Shen Qiyao and He Qing had just returned from the market with the new clothes and white seeds. The sky was already turning dark.
They sat inside the shrine eating a simple dinner.
"Mr. Taller Shen," He Qing said suddenly, eyes shining. "I have a fun idea. Let's sneak into the village tonight and steal some wine from the old shop."
Qiyao paused mid-bite. "No."
He Qing leaned forward. "Why not? It'll be exciting! Just you and me causing a little trouble."
Qiyao shook his head. "We can buy wine with money. No need to steal."
"But buying is boring!" He Qing complained. "Stealing makes it an adventure. Come on, Mr. Taller Shen. Please?"
"No," Qiyao said firmly. "Eat your food."
He Qing pouted but didn't push more during dinner.
Later that night, after they cleaned up, He Qing sat close on the veranda. The moon was high.
"Mr. Taller Shen…" He Qing said softly. "Last chance. Do you want to go steal the wine with me or not? It'll be really fun. I promise."
Qiyao stayed quiet for a long moment. He looked at He Qing's hopeful face.
"…Fine," he finally said. "Only this once."
He Qing jumped up excitedly. "Yes! You won't regret it. Let's go now while it's dark."
They walked down the quiet mountain path together.
"Mr. Taller Shen, I know the perfect spot," He Qing explained as they walked. "There's a small back window at the old wine shop that never locks properly. I saw it when I passed by before meeting you. The owner always leaves a few jars near the window at night."
Qiyao asked quietly, "Why not just buy it tomorrow?"
He Qing laughed. "Because buying is normal. This way it feels special. Like we're sharing a secret. Best friends do silly things together, right? Plus, I don't have money anyway. You already bought me clothes today."
Qiyao sighed. "You're impossible."
They reached the back of the wine shop. The village was mostly asleep. Only a few distant dog barks could be heard.
"See? That window," He Qing whispered. "You're taller. Can you reach?"
Qiyao stretched up and carefully pushed the wooden window open. His long fingers grabbed a cool clay jar. "Here."
He Qing took it happily. "Got it! Quick, let's leave before anyone wakes up."
They started walking back toward the shrine, the stolen jar safely in He Qing's arms.
"Mr. Taller Shen, admit it. This feels exciting, right?" He Qing said with a big grin. "Your heart is beating faster."
Qiyao walked beside him. "You talk too much."
He Qing bumped his shoulder. "And you like it. Thank you for coming. I know you didn't want to, but you still said yes."
Halfway up the path, they passed a small fenced area near the village edge. Several chickens were sleeping.
One suddenly woke and clucked loudly.
"Oh no," He Qing whispered. "Don't move."
But it was too late. More chickens stirred. A big rooster flapped its wings and charged at them.
"Run!" He Qing shouted, laughing.
Qiyao grabbed his arm. "You woke them!"
They started running up the path. Their feet hit the dirt hard, kicking up small stones. The rooster chased them, flapping noisily. Other chickens joined, creating loud chaos.
He Qing held the wine jar tightly with one hand while grabbing Qiyao's sleeve with the other. "Faster, Mr. Taller Shen! Don't let them catch us!"
Qiyao was breathing hard, but a real smile broke across his face. "This is your fault."
He Qing laughed loudly. "I know! But look at you smiling! You're having fun!"
Their robes flapped as they ran. Sweat started forming on their skin. Qiyao's long black hair flew behind him. He Qing's grip on his arm felt warm and tight.
"Left side!" He Qing warned. "There's a root!"
Qiyao jumped over it just in time. He Qing almost tripped but Qiyao pulled him forward.
"See? We make a great team!" He Qing said breathlessly. "My hero again!"
The chickens kept chasing for a while, their wings beating loudly in the night air. Feathers flew. The ground felt rough under their shoes.
Finally, they left the chickens behind and slowed down near the shrine path. Both were panting.
Qiyao leaned against a tree, chest rising and falling fast. He was still smiling.
He Qing stopped beside him, holding the jar. "Mr. Taller Shen… you laughed again. I heard it while we were running."
Qiyao wiped sweat from his forehead. "Because of you."
He Qing grinned. "Good. I like making you laugh. You look really handsome when you do."
They sat down on the grass to catch their breath. He Qing opened the wine jar. The strong smell rose up.
"Here, drink first," He Qing said, passing it over. "You ran so well for someone who didn't want to steal."
Qiyao took a sip, the wine warm in his throat. "It was… chaotic."
He Qing drank next. "Chaotic is fun! Especially with you. Best friends stealing wine and running from chickens. This is our peak happiness, right?"
Qiyao passed the jar back. "You fall into trouble too easily."
He Qing laughed. "That's why I need Mr. Taller Shen to pull me out. Or run with me." He leaned closer. "Thank you for saying yes tonight."
Qiyao looked at him quietly. "Don't do this again."
He Qing smiled softly. "No promises. But tonight was perfect."
They sat together, sharing the wine slowly. Tired but happy. The night felt warm around them after all the running.
This was their best day so far.