Prior to coming to this renowned campus, I was happily ready and willing to be a complete nerd—bury my head in piles of books and habituate in the library all day. And yet, somehow, that subtle but penetrating gay smell kept creeping upon me from every corner of campus. I was surprised to find that, actually, there is a rich and rooted gay culture on this patriotic and traditional campus.
Every gay student here and at the neighboring university has taken an evening dip in the peaceful campus pond, bathed in the milky moonlight at night. While this pond serves as a popular tourist attraction during the day, at night it turns into a wonderland for gay students seeking some excitement—a true eyes-wide-open scene. Students at this university are typically labeled as nerdy and timid, and this characteristic also fits most gay students—especially those hiding in the dark, wandering along the pond. Discreetly yet adventurously, they randomly walk back and forth, lean against the tree, search with roaming eyes for passengers strolling by. And then eye contact is made, followed by a five minute nominal chat, and they will leave together with hopes to gain some wisdom from each other.
Indeed, though nerdy and timid, gay students here are actually quite efficient, like most engineers. They quickly identify the problem, devise a plan, and then execute it, reaching final satisfaction. They talk, but do not communicate. They touch each other’s lips, but do not kiss. Finally the last stage arrives, and with a polite goodbye, they head back to their individual dorms. When the sun rises again, they’ll freshen up to be wholly new, good boys in front of their teachers, parents, and the entire dull academic system.
No community, no communication, no kiss, and no foreplay. They just get to the point since there is still some calculus homework in their backpacks to finish. They say that everyone is an island, disconnected from each other by vast waters. Here in Beijing, under the glorious reputation and glorious repression of this campus, every gay boy is a horny island—though surrounded by water, still quenching of thirst.
Let’s look at tomorrow as a new day. A day for community, communication, kissing, and lots of foreplay.
