Chapter Text
“Gōngxǐ nǐ Shi Guang.”...... “That was a great match!”....... “You were awesome!”......All these words rang repeatedly and filled the entire Banquet Hall that the Fangyuan Investment Go Club had generously provided to celebrate Shi Guang’s victory in the Rising Star Championship earlier that day.
He and Shen Yi Lang (who are now both under the same team) went face to face against each other for the Rising Star Championship. It was a fierce match between the two best friends and former club mates. The crowd of onlookers thought the two players were evenly matched despite Shi Guang playing his signature chaotic playing style where he sets traps on his opponent on all sides of the board. It was hard to tell who would win until Shi Guang finally pulled his infamous single unpredictable turning-table move (which always surprises everyone). And although Shen Yi Lang did put up a good fight afterwards, Shi Guang had become unstoppable with every stone he sets down on the board, as if he’s already planned everything ahead of time, which eventually leads him to a triumphant victory.
They were both undeniably a great asset for their team, and with the addition of Shen Yi Lang they had become a force to be reckoned with in the Go Tournaments lately, especially with Shi Guang’s steady improvement in his playing style. Their team now has some big investors and will undoubtedly be one of the top 3 teams in the National Go A-League Tournament this year.
It was a fairly big enough Banquet Hall that could accommodate 50 people no problem and with lots of space left. And Shi Guang was given the chance to invite his friends over to celebrate with him. Of course with him and Shen Yi Lang being from the same Club, they mostly shared the same acquaintances so it felt like a reunion of their Yijianghu club mates and teachers all the same. With some people from Shi Guang’s High School Go Club members mixed in, along with their Fangyuan Club Teammates. Fang Xu and Bai Chuan were also present and of course how could Shi Guang forget to invite Yu Liang, who didn’t let the opportunity pass to let Shi Guang know that he should be thankful he isn’t a participant in the competition anymore, because then, who would know if Shi Guang could actually win it instead of him.
The Hall was full of laughter and lively conversations. Everyone was happily catching up with one another. Especially those whose lives aren’t revolving on just Go alone anymore. Even Shi Guang who’s been acting a little distant lately is now looking a lot cheerful and is smiling more genuinely than he had been in the last few weeks. Yu Liang could tell that he’s actually more happy and excited to be reunited with his friends than his actual victory in the competition. And luckily this wasn’t one of those formal gatherings, because Shi Guang’s group of friends and acquaintances were just as loud as he is.
The former Yijianghu Club Members have now started playing a drinking game, lead by none other than Hong He (no doubt). Surprisingly even Shen Yi Lang who usually acts all serious and proper is now one of the loudest among the group, with Bai Xiao Xiao right by his side, laughing, and her eyes looking adoringly at him. On the other corner of the hall, the former No.13 High School students are also up to doing their own mischief. Apparently Gu Yu and Jiang Xue Ming had just started dating and they accidentally leaked the news out just now. So everybody else are now relentlessly teasing them, including Shi Guang. Each group took it upon themselves to come up with something fun to do. And those who didn’t join the groups were just happily discussing stuff over food and drinks, like Fang Xu and Bai Chuan who are constantly whispering something to one another which results to fits of giggles afterwards. Like they were in their own little world and didn’t care much about anything around them.
***
Everybody seems to be having so much fun except for Yu Liang who goes to one corner and finds the furthest seat possible away, so he could silently observe everyone else. He smiles to himself and realizes how many people Shi Guang considers as friends, compared to him who has friends which he could count only by his two hands. It’s quite a small percentage to Shi Guang’s. But knowing what he knows now, he wonders how come Shi Guang never actually told anyone about his secret. All these people around him who loves and supports him, yet he didn’t trust one soul with his secret and chose to suffer alone for 6 months. Without any care what people might say against him or think of him. He chose to stay quiet instead of defending himself. Probably because he knew his story would make him sound like a total lunatic. Even Yu Liang who knows him well, is still trying to process everything with skepticism ‘til now, after hearing the whole story from Mr. Cao, who turns out to be the only person Shi Guang had confided the whole truth with. But a tiny, slightly hopeful voice in his head also tells him that there’s no other logical explanation that could explain the case of the mystery surrounding Shi Guang. And with further investigation he also finds out that his father had gone to see the Monk who plays 21x21 Go at Lan Yin Temple (days after Shi Guang revealed to him the Existence of the Divine Move) to tell him about it, despite promising to Shi Guang that he’d keep it a secret between the four of them along with Fang Xu and Yu Liang. He didn’t have the heart to keep his Monk friend in the dark about it, knowing that the Monk has been waiting for it all his life as well. The Monk had seemingly told his father that after Mr. Cao had dropped Shi Guang off at the Lan Yin Temple last year, Shi Guang had stayed in the temple for 2 weeks and prayed and begged his heart out to the heavens for something that the Monk didn’t tell his father about, but Yu Liang suspected it had to be about Chu Ying.
Yu Liang looked back at his conversation that day with Mr. Cao. He has revealed so much to him, things that Yu Liang could never even imagine was actually possible. Even Mr. Cao himself had told him in all honesty that when he heard the whole story from Shi Guang he didn’t believe him right away and refused to believe him despite his wholehearted and serious confession. He even went as far as trying to convince him that it could all be just in his imagination. But Shi Guang was very persistent and stubborn, and so their last stop that time was at the Lan Yin Temple where he had chosen to be left behind. Mr. Cao only came to realize that there must be some truth to Shi Guang’s story when the news of Chu Ying’s Wei Da Online Go account got deleted permanently and Shi Guang disappeared for a solid 6 months in the World of Professional Go. He then openly confessed to Yu Liang his regret in doubting Shi Guang when he probably was the only one whom he ever had the courage and trusted to talk about his life-long secret to. Yu Liang on the other hand is still not prepared to believe everything he’s heard. It’s all far too impossible! Something like this never happens in real life! In Yu Liang’s mind, the possibility of Shi Guang imagining everything has a bigger chance of being tangible than the other way around.
***
Yu Liang was so engraved in his thoughts that he didn’t realize it when Shi Guang walked towards him, until he gave him a friendly nudge and said.
“Hey, what are you doing here sitting all by yourself?”
“I didn’t want to draw the attention away from you.” Yu Liang simply lied automatically.
Shi Guang snorted and rolled his eyes in response to Yu Liang and added. “Please don’t make me think that I made the mistake of inviting you over here and made you bored out of your wits!”
“What? No!......I’m not bored, I’m just a little overwhelmed with this big crowd of people. You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but it still really makes me a bit uncomfortable. I’m not like you who thrive in these kinds of occasions you know?” Yu Liang confessed.
“What are you talking about? You already know most of the people here. And just so you know, most of them already consider you their friend now too. Especially my High School friends who you’ve recently meet up with. They actually think you’re cool. I can’t believe you’ve managed to change their perception of you in just a few exchange of words. I mean they used to think you were a strict know-it-all brat, when we attended that Go Training Camp a few years back. They’d be very disappointed once they realize how un-cool you actually are.” Shi Guang teased playfully at him.
“Wait, you knew I met up with them?” Yu Liang asked slightly furrowing his eyebrows and pursing his lips together. But before the other could answer him, somebody had called out everyone’s attention to propose a toast in honor of Shi Guang. Both of them looked up towards the direction of where the voice was coming from. But the speaker seemed to be lost in the sea of people surrounding him. However once Yu Liang heard the speaker once more, he didn’t have a problem recognizing who it was. It was obviously Zhu Lǎoshī who sounds a little too drunk for his own good.
“Shi Guang, you must know that back then......I won a bet against Ban Heng for two bottles of fine wine......Because I believed that you were naturally talented in playing Go...... I told him that in less than 2 months, I could make you advance to Group A from Group B......He didn’t believe it was possible….But of course we all know how that ended. You surprised everyone...... So I should thank you for proving that I’m never wrong in judging people’s abilities...... I mean, just look at where you are now!.....You’ve come a long way from being the kid who chomped on his leave of absence paper away, to one of the top young Go Players in the world...... Here’s to constantly bringing pride to your country, fellow Go players, and us at Yijianghu...... And Shen Yi Lang, congrats to putting up a good fight against Shi Guang......It’s students like you two that makes being a teacher worth it.” Zhu Lǎoshī slowly finished his speech in between many pauses (where he must’ve taken the time to take another swig from the glass of wine in his hand) while Ban Lǎoshī‘s voice can be heard audibly, trying to stop him from drinking some more.
Majority of the people in the hall applauded, some screamed “Wooohoooo” or whistled, while some murmured and snickered through the revelation of Shi Guang supposedly consuming an entire piece of paper.
Yu Liang slowly turned to face Shi Guang who had quickly unfolded his fan to hide his crimson face. It’s been a while since Yu Liang has seen Shi Guang behaving like this. But this is the part of Shi Guang he missed the most these past few weeks. He chuckled at the sight and asked wryly. “So how did the leave of absence paper taste like?” Shi Guang folded away his fan in surrender, pouted his lips and proceeded in making that cute cry-baby face while lowering his head down in defeat.
“Leave it to Zhu Lǎoshī to make a speech that’ll praise and insult you at the same time. Why couldn’t he just left off that bit?” Shi Guang mumbled still looking down at the floor.
Yu Liang tried his best to keep a straight face. But Shi Guang’s reaction was just too adorable that a smirk escaped him. “Well I don’t know, to me, it shows your determination. It may be a tad humiliating, but I don’t think it’s meant to be insulting.”
Shi Guang finally looked up wearing that heart-melting sad-puppy look of his. “Really?” His expression slowly changed, wide eyed, lips slightly curled upward to a hesitant smile.
“Why do you think people call us the Twin Stars for? Don’t you think I know you all too well by now?” So much more than you even know. Yu Liang said the last words under his breath.
“Well actually, if you don’t count that embarrassing bit, I do feel a bit relieved about the things Zhu Lǎoshī had said. At least now I know that he didn’t think I was a brainless kid trying to get away from regular high school classes and tried my luck on Go instead. Now I know that he was being mean to me back then, because he was pushing me to be better at the shortest period of time possible. I had no idea he’d ever believed in me that much.” Shi Guang said gazing wearily at his fan as he smiled to himself, clearly feeling blissful of the hidden faith that one of his mentors had in him since he started pursuing his Go career in Yijianghu.
“Well, aren’t you the lucky one? Turns out, the people around you believed in your innate ability, even when you have doubted yourself.” Yu Liang expressed.
“And is it safe for me to presume you’re one of those people?” Shi Guang asked mischievously.
Yu Liang just smiled in reply and punched Shi Guang’s right shoulder with a force as light as air.
***
Finally, Yu Liang couldn’t take it anymore. Most of the people inside were now too drunk to begin engaging a conversation with. So he decided to step outside to take a breath of fresh non-alcohol-stenched air, away from the noise and the wasted individuals inside. The night sky was pretty clear and bright because of the full moon and it’s at the perfect angle in the sky, where Yu Liang could just look at it without having to look up uncomfortably. He found a bench adjacent to the railings of the rooftop garden where he proceeded to settle down for the time being, thankful to have found a place to himself where he could admire the sky’s beauty in peace. But no matter how calm the ambience seems to be. Yu Liang still couldn’t bring himself to relax. This is all your fault Shi Guang. Why don’t you just tell me the truth already! He thought to himself irritably as he fished out a notebook in his backpack. Hastily scribbled into one of its pages are the important notes he got out of talking to people who were close to Shi Guang. From Hong He, to his High School friends, to Mr. Cao and even his own father, whom he’d forced to talk about who Chu Ying was to Shi Guang, which had been the reason that sparked his interest about this whole mystery once again, after choosing to forget about it for so many months now. He’d written the words, HAS A WEIRD HABIT OF INTERACTING WITH SOMEONE THAT NOBODY ELSE COULD SEE, all in capital letters, because everyone seems to have noticed Shi Guang doing this a lot when they were around him. Yu Liang’s memories then travels back to the time when he secretly followed Shi Guang who was casually walking out of the Convention Hall where the Wei Da King of Go Challenge should’ve happened between his Shixiong Fang Xu and Chu Ying, if not for the whole fiasco because of the Chu Ying impersonators. He had suspected Shi Guang to be Chu Ying back then, so he stalked him while he was walking out on the streets. He kept his distance away from him, just barely enough so he could see or hear what Shi Guang is doing up ahead. Yu Liang didn’t think much about it then, but now, he’s given it a whole different thought. He did notice Shi Guang seemingly having a casual conversation with someone who was walking beside him back then. But Yu Liang swore he didn’t see anyone with him. And he was pretty sure that Shi Guang wasn’t wearing any earphones during the time as well. There’s no way he could be talking to someone on the phone. So he dismissed the weirdness of the situation thinking that Shi Guang was just one of the few individuals who takes having conversations with themselves on a whole different level. Then another memory pops up in his head, and an image of Shi Guang poorly attempting to climb a tree, while once again talking to a non-existent person on the mountain swam in his thoughts. And it made him snort and shake his head in a mixture of disbelief and amusement. Suddenly it struck him like a lightning bolt that came out of nowhere. Of course,------rescuing Shi Guang on that mountain on a winter’s night was the reason why he missed going to the Maksim concert he’s been thoroughly excited about the most. He wasn’t pissed at Shi Guang for giving him a call though, even if that’s how he made it seem like. Because he wouldn’t have enjoyed the concert anyway if he knew that Shi Guang was somewhere in the mountains waiting to be rescued. He couldn’t believe himself for not realizing it much sooner. How could he have missed it? It was the very same mountain that Mr. Cao had talked about,----- Mt. Wulu. Did Shi Guang deliberately went out of the way of the usual path for the excursion because of Chu Ying? Why was he so willing to sacrifice his own safety in order to find something in the mountains for Chu Ying’s sake?
“Chu Ying, are you even real? I’ve been trying my best to convince myself that you’re not just a figment of Shi Guang’s imagination? If he would just tell me himself. I’d be willing to listen to his explanations no matter how outrageous they’d be. I just wanna know the truth!!!” Yu Liang half-screamed the last sentence in frustration addressing it towards the bright full Moon in the sky. Suddenly a warm breeze blew towards him, despite the coldness of the night, hitting his face and ruffling his hair slightly. The warmth immediately sent calmness in him and he closed his eyes in surrender as he exhaled a sharp long breath.
“Are you okay right there?” A calm, deep and soothing voice filled with genuine concern, suddenly spoke from behind and startled Yu Liang. He turned around to see who the owner of the unfamiliar voice was. Sure enough it was from someone he’d never meet before. Maybe he’s a guest in this hotel that he’d disturbed from screaming in frustration just now? But he didn’t sound nor look agitated at all.
“I’m sorry, I never meant to startle you.” Apologized the tall scrawny man who was now standing in front of Yu Liang completely covering the Moon behind him, which gave him an ethereal aura-like shine along his silhouette.
Yu Liang got tongue-tied all of a sudden by the enchanting image in front of him. If Chu Ying ever really existed, Yu Liang imagined he must’ve looked a lot like this. Except this man in front of him is wearing a modern-day suit and his hair is cut at a normal length, he has a chiseled jawline and a pale skin tone. And as he smiled at Yu Liang apologetically, a dimple carved just deep enough on his left cheek, which gave his face an even friendlier look.
“Well you seem to be doing just fine and you might want your alone-time back. I should probably head back in.” The man, good looking enough to be a model or a celebrity, once again spoke to Yu Liang, bowed his head and prepared to leave him alone at the rooftop once more.
“Wait!” Yu Liang called out, after breaking free from his momentary trance. And before he could stop himself. “Are you Chu Ying?” The random question escaped his mouth.
The man immediately turned to look back at him. Ughh, there’s that smile again. Suddenly Yu Liang felt aware of how stupid his question was. What was I thinking?
“Excuse me?” The man asked him. Just then, Yu Liang realized that he’d accidentally said those last words out loud.
Yu Liang then makes a series of noises that was meant to be a laugh. “I’m sorry, I promise I’m not drunk.” The words stumbled quickly out of his mouth in defense. It’s like he’s facing another Shi Guang, who’s making him loose his cool demeanor effortlessly.
The man however, responds by laughing heartily at him. And then he said, “Young man, if you were, I would’ve smelled it already.....” And he walked back towards Yu Liang. He then puts a hand on Yu Liang’s shoulder and added. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen. I assure you, whatever it is. I’m not gonna tell on anyone you know. That’s one of the perks of talking with strangers.”
***
After what felt like forever, Yu Liang felt his throat starting to get dry from all the talking. It’s the first time he’s opened up to someone who was a complete stranger to him. This man is such a great listener and you can’t help but trust and pour your heart out to him. So despite desperately needing to get a drink at the moment. He’s feeling a little light-hearted and thankful towards this guy sitting beside him in the bench, who’d later on introduced himself as Yao Yuan.
Just then Yu Liang’s phone message alert tone sounded, and when he took it out of his pocket, he saw that it’s a message from Shi Guang. *Where are you? Most of the people have already left the Hotel.* He immediately typed in his reply. *I’ll be there in a while. Don’t worry, I didn’t leave yet. I just went out to get some fresh air.* And he exhaled loudly.
“So, are you feeling a lot better now?” Yao Yuan asked.
“A little yeah. Thanks for listening to all of my nonsense. I hope I didn’t make your ears bleed.” Yu Liang answered shyly.
Yao Yuan then pretended to check at his ears and said. “Nope they’re pretty dry and doing okay.... Besides if it makes you feel better. I’ve been told worse.”
Yu Liang scratched a non-itchy ear and smiled not knowing how else to reply, almost forgetting that he’d told Shi Guang he’d go back in now. “Oh.... I almost forgot. My friend is already looking for me inside. I told him to wait for me just a while. I probably should get back in. Thanks again. Nice meeting you Yuan Ge.”
“It’s nice meeting you too Xiao Liang. If you need anything else just look for me at the concierge. I’m happy to help my guests.”
“You manage this hotel?” Yu Liang asked in surprise.
“My Mother owns it. And I manage it.” Yao Yuan answered casually.
“Ohhh.....Wow! And here I thought you were one of the guests that I’ve disturbed from screaming earlier.” Yu Liang said feeling a little embarrassed.
“Don’t worry, like I said, I’ve experienced worse.” Yao Yuan responded reassuringly.
They both laughed. As Yu Liang received another text from Shi Guang that read. *The Hotel Staff are now clearing up the Banquet Hall. When are you coming?* He winced after reading.
“Bye, Yuan Ge. Thanks again.” And he darted to the glass door while hastily typing a reply to Shi Guang saying. *I’m coming*
***
Shi Guang’s team had just won the first round of the 2007 Annual Go League a few days ago, just like most people in the world of Go have predicted. They’re proving to be the toughest team to beat this year. And Yu Liang’s team has to work extra hard if they want to win too. And so, with all of the tournaments and trainings, Yu Liang only ever gets to see Shi Guang in the competitions nowadays. But Shi Guang, being the sunshine that he is wherever he goes, is now looking dimmer by the day. Yu Liang tried to talk to him many times since the celebration night for his championship in the Rising Star Tournament, over the phone or in person. But he’s being as evasive as ever and goes on pretending that he is okay whenever Yu Liang asks him worriedly.
Not wanting to distract Shi Guang’s mind off of the tournament, he’d told him that he won't bother him anymore just as long as he promises him that he won’t quit playing Go again just like he did last year. And thankfully he does so, although quite reluctantly, but somehow it made Yu Liang feel a little relieved.
So when he receives a text message from Shi Guang’s Mother letting him know that something happened to her Son and that he’s now at the hospital. He dropped whatever it was he was doing and quickly hailed a taxi to get to the hospital right away. While on the taxi, he gets a call from Fang Xu asking him where he’s gone to in a hurry? He explains the text he’s gotten from Shi Guang’s mother and Fang Xu seemed to be dumbfounded on the other end of the line. “Okay, let me know when you get there and how he’s doing. I wonder if Bai Chuan already knows. I need to call him before this gets out in the news.” Fang Xu noted and hangs up his phone abruptly.
Yu Liang’s anxiety kept growing as the taxi gets nearer to the hospital. He couldn’t help but blame himself for what happened to Shi Guang. I should’ve just told him that I know about Chu Ying. I should’ve just told him that I believe Chu Ying was real. If that’s what he wants to hear. This never would’ve happened if he knew there is someone who believes in him. Tears threatened to fall from his eyes, but he quickly wipes them off frustratingly.
***
(Earlier that day.....)
“Chu Ying, if I had known that what I’d be showing you was already the Divine Move that you’ve been searching for all your three lifetimes. And that you’d be leaving me right after I show it to you. I would’ve kept the move to myself then. Is that really why you left me? Because you’ve already witnessed your life’s Ultimate Goal? Didn’t you promise me that you would never leave my side? So why did you? You could’ve at least given me a heads up. Chu Ying, I don’t want this fan. I want you..... I want you right back here with me......Please!!! I thought that after a year, I’d be able to move on. That I would get used to living without you constantly nagging me every now and then to practice and train even more. Chu Ying I miss you. And after a year, I just miss you even more.” Shi Guang cried and begged once more, like he does on most of his sleepless nights alone in his room. This time he’s back in the lake where he found Chu Ying for the 2nd time after they parted ways for six years. He suddenly got the urge to go here and try his luck on getting back Chu Ying again. Maybe he’ll succeed this time. Or maybe it’s because he’s had a few bottles of beer, so all of the emotions he’s been bottling up came pouring out all at once. And intoxication made him braver and more rebellious.
“Chu Ying, I’m giving you one last chance. I’m gonna jump in this lake and if you don’t show yourself. Well you know I can’t swim, so it’s totally up to you!” He exclaimed threateningly just as he takes off his red Jacket and puts it on the ground and he places Chu Ying’s fan on top of it. He then climbs the railings and jumps on the lake for the third time, without any hesitation, where the risk of drowning is even bigger, because nobody else was with him to save him this time around.
Shi Guang looked in all directions of the lake searching and waiting for Chu Ying to appear. But his lungs slowly filled with water and is rapidly losing oxygen. His body’s now gradually sinking and Chu Ying is still nowhere to be seen. This might be the end of him and he may become the headline for tomorrow’s news. But he doesn’t care anymore.
He starts seeing flashbacks of his life, the fear he felt when he saw Chu Ying’s ghostly figure suddenly appearing in front of him. Him warming up to Chu Ying and realizing how he’s practically a child stuck in a grown man’s body the way he sees the modern world. How he meet Yu Liang when they were kids. How he slowly fell in love with Go. More memories flashed back before his eyes as he felt his life fading away. He’s too tired and doesn’t wanna fight it anymore. So he closed his eyes and lets the water take him down to the bottom.
***
Yu Liang quickly got out of the elevator when it stopped on the 3rd floor. Shi Guang’s mother had said on the text that they were at the Private Room Number 302. Thankfully the room wasn’t far from the elevator and Yu Liang knocked softly at the door before coming in.
”Āyí, what exactly happened to Shi Guang? Is he going to be okay?” Yu Liang tried his best to speak softly but he was too worried at the moment that it’s hard to control the volume of his voice.
“Xiao Liang, you came. I’m sorry to have bothered your busy schedule. But I thought you might wanna know this from me, before this gets on the news.” Shi Guang’s mother took his hands while her voice cracked midway through her sentence as she started crying again. Yu Liang could tell she’s been crying for a while now, because her eyes are starting to get puffy and her nose is getting very red.
Yu Liang tried his best to comfort her. Even if he doesn’t know the whole situation yet. He couldn’t bring himself to ask Shi Guang’s mother once more because it might make her cry even harder. So he just sits by her side and avoided to look at Shi Guang lying on the bed. Because if he does, he himself might just cry uncontrollably.
“It’s okay Āyí, I’m sure Shi Guang will get through this. He’s a tough guy. He’ll be fine. And he promised me he won’t quit playing anymore.” He doesn’t know if he’s saying those words to comfort Shi Guang’s mother or himself anymore, but when he said it, he made the mistake of looking at Shi Guang and his gaze lingered at his sleeping face for a while. Shi Guang who was usually the sunshine that lights up the whole room now looked so helpless and feeble lying in the hospital bed with a tube attached to his nose for oxygen support, and his hand which were usually the focus whenever he plays on tournaments were now stuck with a needle for his IV line. Yu Liang clenched his teeth and looked away blaming himself even more.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him. Xiao Liang, do you have any idea why he’d jump on the lake?” Shi Guang’s mother suddenly asked him.
“He did what?” Yu Liang choked in surprise. As he remembered what Shi Guang mentioned back then, when he’d jump on the lake near their school after losing a game of Go with He Jia Jia. He also found out that during the game, his friends noticed him calling out to someone they couldn’t see. And they said Shi Guang mentioned Chu Ying. Did he jump in the lake again because of Chu Ying? Shi Guang are you crazy? You almost drowned yourself because of Chu Ying!
“Luckily a kind man followed him from the bar he’d went to. Although unfortunately Shi Guang had already jumped in the lake before he could stop him. And he didn’t even think twice before jumping in the lake after Shi Guang to save him. If it weren’t for him who knows what could’ve happened to my poor baby.” Shi Guang’s Mother continued telling Yu Liang through her painful sobs which Yu Liang mirrored. He needs to thank Shi Guang’s saviour himself too.
Just then, someone knocked on the door. And Shi Guang’s Mother answered, “Come in.” hiccupping right after from her constant sobbing.
Yu Liang took the opportunity to get some water for Shi Guang’s mother and when the visitor spoke, his eyes widened when he heard that it was quite a familiar voice. But what would he be doing here? Does he even know Shi Guang? He turned around and saw the man he once meet before, who was now standing on the opposite side of Shi Guang’s bed. “What are you doing here?” He asked incredulously.
“Xiao Liang?”
***
“Xiao Guang?” Shi Guang heard a voice calling out his name. It’s the voice of someone he missed the most. He forced his heavy eyelids open, afraid that if he wakes up, it’ll turn out to be another dream again. But Chu Ying never spoke to him in his dream before. “Xiao Guang?”
The face of the man who frequently resides in his brain is now looking concernedly at him as he finally opens his eyes with great effort. His eyes started stinging and they welled up with tears. He then starts crying non-stop thinking he finally got his wish of getting back Chu Ying.
The man however looked distraught when he started doing so. And he anxiously asks him. “Are you okay? Are you hurting? Don’t worry, I’ll call your mother right away.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m just happy you’re back Chu Ying.” He managed to say in between his sobs.
His onlooker's eyes widened and he hurriedly ran out of the room. Shi Guang was left confused lying in his hospital bed. His hopes were immediately crushed after he realized who it must’ve been. So it wasn’t Chu Ying that I saw pulled me out of the lake that day then. The thought made him whimper even more.
Hurried sounds of footsteps came nearer outside his room and when the door opened his Mother came in first, along with a Doctor, Chu Ying’s doppelganger, who he met at the bar and lastly Yu Liang.
“Xiao Guang, what is it?”
His Mother’s stressed out voice instantly made him stop crying. He didn’t want to add fear from what his Mother must’ve felt when he first saw him unconscious.
“Ma, it’s okay. I’m fine really. I just mistook him for someone else.” He said nodding towards the man's direction.
“Are you sure? Well anyway, Doctor Guan is here to check you up just to make sure.” The Doctor nodded in agreement to his Mother.
“His vital signs are all back to normal now. And his fever has finally gone down. So if you want, you can check him out tomorrow. Mrs. Shi, it’s not like you don’t have any idea about this. Pretty sure you’re just worried because it’s your son we’re talking about.” The Doctor addressed towards his Mother.
Shi Guang’s Mother smiled happily in relief. “That's because no matter what age he’ll be, he’s still going to be my baby.”
“Ughh, Ma, seriously? In front of all of them!” Shi Guang protested and they all laughed.
“Thanks Doc.” They said in unison as the Doctor left the room.
***
Shi Guang’s Mother stepped out of the room to attend to the papers so he can check out tomorrow after staying in the hospital, and sleeping for three straight days. Shi Guang later on learned that he's had a lot of visitor's in the last three days and that he got almost everyone in the Go community worried sick because of what he did. Thankfully it seems like Fang Xu came to his rescue once more so that the press doesn't make a big fuss about what had happened to him. Fang Xu even orchestrated a story that it was all just an accident that he fell onto the Lake. He'd guessed that Bai Lǎoshī also has a lot to do with Xu Ge helping him out this time too. I need to get Bai Lǎoshī a more decent gift next time.
Then he also learned that the name of his heroic saviour is Yao Yuan. And he found out that He and Yu Liang had already met once. And as to why he looked so much like Chu Ying, he still doesn’t know. Maybe the Gods wanted to play tricks on him. Or maybe he’s Chu Ying’s reincarnation. Nevertheless, he’s thankful towards him for saving his life and caring enough for him that he’s actually come back to check on how he’s doing every day since he sent him here in the hospital himself. If it’s fate that brought them together, then Shi Guang will try his best to keep his connection with Yao Yuan. He may not be Chu Ying, but having another friend definitely helps with the emptiness that he’s feeling for him. Don’t worry Chu Ying, no one’s ever going to replace your space in my heart.
***
Yao Yuan left after staying and chatting with them for a while. He said he’d be busy for a friend’s wedding for the following days. But he promised he’d come meet them soon to play a round of Go with them. And both Shi Guang and Yu Liang got excited after hearing it.
As soon as Yu Liang finally got the room to Shi Guang and himself, he mustered up the courage to tell him what he knows. Realizing that it’s better to say it now that Shi Guang is not going anywhere. He looks okay anyways. He’s complexion is back to normal and his lips are now back into their reddish shade. And the most important thing is, he’s finally awake. Although his eyes and nose are still slightly red from crying. Shi Guang had no idea how scared he made them all, when he suddenly started crying after waking up.
“Shi Guang, are you sure you’re okay?” He asked. Demanding answers for what happened earlier. But Shi Guang just looked at him questioningly.
Understanding that Shi Guang doesn’t want to elaborate on the matter yet, he proceeds in making his confession. “It’s just that, I know I promised I’d wait until you’re ready to tell me about Chu Ying. But I’ve waited long enough.” He sighed loudly.
“I know you’ve been wanting answers. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I just didn’t know whether you’d believe me or not.” Shi Guang interjected. Then he frantically looks around the room for something. “Yu Liang have you seen my fan?”
“Huh, are you feeling hot?” Yu Liang asked, surprised at the sudden change of subject. “Hey, don’t you dare change the subject.”
“No, I’m not. But I need to find it before I start telling you everything.” Shi Guang stated seriously.
He perks up at Shi Guang’s words and he suddenly remembered. “I think I saw your mother putting it in one of the bedside drawers. Let me find it for you.” And he proceeds into opening the drawers one by one. He found it in the 2nd drawer from the top. ”Here you go.” Giving Shi Guang his precious fan. “So, you were saying?”
Shi Guang snorted at his obvious enthusiasm. “You know, if you would’ve just believed me way back when we were kids after I defeated you in Go for the second time around. What I had told you there was the whole truth… You would’ve saved yourself the trouble of investigating through my friends.” Shi Guang said while fiddling with his fan in his hand, looking a little too seriously at him.
“Of course, they’d tell you. Why am I even surprised?” He looked up on the ceiling feeling slightly stupid for thinking Shi Guang had been clueless all this time. “Wait! What are you saying you told me the whole truth back then?” He asked, comprehending Shi Guang’s words slowly out of shock. “I don’t remember you ever telling me about anything!”
“Well now that I come to think of it. I guess you didn’t hear me at the time, because you were too stunned that you got defeated badly once again. Or maybe because you thought that I was mocking you.”
“Shi Guang, I really don’t know what you’re talking about.” He pleaded..
“I felt guilty when you started crying in front of me at the time. I couldn’t bear seeing you feeling like all your efforts were wasted. So I told you that you were actually good. And that I wasn’t the one who’d beaten you in the game.” Shi Guang paused and clenched his hands tighter around his fan, looking warily at it. And fresh tears tears started falling down his cheeks once again. “I’d said that there is someone standing beside me, and that he’s been learning Go for over a thousand years. I remember telling you that you can’t beat him....And then you shouted at me to go out.” Shi Guang smiled through his tears. “Yu Liang, all these years you thought I was the one who defeated you on those two games we played. But you weren’t chasing after me. In fact I was the one who was chasing after you all this time. The person you wanted to defeat the most was never me, it’s always been Chu Ying.” Shi Guang caught his gaze and they stared at each other for quite some time, until.
“Is it true that Chu Ying is a spirit from Southern Liang who haunted that Go board in your grandpa’s attic?” He said quickly, before he could stop himself. And it earned him a stunned look from Shi Guang.
“Who told you that?” Shi Guang asked extremely surprised.
“Xu Ge.....You know, the Go board maker.” He admitted hesitantly.
“Xu Ge? I initially thought he didn’t believe me.”
“He said he didn’t at first. But he came to realize soon after, that you weren’t just making it all up.”
“Wow! Yu Liang, you really need to start rethinking your career path. Looks like you’re going to make a great investigator.” Shi Guang joked. Forgetting the seriousness of their subject matter.
“Shut up! It was mostly just pure coincidence. It was as if the heavens were trying to help me.” Yu Liang confessed. “So, about Chu Ying? Is it true that you were the only one who could see him?”
Shi Guang unfolded his fan and read what was written in it out loud. He then handed it over to Yu Liang who examined it carefully himself. “D’you know, believe it or not. That fan is actually an ancient artifact. I don’t know how it was possible. But one night, when I woke up from a dream I had about Chu Ying, the fan was already there sitting in my bedside table. ”
“What?” Yu Liang stared back and forth from Shi Guang to the fan in his hand. It’s hard to believe that this thing he’s holding in his hands is over a thousand years old. Plus it certainly doesn’t smell like his grandparents old stuff.
“I know how ridiculous this all sounds to you. But this fan and his Go Board are actually the only thing I have left of him. These are the things that I’ve left to prove his existence in the world. If he’d never been wrongly accused of cheating by the Emperor. His name would’ve been written down in history as the best Go player of the ancient times.”
Shi Guang went on telling Yu Liang stories about Chu Ying, from his past life to when he’d lived together with Shi Guang in the modern times until the day he suddenly left him without saying goodbye. Yu Liang now understood why Shi Guang reacted the way he did in those months. And the more he’d heard, the more he believed in him. It’s like the puzzle in his head is now coming together by themselves one by one. As Shi Guang’s story goes on, some of his questions were already answered even before he’d asked. Shi Guang also revealed to him that Bai Zi Qiu had the same fate as he did, hence the reason for the similarities in their playing style.
One question suddenly formed in Yu Liang’s head that needed answering. “So when you played against me in the High School Go Tournament. Why were you playing so badly?”
“At first it was Chu Ying who’s playing.—“
“Of course, obviously-- “ Yu Liang interjected.
“And then halfway in the game, I realized I wanted to asses my own skills and if I have a chance to defeat you myself. Which was a pretty stupid move on my part.” Shi Guang went on.
“But seeing as you only started playing for a few months, proves that you really are quite talented in Go. Some people would have to practice and learn for years before playing decently. Let me tell you this. You really do deserve to be called a Genius.” Yu Liang said. Stunned at how fast Shi Guang’s improvement was with the help of Chu Ying.
***
Before Shi Guang’s Mother returned to the room. He’d revealed to Yu Liang that Yao Yuan looked a lot like Chu Ying which is why he cried when he saw him, thinking he’d finally gotten his wish. As soon as Yu Liang heard him say it, he felt goosebumps all over his body, because of what he'd thought the first time he saw Yao Yuan.
Later on, when evening came, Shi Guang gets more visitors and the last one to leave was Hong He.
“So how was your first kiss?” Hong He teased.
“What? What are you talking about?” Shi Guang asked defensively thinking that Hong He must be referring to Yao Yuan giving him CPR.
“Don’t you act all innocent!!! Don’t worry I won’t go telling Yu Liang. But I might just slip if I’m drunk.” Revealed Hong He..
“Wait, you weren’t sleeping that time? ” Shi Guang shouted frustratingly at Hong He who kept laughing at him.
“Hong He, I’m telling you. Don’t you dare tell Yu Liang!” Shi Guang threatened as the door of his hospital room opens.
“Tell me what?” Yu Liang asked innocently by the doorway.
“I thought you’ve gone home!” Shi Guang and Hong He said in perfect unison, looking at each other wide eyed then at Yu Liang.....
-The End-