much appetite. He only took a few bites and didn’t eat anymore.

He guessed that Fu Shizhao must have said something to his mom for her to suddenly send him a message at this time. His mom always cared a lot about his health.

Tang Mian casually glanced at Fu Shizhao beside him and bluntly asked, “Did you tell on me?” Fu Shizhao hesitated for a moment and instinctively shook his head.

“Liar,” Tang Mian said, then handed his phone screen to Fu Shizhao.

After reading the message on it, Fu Shizhao couldn’t help but smile wryly. “It’s because you ate too much junk food last night, Auntie came to ask me.”

Tang Mian pouted, feeling a bit guilty but still stubbornly said, “That’s still telling on me.”

Fu Shizhao didn’t argue with him, just nodded repeatedly and obediently said, “I won’t do it next time.”

Tang Mian was finally satisfied and continued to push his luck, saying, “You’re not allowed to keep anything from me.”

“Okay,” Fu Shizhao agreed, bending down his eyes.

Tang Mian glanced at him and casually asked, “Is there anything else you’re keeping from me?”

“A lot,” Fu Shizhao admitted openly.

Tang Mian: “…”

By the way,

“Yesterday, at lunch, I ate the last meatball in your bowl.”

Tang Mian: “…”

*****

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