Cheng Xinhua's mood lately had been like a roller coaster.
One day before the New Year, he was at the mahjong parlor, waiting for a fourth player.
One of the others was scrolling through videos, and another leaned over to watch. They were commenting on a woman.
Curious, he leaned over for a look too.
"She's Huanhuan's classmate, and her best friend."
Neither of them looked up. "Keep bragging."
"It's true. When have you ever heard me brag?"
Two pairs of eyes turned toward him in unison.
Then they lowered their heads and went on watching.
"Believe it or not."
The next day, at the usual time and place, all four of them sat down.
One spoke up. "Old Cheng, I bought a case of liquor from Wei Zijin's livestream last night."
Cheng Xinhua's hand paused.
Another chimed in. "So did I. One case. Only because she's Huanhuan's friend. I bought it for your sake."
Cheng Xinhua tried to suppress the corners of his mouth, but failed. They curled upward.
"I thought you didn't believe me!"
After the New Year, the daily contests at the mahjong parlor continued.
One day, the moment he arrived, one of them started complaining to him. "Old Cheng, that best friend or classmate or whatever of Huanhuan's is no good. She sells fake liquor."
Another continued, "Exactly. It's all over the internet. Old Cheng, ask Huanhuan to find out if we can get a refund."
Cheng Xinhua was stunned.
His luck at the table was terrible that day, and he lost a few dozen yuan.
His face felt burning hot. He felt that every word those three said, every expression they made, was mocking him.
He got home just in time for dinner.
Cheng Huan came out of her room and walked toward the dining