[13] Crossroads

The streets of Kun-Ming had started to take on the subtle hues of the evening as we stepped out of the restaurant. The vibrant energy of the city was infectious, but there was a somber air between Meng-Chao and me. We walked a few steps in silence until we reached a small kiosk, and without a word, Meng-Chao handed the vendor some bills and returned with two beers.

He handed one to me and, looking down at the pavement, said, "Wang-Jian, I am truly sorry. I didn't think before speaking. It was incredibly thoughtless of me. I can't begin to imagine what you went through."

I took a deep breath, the cool metal of the beer can slightly comforting against my hand. "And I shouldn't have grabbed you like that. My emotions were high, and I let them take over. I'm sorry too."

Meng-Chao sighed, opening his beer and taking a deep sip. "You know, when I suggested you sign up for Ant Wars, I never imagined it would be this intense. I thought it'd be just another game show, you know? A quick way to make some cash for your mom's treatment. If I had any idea..."

I interrupted him, "We couldn't have known, Meng-Chao. And honestly, in the same situation, I might have placed a bet too."

He looked at me, his eyes searching mine, "But not on your best friend's life."

We stood there, under the dimming lights of Kun-Ming, both lost in our thoughts, the city's soundscape unfolding around us. The weight of the recent events and the awkwardness of our confrontation in the restaurant lingered, but so did our years of friendship.

After a moment, I took a sip of my beer, feeling the cold liquid slide down my throat, "We're still friends, right?"

Meng-Chao chuckled, "Of course, Wang-Jian. Always."

We clinked our beer cans together, sealing our reconciliation and, for a moment, letting the world fade away.

A moment later, I cleared my throat and spoke up again. "You know, Meng-Chao, with the prize money, I can finally get the treatment my mom needs."

Meng-Chao nodded, taking a sip from his beer, "That's incredible, Wang-Jian. Truly, I'm so relieved for you."

I continued, the excitement evident in my voice, "And that's not all. I've done the math. After her treatment, there'll be enough left for me to buy a place here in Kun-Ming."

Meng-Chao looked genuinely happy for me. "From farm boy to city dweller, huh? You'll love it here."

His words brought a smile to my face, but it faded as another thought crossed my mind. I hesitated, then asked, "Have you... have you heard from Lil Hong?"

Meng-Chao's expression changed slightly, as if he was deciding whether to speak or stay silent. Finally, he sighed, "Yeah, she's in Kun-Ming. But, Wang-Jian, she's... she's seeing someone."

My heart sank. I had harbored feelings for Lil Hong since our elementary days. The thought of her with someone else, especially after the ordeal I'd just been through, was a heavy blow. "Who is it?" I asked, even though a part of me didn't want to know.

"Some rich guy. Businessman or something. Drives a fancy car and always flaunting it around," Meng-Chao said, shaking his head. "You know how it is these days. For some, if you don't have a car or a house in the city, you're not even in the game."

I felt a bitter laugh escape my lips. "Guess I've got half of that covered now, huh?"

Meng-Chao placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Hey, don't let this get to you. You've been through hell, and you've come out with more than enough to start anew. Lil Hong's decisions are her own. Remember, it's not the material things that define a person's worth."

I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. It was true. While the car, house, and status might sway some, it was the journey and the character built along the way that mattered more. "You're right," I admitted, looking at the shimmering lights of the city. "I came from a farm, I've faced death, and now I'm here, ready to start a new chapter. And whoever is meant to be part of my story will be."

Meng-Chao nodded, "That's the spirit. To new beginnings," he said, raising his beer.

"To new beginnings," I echoed, clinking cans with him.

I took another swig of beer, letting the cold bitterness wash down my throat. The lights of Kun-Ming glittered around us, representing opportunities, yet seeming so out of reach. "I still need a job, Meng-Chao. Moving to the city, caring for mom, it all needs money. I can't just sit around spending the prize."

He looked at me, concern evident in his eyes. "Wang-Jian, with your... well, lack of education, you know it's going to be tough, right?"

I nodded, the weight of reality pressing down. "I know. But I can't go back to working for pennies. I want more for my mom. For me."

Meng-Chao hesitated, then said, "Your past jobs... they were labor-intensive, paid next to nothing. And the white-collar jobs? They'll want a degree, experience. It's not going to be easy."

His words stung, but they were true. "I can't go back to the sweatshops," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I also can't go back to poverty."

He eyed me carefully, perhaps seeing something in my expression. "You're not thinking of... joining the Ant Wars again, are you?"

I met his gaze, a determined fire in my eyes. "If that's what it takes, yes."

He sighed deeply, looking out at the passing city traffic. "Wang-Jian, I saw how you came out of it this time. It's dangerous. You could die."

"I could also win again," I countered, "Look, I can't let my mom down. I can't let myself down."

Meng-Chao looked torn, as if grappling with what to say next. "There are other ways. Maybe... maybe I could get you a job at the warehouse I work at. It's not much, but it's a start."

I shook my head, "Meng-Chao, I appreciate that. Really, I do. But think about it. How long would I have to work there to earn anything close to what I could make in the Ant Wars? I can't go back to counting pennies, wondering if we'll have enough for food or medicine."

He looked down, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "I get it. It's your life, your choice. But Wang-Jian, promise me something? Whatever you decide, just remember that your life has value beyond any paycheck."

I looked at my best friend, my brother in all but name. "I know. But right now, I need to do what's necessary. For my future, for mom's future."

He nodded slowly, his face etched with worry. "Just...be careful."

We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling around us. In the heart of Kun-Ming, with the city's lights shimmering in the night, two friends grappled with the hard choices life presented.

Such is life...Huh?

Q: Would you join the Ant wars?