Chapter 7 He Will Take You With Him
Chapter 7: He Will Take You Away
As the night grew deeper, the streets became noticeably livelier with more visitors, and the tavern finally welcomed a greater crowd, filling every seat in the main hall.
The owner stepped in from outside and leaned against their table. First, he raised his glass and toasted with Fang Ye, then lowered his voice to say a few words to Xiao Bai.
After the owner left,
Xiao Bai pulled out a hair tie and tied back his fringe behind his ear, laughing freely as he asked Bai Li, “Sis, what song do you want to hear later?”
Bai Li, puzzled, simply replied, “Anything’s fine.”
Xiao Bai nodded and left the table to fetch his guitar from the front desk.
This was a curious move.
Bai Li looked confused and turned to Chengzi, the friend she found most approachable in the room, asking, “Chengzi, what’s Xiao Bai going to do?”
Chengzi had just taken a sip of his drink, wiped his mouth with a napkin, squinted with a grin, and answered, “The tavern’s regular singer is a slacker—always calling in sick. Since Xiao Bai can play guitar, the owner asked him to help draw in customers by singing. You’ll get used to it. He might even bring back a case of drinks later.”
Bai Li found it fascinating—someone who was just drinking moments ago was about to perform on stage.
She craned her neck to look toward the small stage set in the center.
Unfortunately, a rather burly patron sat directly in front of her, blocking her entire view.
Bai Li pursed her lips.
Unwilling to give up, she twisted her neck, trying to find a better angle.
Fang Ye watched her fidgeting without annoyance, his eyes shining with anticipation.
He stubbed out his cigarette, stood up, pulled her chair over, and pointed to his own seat.
“Sit there and watch.”
His gaze was sharp and unyielding.
Before she could react, Bai Li found herself in the new spot, the back of the chair still warm from the boy’s touch.
Looking up, she could see everything on stage, and her eyes were immediately drawn in.
On the stage,
Xiao Bai sat on a high stool with his guitar, fingers casually brushing the strings, producing a series of pleasant notes.
The familiar prelude flowed through the room.
Xiao Bai’s magnetic voice rang out in everyone’s ears.
“—Dum dum dum—”
“—Let me describe a soul, one that holds an undying youth.”
The melody was all too familiar.
As soon as he began singing, Bai Li’s smile appeared.
This was a song she particularly loved—“Boy, Don’t Cry” by Mr. Sea Turtle.
Many around also liked the song and sang along loudly.
The cheerful singing instantly lifted the tavern’s atmosphere.
Having lived all these years,
Bai Li had never been to a place like this before.
Her past life was dull and monotonous. Besides school, she was invisible at home—not even allowed to turn up the volume when watching shows.
Compared to the freedom here, it was like two extremes.
She was infected by the joy around her, her smile growing harder to suppress, her eyes eagerly taking in everything.
Still cautious, she only sang softly to herself.
“—Though your face bears deep tears—”
“—My heart, my love, still follows the dream afar—”
“—To find another life, one who will take you away—”
At this line, she suddenly stopped.
The lyrics resonated deeply.
A surge of courage rose within her, and she boldly tugged at Fang Ye’s sleeve.
He lifted his eyelids slightly, quietly observing her small gesture, not stopping her, and called out, “What is it?”
Bai Li blinked her round eyes and sincerely said, “Thank you.”
Her whispered words were drowned out by the roaring song.
Fang Ye didn’t catch them clearly and asked softly, “What did you say?”
Her ears warmed under his gaze, and she spoke as loudly as she dared, “Brother, thank you for taking me in.”
Having said that,
She turned shyly and resumed watching Xiao Bai sing.
Fang Ye watched her swaying head, a faint softness flickering through his eyes—gone as quickly as it appeared—but enough to dissipate some of his usual harshness.
Chengzi noticed and leaned over, raising his glass with a grin, “Ye, didn’t you say she has a mom? Why’s she suddenly come to you? Are you planning to keep looking after this girl?”
Memories of the past tore open painfully; the scar behind his ear seemed to chill to the bone.
After a long silence,
Fang Ye clinked glasses with him, brought the cup to his lips, and murmured as if talking to himself,
“Keep looking after her, yeah. It’s not like I haven’t done it before.”
He curled his lips slightly as the bitter liquor slowly slid down his throat.
...
They stayed cheerful until half past midnight.
Then Fang Ye broke Bai Li’s excitement, bending down beside her to ask,
“Have you eaten enough?”
Bai Li knew this was his way of telling her it was time to go home.
Not used to staying out late, she naturally reined in her emotions and nodded obediently.
“I’m full.”
Fang Ye glanced at the empty bowl before her, confirmed she’d finished, then stood up, drained his glass, and told Chengzi and the others, “I’m heading out. I’ll settle the bill in a bit.”
Chengzi was about to comment on how early that was, but then saw Bai Li standing obediently behind him. The words caught in his throat and changed to, “Don’t worry, Ye.”
As the two exited,
Xiao Bai noticed and quietly waved at Bai Li from the stage.
Bai Li waved back.
Once they left, Chengzi wrapped an arm around Xiaoying, chuckling, “Tsk, Ye really acts like a parent now—leaving at half past twelve. I’m not used to it.”
Xiaoying smiled, “Then why don’t you say that to his face?”
“Heh heh heh, don’t ask!”
...
Just outside the tavern doors.
A mere wall’s distance away.
The raucous noise was instantly cut off behind the door.
The sudden quiet took Bai Li some time to adjust before she came back to her senses.
The street was still crowded with tourists; ancient-style buildings adorned with countless lanterns lined both sides, lush trees rustling softly in the breeze.
She tilted her head to look at Fang Ye beside her. From this angle, only his defined jawline was visible.
They turned into a narrow alley with no streetlights; the moon was hidden behind clouds.
Feeling the awkwardness of the silence, she couldn’t help but ask the question she had posed earlier.
“...Can I ask you something?”
Perhaps the music’s absence had stolen her courage to call him brother.
Fang Ye didn’t even glance at her. “Speak.”
“How much do I have to pay for lodging if I live here?”
...
A long moment passed with no reply.
Her embarrassment deepened.
Why wouldn’t he answer?
This was an important question for her—it would determine how she would earn the money to cover those two summer months.
She dreaded being a burden.
Because she knew all too well that no one in this world could truly accept her—not even her own mother.
So...
She couldn’t shamelessly impose without giving anything in return.
After a moment’s thought, she stopped walking.
She pulled out her small bag, emptied all her money, and counted under the moonlight. Scattered coins and bills totaled a thousand yuan.
Not quite enough.
(End of Chapter)