We didn't head straight back to the dorm that night. Instead, we spent the entire night gaming at a nearby underground internet café, and didn't stumble back to our dorm until dawn, exhausted and skipping breakfast, collapsing into bed.
I slept until noon, when I was awoken by the sound of my phone ringing.
It was a call from Linda. Surprised, I quickly answered. Her voice was calm and flat: "Come home for dinner tonight."
Because of what happened last week, Linda had been cold toward me these past few days. I'd planned to stay at school over the weekend to avoid her, but I didn't expect her to call and invite me home for dinner. What was going on?
Linda probably sensed my confusion and added, "Today is my birthday. I wasn't planning to celebrate it, but my parents insisted. They've made a big meal, just for our family to sit down and eat together. It wouldn't be appropriate for you not to show up. Make sure you're home this afternoon."
"Okay, I'll be there."
After hanging up, I lay on my metal-frame dorm bed thinking — yesterday was Harper's birthday, and today it's Linda's. Their birthdays are just one day apart? I realized this might be a good opportunity. I could use the occasion to give Linda a gift, maybe cheer her up and smooth things over from last week. After all, her cold stares every time we met were really wearing me down.
I had only a few dozen yuan left, and Mia, Da Luo, and Xiao Luo were also broke. I still owed them money, so I couldn't ask them for more. I'd have to figure out a gift for Linda on my own.
While the others slept like logs after our all-nighter, I got up quietly, washed up, and left the dorm to head toward the pedestrian street, hoping to find a nice, inexpensive birthday gift for Linda.
The street was lively with weekend shoppers — especially couples holding hands, which made me feel a twinge of envy. I couldn't help but imagine how great it would be to hold Linda's hand and stroll down the street together.
I wandered through a few gift shops, but nothing was cheap. Even a delicate brooch cost over 200 yuan. Perfume was even pricier. With only a few dozen yuan, I couldn't afford anything decent.
There were some trinkets at street stalls that I could buy, but Linda was like a goddess. She'd never care for cheap stuff like that — she'd probably toss it aside without even looking.
After walking around for over two hours, it was already past 3 PM, almost time to head home for dinner, and I still hadn't found a gift.
I was exhausted from the all-nighter, having only slept a few hours. Weighed down by fatigue and disappointment, I wandered into a small gift shop tucked into the corner of the street.
Because of its hidden location and small size, there weren't many customers. At the counter sat a stubbly, scruffy middle-aged man glued to his computer — watching *that kind* of movie. Honestly, watching that kind of thing during business hours was seriously gross.
He looked up briefly when I walked in. "Browse freely."
"Okay."
I walked a few rounds through the shop but couldn't find anything suitable. Frustrated, I figured it was hopeless — maybe I'd just go to a flower shop and buy a single rose for Linda. But would that look too cheap?
Just as I was about to leave, the stubbly man noticed my disappointed expression and called out, "Hey kid, you looking for something in particular? Didn't find anything?"
"It's not that. I'm trying to find a creative birthday gift for someone, but I don't have much money, and nothing seems right."
He glanced at me, then grinned knowingly. "Let me guess — it's for a girl?"
I looked at him, surprised. "Huh? How'd you know?"
He had a smug "I know everything" look and said, "I've seen plenty of broke kids trying to win over girls. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging. Just stating facts — you're trying to impress a girl with a gift, right?"
"…More or less."
I glared at him, not sure what he was getting at.
He proudly said, "So how much do you have? Maybe I can help you figure something out."
Looking at his disheveled appearance and remembering he was just watching dirty videos at the counter, I couldn't help but doubt his judgment. "You sure you know what you're doing?"
Offended, he scoffed, "What do you mean 'if I'm sure'? I've dealt with countless women in my day. I *know* what they like. Picking gifts to please girls is child's play for me."
I glanced at his computer. *Yeah, you probably do know a lot… from porn.* But in real life? I doubted anyone would like a guy like him.
Still, he ran a gift shop. Maybe he *did* know how to put together something creative and affordable. So I said, "Alright, help me pick something."
"Sure." He nodded and asked, "How much money you got?"
A bit embarrassed, I showed him all I had — 54 yuan.
"That's not much," he muttered, then his eyes lit up as if he'd had a great idea. "With that kind of money, you won't get anything luxurious. But we can focus on something *creative*."
"Yes, exactly! I want something surprising — something that'll make her smile."
He grinned slyly. "Leave it to me. Just sit here and wait."
He busied himself in the shop — gathering a gift box, colored paper, ribbons. Ten minutes later, he returned with a small, beautifully wrapped box.
"Alright, it's ready. I guarantee your girlfriend will be surprised. If she opens it and doesn't react, you can come back and demand a refund."
He handed me the box — about the size of a fist. I shook it lightly and heard a faint rattle. Curious, I asked, "Uncle, what's inside?"
He chuckled wickedly. "Don't worry about it. Your girlfriend's gonna be *blushing and surprised*. You're welcome, kid."
I was still confused, but it was already after 3 PM, so I hurried home. "Okay, I remember what you said — if it flops, I'm coming back for compensation."
He took 50 yuan. I used the last 4 yuan to take the bus.
As soon as I stepped into the house, I heard clattering from the kitchen — my father-in-law Zhang Daguo was cooking. Linda sat on the couch in a white embroidered dress, watching TV.
My mother-in-law, Xu Shuqin, was setting the table, which was full of delicious dishes. But when she saw me walk in, her smile disappeared. She glanced at me coldly and said, "Nice timing. I can't tell if we took in a son-in-law or a freeloader."
Zhang Daguo came out with a plate of sweet-and-sour fish and sighed, "It's Xiao Qing's birthday — don't ruin the mood."
Xu Shuqin snorted, "You think I'm ruining the mood? I think *he* ruins my mood… Whatever, the food's ready. Let's eat."
We all sat down. Linda smiled sweetly and looked at the dishes. "All my favorites! Thank you, Dad."
She was acting so cute. I muttered inwardly, *Who would've thought the elegant Linda from school would act like this at home?*
Zhang Daguo laughed and handed her a red envelope. "We're traditional. No fancy gifts — just this. I wish you a happy and peaceful year ahead."
Xu Shuqin gave her one too, along with some kind words.
Then I pulled out the little gift box I'd brought and handed it to Linda. "Qingqing, I got you a little birthday gift too. I hope you like it."
She had been cold to me all week, but now that I'd made the effort to give her something, she finally smiled a little. "Thank you," she said softly.
Even Xu Shuqin seemed mildly impressed. She glanced at me and muttered, "That's more like it."
Zhang Daguo laughed, "Xiao Qing, open it — see what Xiao Yu got you."
Linda glanced at me, curious. She tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a finely crafted box.
I was a bit surprised myself — the box looked premium. No idea what was inside, but at least the packaging seemed worth the 50 yuan.
Linda's eyes lit up when she saw the box. She slowly opened it with a smile… but then froze.
Her face turned beet red. Shock, shame, and fury mixed in her expression.
I had no idea what was inside, but when I looked… I nearly fell off my chair.
It was a pink **Durex condom**.
That damn creepy gift shop uncle! I was stunned. *This* was the "surprising and delightful" gift for a girlfriend?!
Zhang Daguo and Xu Shuqin were sitting across from us and couldn't see inside the box. They curiously asked, "Xiao Qing, what did Xiao Yu get you?"
"N-Nothing… just a little accessory…" Linda stammered, quickly slamming the lid shut and glaring at me. Her eyes were like ice daggers. I shivered.
"Andrew," she said sweetly, "this gift is *so* interesting. After dinner, I'll thank you properly."
She emphasized the word *thank* in a tone that clearly meant I was screwed.
"…Don't mention it."
I swear, I nearly cried. The smile I forced out was uglier than crying.