Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 25

“Well, there were pirates and storms. Plus, there were also disease spread on the fleets.” “I’m sure he’ll be fine.” Chen Yiyang says, “Shall we write her a letter back first?” “Sure.” Guan Zheyu said. Both of them are sitting next to a desk, thinking hard for what to write. They still think that they should convince the mother to let her child chase after his dreams. However, trying to convince someone through a letter, is not a easy task. “Here, write this…” Right when they decided to start writing, the phone on the desk rings. Chen Yiyang picks up the phone, looking through the messages, “It’s my mom. She’s back. I should probably go home.” Guan Zheyu nods, “Sure. I’ll see you on Monday, or even during the weekend.” Since Chen Yiyang’s parents are often not at home, every time when they come back, they will have dinner together. His parents call it ‘a way of strengthening their relationship’. Though this didn’t help much, the gap they gained through months and years can impossibly be filled by a few dinner. No matter what, Chen Yiyang still has to admit that his parents are trying their best to fix it. “I’m back.” He steps into the apartment. The light is turned on, which made him squint. After weeks of entering this house without the light turned on, Chen Yiyang isn’t fully used of this light. Even though he just came from a brighter place, he still feels like that he needs something to block the brightness of his apartment. “Come,” Ms. Chen made him sit down next to the lunch table in the middle of the dining room, “Dinner is ready.” “Thanks.” Chen Yiyang simled to this mother. Then looks at the opposite side of the table, straight at Mr. Chen, until Ms. Chen sits down. “So, how was school?” Ms. Chen asked, having a spoon of soup. Chen Yiyang shrugs, “Fine.” “I talked to your teacher this other day,” Everytime when Mr. Chen starts with this sentence, Chen Yiyang knows that it’s not going to be a joyful dinner. Mr. Chen raises both of his eyebrows, “He said that your grades got worse.” Chen Yiyang nods, “Okay.” “No.” Mr. Chen took a bite from his bowl of rice, “ It’s not okay. You have to try harder in order to be a lawyer.” “What?” Chen Yiyang dropped his chopsticks, “Since when did I say that I want to be a lawyer?” “That’s what I thought.” He seems a bit astonished, “Anyway, you should still be one.” “No, I not going to be a lawyer. It’s such a boring job.” “Yiyang,” Mr. Chen looks deeply at him, shaking his head, “ I understand that you might still be concerned about your future. However, trust me, you’re gonna be a lawyer.” Chen Yiyang rolls his eyes, decides not to answer him. Then picks up his chopsticks, continues to eat. The living room is filled with dead silence. No one is speaking a word, trying to use eating to cover this awkwardness. However, this didn't kept for long. Mr. Chen breaks the silence, “I’m going to get you a tutor.” “For what?” Chen Yiyang frowns at his father. “For all of your school subjects.” “Fine.” He curls his mouth, “But just to make it clear, I’m not taking law for college.” Mr. Chen laughs like he heard something funny, “Of cause you are. It’s the best for you.” “Dad! I’m an independent person, and I can decide what to learn by myself.” Says Chen Yiyang, pronouncing word by word clearly, “You had your life. Now you should not control over mine.” “How dare to talk to me like that!” “Stop, stop, stop.” Ms. Chen immediately stands up, tries to stop this fight between the father and the son. “I’m full.” Chen Yiyang is already gnashing his teeth. He leaves the table without a second word. Chen Yiyang crossed the hall, knocked on Guan Zheyu’s apartment. “One moment!” Chen Yiyang can hear the footsteps from the other side of the door getting closer and closer. Then the door slowly opened from the inside. Guan Zheyu looking at Chen Yiyang suprisely, “Chen Yiyang? What’s wrong?” Chen Yiyang looks at Guan Zheyu, forcing a smile, “Hey, can I stay at your place for now?” “Sure, come in.” Guan Zheyu brings him into the room. He pours two cups of tea, handing one to Chen Yiyang, then holds the other one, sits on the bed comfortably.