Chapter 10.8| Queer eye

After the night study session concluded, the two of them walked side by side towards the South Gate. Yin called out to Zhiyi and inquired, "How was Li Yi doing later?" 

In that story, Yi's outcome was depicted as taking a leave of absence due to health reasons. This was her resolution, yet not her conclusion. 

"In the end, Yu Tang's parents decided to hold Li Yi and other relevant individuals accountable. With the involvement of the police and the legal system, those individuals faced administrative penalties. According to the Ministry of Education's 'Rules for Disciplining Primary and Secondary School Students (Trial)', they were required to transfer to a specialized school and Li Yi also underwent additional psychological therapy. Due to being minors, the school and the police provided them with final protection." 

Yin seemed unsurprised by this answer, capturing the information in Zhiyi's words and asked, "Are Li Yi's psychological issues related to her family?" 

Zhiyi responded with a "Yes" before continuing, "Li Yi's parents are somewhat authoritarian. They were born in a rural area and worked hard to get into a prestigious school, but their mindset never expanded beyond that limited scope. They always hoped for a son, but in the end, they only had Li Yi. Therefore, they imposed the strictest standards on her, failing to see her outstanding qualities. Under long-term suppression, her psychological state exhibited two extremes, intensely repressing herself while also releasing the suppressed side of her personality." 

This was not the first time Yin learned of stories where individuals became abusers due to their upbringing, but this time the story had Zhiyi's follow-up. 

"Xu Zhiyi, 'Queer Eye' is excellent," Yin decided not to delve further into the topic, turned his head to look at Zhiyi, and with a slight curl of his lips said, "You seem more... than I have known." 

Yin's smile often made Zhiyi's heart skip a beat, like at this moment. Although the night was illuminated by the moon, he felt Yin was even more radiant. 

"More what?" 

"More passionate and unrestrained." A faint smile blossomed in the night, exuding a sincere sense of accomplishment, much like the full moon in the sky. 

Within the enthusiasm and exuberance of youth, his gentleness and broad-mindedness enveloped his dedication to friends and care for vulnerable and minority groups. 

Zhiyi exhaled a smile, "So, are you proud of me? Clapping for me?" 

"Of course." Yin clapped his palms together, making a crisp sound, "So, Xu Zhiyi, tell the curious me about the story of your proud sports-themed event again?" 

"So, you were waiting here for me?"

Exiting the school gate, the two continued towards the subway entrance, with Zhiyi bringing up the topic of last year's class entry theme at the school sports meet. 

"The situation wasn't as exaggerated as they claimed. As you know, at our school, the highest status is not held by the school leaders or teachers, but by the students." Pausing for a moment, he continued, "The theme for the school sports meet entry was decided by each class. At that time, I had something I wanted to express, so I approached Zang Kai. 'Queer Eye' was born at that moment, and the theme I chose for the entry was the first aspect of what 'Queer Eye' represented." 

He succinctly summarized the theme of that event, concealing how he had garnered the support of the entire class through his actions. From a narrow perspective, his behaviour did not quite fit the image people had of him in their minds and seemed somewhat willful, but looking at it from another angle, he was more forward-thinking than most. Undeniably, there was an underlying selfishness in his actions.

Yin stopped walking, tilting her head slightly to look at Zhiyi. 

Until now, Yin had never encountered another youth like Xu Zhiyii, so passionate and composed, with inherent kindness, gentleness, and manners that allowed him to empathize with those on the margins. He seemed to have wings, spreading them out, giving some strength even if insignificant compared to the vast world. 

"Xu Zhiyi," he seemed to radiate light, reflected in Yin's dark eyes, twinkling. "I think meeting you is a good thing." she finally spoke out the words she had kept hidden for so long. 

Through the sincerity of her smile, a sense of ease washed over her dark eyes. 

Observing Yin's expression, Zhiyi seemed to let out a sigh of relief. 

Throughout the day, he had been attentive to Yin's emotional changes, and only at that moment could he truly confirm the strength within her heart, stronger than he had imagined. "I've been uplifted by your praise all along the way." he reached out his hand towards Yin, "So, let's learn from each other, Meng Yin." 

Yin took his hand, their hands clasped together, an agreement reached for future guidance. The light shining through the subway entrance, like a backdrop, framed the two individuals and captured this moment in time.

The subway ride home is just the right length for some meaningful conversations. Most of the time, Zhiyi did the talking while Yin listens intently. Through Xu Zhiyi's words, she gained a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons behind Zhiyi's concept of "sex education and sexual acceptance," as well as some scattered fragments of information that she had never been aware of before.

Xu Zhiyi has long contemplated the relationship between the probability of sex education dissemination and sexual acceptance. 

Xing Xiuze's father and Xu's father are not only alumni and business partners, but also good friends. Prior to Xing moving in next door when he was six years old, Xu Zhiyi had seen him a few times. 

As a child, Xiuze bore characteristics of mixed heritage, yet could also be aptly described as a "sticky rice ball," a fair and sweet child who easily elicited the oversight of his sensitivity in social interactions. He never engaged in toy fights among children, rarely participated in playful games with other kids, yet did not give the impression of being detached from the crowd.

After becoming neighbours, Xiuze and Zhiyi became classmates and their relationship grew more familiar. 

Xiuze's father always attended the parent-teacher meetings. In his early forties, this successful man, impeccably dressed in suits and shoes, displayed a well-maintained physique from years of fitness, often drawing many admiring glances. This also posed a dilemma, as ignorant children often asked, "Xing Xiuze, where is your mom?" Some playmates wanted to visit his home but were rejected by the boy himself. Little Xiuze always wanted to proudly tell everyone, "I have two daddies," but he always remembered the advice of his father and dad: do not disclose the fact that there are two fathers at home. 

In his childhood, he did not quite understand why his father and dad cautioned him in this way. As he grew older and gained a bit more insight into their journey, Xiuze realized how hard his two beloved men had worked to reach where they were today, and he resolved not to cause them any trouble. 

Protection and cherishing have always been mutual.

As one of the recorders of Xiuze's growth story, they have been witnesses and participants in each other's lives and growth, making them akin to family. Therefore, throughout these years for Xiuze and their family, Zhiyi understands more than anyone else. Many things can be resolved as long as one is affluent enough, yet there are also many situations where no amount of wealth can guarantee success.

The inclusive and open-minded teaching philosophy at FHS has led many students to awaken to the question of "who am I." The curriculum covering sex education aims to help students understand their physiological makeup at an age where they should, and also learn how to protect themselves. The societal desire for "sex," the contradictory nature of its open avoidance, and the lingering stereotypes surrounding gender in minority groups have prompted contemplation on whether introducing sex education into schools could lead our generation to accept the diversity of "sex" with equanimity.