Chapter 20

Jason tracked me down at the auto repair shop later. In this godforsaken place, besides his run-down rental house and the shop, I had nowhere else to hide. By the time he found me, I was all cried out, no more tears left to shed.

I couldn't even figure out what was wrong with me. How did I end up falling for some older dude, practically an uncle, and even getting jealous? But I just couldn't help it.

Jason thought my extended stay in the mountains had messed with my head, so he decided to take me to the city to chill for the first time. "Buy whatever you want," he said, handing me a card before plopping down at a roadside stall with a drink.

"Should I keep track of it?" I asked.

"Up to you," he shrugged.

I took the card and wandered around the mall, checking out dresses and bags, but nothing caught my eye. Life just felt pointless. Every time I thought about Jason, I felt lost and confused. In the end, I didn't buy a thing.

"Why didn't you get anything?" he asked, looking puzzled.

"Didn't see anything I liked," I mumbled.

He ordered me a drink and after a while, he asked, "School starting soon?"

My heart skipped a beat. He wanted me gone.

"Yeah," I replied, feeling a bit annoyed.

"Did you contact your teacher? Send me the address, and I'll get you a train ticket."

"You just want me to leave?" I shot back.

"If you don't leave, you expect me to support you forever?" he said with a smirk.

I sipped my drink in silence.

"In the future, be more careful. Don't trust everyone, especially guys. Keep your distance," he advised.
I took a deep breath, "Okay."

Back at the house, he watched me pack my stuff, puffing on a cigarette without saying a word.

"I'm leaving. What about the money my dad owes you?" I asked.

"He doesn't pay up even when you're here, right?" he replied.

"But I haven't fully paid you back for my living expenses," I pointed out.

"With the little money you have, you planning to work for me forever? Forget it, just consider yourself lucky," he said.

Alright, he really didn't care about me and just wanted me gone.

"Can you smoke less in the future?" I asked.

"Smoking's supposed to cause early death," he muttered, clearly annoyed. "If I'm gonna die early, then so be it. What's the point of living so long anyway?"

"But you're already older than me, so you'll probably die many years before me..." I hesitated.

"Well, that's perfect. After I die, you can come collect my body. It'll be a way for you to show filial piety to your uncle," he said with a smirk.

"Jason," I said, my nose tingling and tears welling up. "Can you please not die? In the future, I'll make a lot of money and pay you back, so don't die early..."

"Why are you crying?" He looked at me, panicked, and stubbed out his cigarette. "Alright, alright, you're making it seem like a tearful farewell. I'm afraid of you now."

I sniffled.

"So, will you quit smoking?" I asked.

"Quit?" He started to get angry, but then looked at me and softened. "I'll try my best."
"Our teacher said that when someone says 'try my best,' it means they don't want to do it," I said, looking at him seriously.

"Quit, quit, quit, it's annoying," he grumbled, tossing the remaining pack of cigarettes straight into the trash. "Satisfied?"

"It's okay," I said, wiping my tears.

"Jason."

"What now?"

"I'm about to leave. Could you... give me a hug?"

He stood there, stunned. "It's not appropriate. So, nope."

"Didn't you say you're my uncle? Why not appropriate?"

"You're surprisingly clever at this moment," he sighed and reached out his hand. "Come here."

I eagerly rushed towards him and suddenly plunged into his arms. His body was strong, and he had muscles. I felt safe in his embrace.

"You're not light," he said, slightly off balance from the force, moving backward a bit. He protected my head with his hand, afraid I'd hit the edge of the table.

"Have you ever hugged someone lighter than me?" I asked.

Even though I was 5'6", I only weighed 46kg, so I wasn't heavy, right?

He pondered for a moment. "No, not really."

"Alright, alright, get down."

"Uncle," I said, wrapping my arms around his arm.

"Mhmm," he replied, his tone changing because we were so close.

"Your shampoo smells amazing," I said, leaning in to sniff his neck.

"Get down!" His tone turned cold.

"Just a little longer."

"Are you not going to get down?"

"No."

He stood up directly and, like carrying a monkey, lifted me onto the couch.

"Can you please be more cautious? It's dangerous to act like this with other men, do you know that?"
"Why would I act like this with other men?" I bit my lip and looked at him.

"Why? How would I know why?" He glared at me, clearly irritated. "You'll figure it out in the future."

"At your age... and with your looks, young guys your age will like you. You'll find someone you like," he said, looking a bit disheartened. He walked over, crouched down, and started helping me pack my luggage.

"Why should I look for someone my age? Can't I like someone older?" I asked, still clinging to a sliver of hope.

"Go ask around, who's having this mind?" he shot back.

I went silent. It seemed he really minded the age difference between us. He didn't like someone like me. His repeated rejection hurt my self-esteem badly. I decided not to struggle anymore.

"Jason."

"Yeah."

"Can I study in this county?"

"What do you want to do?" He looked at me, puzzled.

"I didn't tell you the truth. I can't go back to my old school. The teachers won't let me because they say people collecting debts are waiting for me there," I admitted honestly.

"Can't your relatives transfer you to another school?" He seemed helpless.

"Alright, I won't trouble you anymore," I said, already expecting his response but still feeling the sting. I completely gave up now.

"Your school records aren't here, so it's tough for you to study in the county," he explained.

"Yeah, I'll just go then, so I won't bother you and your girlfriend's alone time," I said, quickly packing my luggage without looking at him.

Neither of us spoke as we made our way to the train station.