A narrow victory by 8 to 6

The next afternoon, as the school bell rang loudly in her ears, children eager for the end of lessons hurriedly packed their books and dashed outside, hopping and skipping along the way. The boy at the front of the pack poked his head back in just after leaving, calling out, “Sister Tan Yang, there’s a gentleman here to see you!” Upon hearing this, Tan Yang quickly gathered her books and hurried out of the classroom.

In the dim corridor outside, the moment she saw Bi Qingtang standing by the wall, Tan Yang couldn’t help but burst into laughter. He wore the most conservative black suit, without a hat, his hair perfectly slicked back, and a dark walking stick lightly tapping the floor. Bi Qingtang shot her a glare. “Laughing? What’s so funny? I went to the company dressed like this, and several people asked if I’d just come from a funeral!” He glanced at the thick stack of books in Tan Yang’s arms, frowned, picked up the two heaviest volumes, and turned to leave. Tan Yang hurried after him.

“Mr. Bi, did you just meet with my teacher?” she asked nervously as they stepped outside the school building. Bi Qingtang nodded, slowed his pace, and led Tan Yang to a quiet corner of the playground. At sunset, the golden light stretched their shadows long and thin across the smooth ground.

“Teacher Li said your Chinese is excellent—better than some of the teachers at school. He said your essays are often used as examples and read aloud in your grade,” Bi Qingtang said slowly. Seeing the tension in Tan Yang’s expression ease a little, he continued, “But he also said you’re weak in other subjects, so you’ll need to work harder.” Tan Yang suddenly stopped. “Mr. Bi, surely Teacher Li didn’t only tell you about my strengths and weaknesses? You should tell me everything.”

Bi Qingtang smiled slightly, as if nothing were amiss. “He suggested you start from primary school.” Tan Yang’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Bi Qingtang, then lowered her gaze, her lashes trembling. Bi Qingtang, seeing this, reached for his pocket but found nothing. Instead, he pointed at Tan Yang. “No crying!” His tone was stern, almost threatening. Tan Yang quickly raised her tearful eyes to him, protesting, “Why?” Bi Qingtang frowned impatiently. “I didn’t bring a handkerchief today!” Tan Yang almost laughed through her tears, pulling out the handkerchief Bi Qingtang had given her yesterday from her sleeve to wipe her eyes. She handed it back to him. “I forgot to return this yesterday!” Bi Qingtang looked down at it. Tan Yang said apologetically, “I didn’t wash it. It’s obviously a man’s handkerchief, and I was afraid my uncle would see it if I washed it.” Bi Qingtang smiled, tucked it into his pocket.

“I refuse to be demoted! If I start from primary school, I’ll be ancient by the time I graduate from university!” Tan Yang insisted stubbornly. “Don’t worry, I promised Teacher Li you wouldn’t be held back. I vouched for you, said you’d catch up within half a year.” Bi Qingtang strolled ahead. Tan Yang paused, then hurried to catch up. “You vouched for me? But it’s me who has to study and take the exams, not you!” Bi Qingtang laughed, glancing back at her struggling expression. “I think you just need someone to guide you, to show you the way. I know a lady who teaches at Jingye Middle School. I’ll ask Miss Zhao to tutor you, and you should be able to catch up in half a year. I also have an apartment near your school. After classes, you can study with Miss Zhao there for two hours before going home. How does that sound?”

Tan Yang’s eyes sparkled with hope, then she frowned slightly. “I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Bi, but I really don’t want to trouble you further. I’d rather work hard on my own.” Bi Qingtang looked at her, then stroked his chin thoughtfully. “You know, back in Shandong, your uncle held a grudge against my father—perhaps even hated him.”

“My father had a half-sister, my aunt. My great-grandfather was once a governor, renowned for his status. My aunt was beautiful, talented in painting and calligraphy, gentle in character—she was his cherished daughter. He even hoped she’d be chosen as an imperial consort, bringing honor to the family. But then, my great-grandfather was accused of rebellion, stripped of his position, and our home was searched. Later, the Qing Dynasty fell, and the world changed. Our fortunes dwindled, and my aunt, unable to endure, sought refuge with my father. In those days, she met your uncle. Over the following year, feelings blossomed between them, and they secretly pledged themselves to each other.”

“When my father learned of this, he was furious. He sent my aunt to Shanghai, forced her to terminate Uncle Feng’s child, and arranged for her to marry a progressive gentleman from Shanghai as his second wife. That uncle later helped my father immensely in Shanghai, but I think my father’s motives weren’t only practical. That uncle treated my aunt exceptionally well—one could hardly expect more from a man. Besides, my father was already a fugitive; how could he marry his own sister to another fugitive?”

“Because of this, Uncle Feng and my father became bitter enemies. If not for Uncle Tan’s mediation, there might have been bloodshed. After leaving Shandong, Uncle Feng came directly to Shanghai, hoping to elope with my aunt. But my uncle’s power and influence repeatedly thwarted him. In a few years, my aunt fell ill and died. After that, Uncle Feng became despondent, addicted to opium, and hated my father even more. So his animosity toward us is understandable. Yet, Miss Tan, though our fathers had their conflicts, your father and mine have always been the closest of friends—like brothers. My father admired Uncle Tan as a hero and confidant. I hope you won’t be wary of my good intentions, for the sake of our fathers.”

Tan Yang lowered her head, fiddling with the pages of her book, saying nothing. “Miss Tan, don’t refuse. You really do need a tutor, and you needn’t worry about the cost,” Bi Qingtang urged. Tan Yang hesitated. “Mr. Bi, may I think about it for a few days before giving you an answer?” Bi Qingtang looked at her in surprise, then smiled and nodded. “Of course, Miss Tan. Take your time.”

They walked and talked until they reached the car. Bi Qingtang opened the door and eagerly tossed his walking stick onto the back seat, then left his phone number with Tan Yang before getting in. Just before driving off, Bi Qingtang rolled down the window and told Tan Yang, “It’s getting late. Go straight home after school—don’t linger outside. Shanghai is chaotic, all sorts of people about. If you ever run into trouble, don’t panic—just tell them you’re Bi Qingtang’s sister.” Tan Yang asked curiously, “Will that really work?” Bi Qingtang nodded. She asked again, “Are they afraid of you?” Bi Qingtang hesitated, then smiled. She squinted mischievously, “Are ruffians like fish?” Bi Qingtang frowned, puzzled. Tan Yang laughed, whispering, “Big fish eat little fish!”

Bi Qingtang shot her a fierce glare and rolled up the window. As the car started, he extended his thumb and forefinger, curled the rest into a fist, and tapped the window lightly toward Tan Yang outside. She bent over laughing, while he sat upright, never so much as glancing at her.

The driver, seeing Bi Qingtang’s laughter in the rearview mirror, asked, “Boss Bi, what joke did Miss Tan tell? You’ve been smiling all the way.” “She called me a big ruffian!” Seeing the driver struggle to suppress a smile, Bi Qingtang lit a cigarette. “Ah, you see, these days, the truth has become a joke.” The driver quickly offered him an excuse, “Miss Tan is still young—she speaks without thinking. You should take it as childish innocence.” Bi Qingtang’s smile faded at this, and he snorted coldly, “Don’t be fooled by her age—she’s sharp. When dealing with her, say as little as possible.”

That evening, Feng Kang lounged on the couch, savoring his opium, lost in clouds of smoke. Tan Yang carried the dish of sunflower seeds from the Eight Immortals table to the small table in front of him, then took a seat opposite. She spread out her handkerchief, tilted her head as she shelled the seeds, and placed the kernels on the cloth. Feng Kang opened his eyes to look at Tan Yang. “How are your studies going at school?” “The teachers all praise my diligence!” Tan Yang replied playfully. Feng Kang nodded slightly. “As long as all that money doesn’t go to waste.”

Tan Yang pushed the pile of shelled seeds toward Feng Kang. “Uncle, have some.” Feng Kang sniffed disdainfully, “I’ve got hands, don’t I? Why do you keep peeling seeds and fruit for me every few days?” Tan Yang pointed to the opium pipe in his hand. “Uncle, you play with the big pipe—you're too skinny. You should put on some weight.” Feng Kang grumbled, “Busybody!” but he smiled, set down the pipe, and picked up a pinch of seeds to chew slowly.

“Uncle?” “Hm?” “Have you spent your whole life alone, never married?” Feng Kang stiffened, then raised his head with venomous suspicion. “Has Bi Qingtang been to see you again?” Tan Yang looked at him blankly and shook her head. “No, I haven’t seen him in over half a year!” Feng Kang lowered his gaze. “If he comes to see you, ignore him.” Tan Yang nodded obediently, then asked, “But, Uncle, why did my question about marriage lead to Bi Qingtang?” Feng Kang was at a loss for words, then waved her off. “The teachers praise your diligence, and you’re here idling with me? Go study!”

Tan Yang quickly agreed, carefully closed Feng Kang’s door, and slipped out of the courtyard. At the alley entrance was a telephone booth. Tan Yang handed the number to the booth owner, who dialed for her.

“Is this Mr. Bi’s residence?”

“Oh, is Mr. Bi in?”

“He’s not? What bad luck. Uncle Chen, I don’t have anything urgent—just please tell Mr. Bi for me: I’ve thought it over, and I’d like to trouble him for help after all.”

“Alright, Uncle Chen, thank you. Goodbye.”

On the other end, Uncle Chen hung up the phone and told Bi Qingtang, who was seated on the sofa opposite, “Young master, Miss Tan has agreed.” Bi Qingtang nodded, tossed his cigarette case onto the tea table before him, exhaled deeply, and uttered two words, “A narrow victory.”