Free Chook Chook by Wai Chim Page B

sobs.
    I looked up and saw that Professor Law was by Cap’s side. I couldn’t see his face, but he placed a gentle arm around his shoulders. Cap leaned against the professor’s shirt, weeping loudly. They stayed that way for a few long moments, a bit like father and son.
    There was a light knock at the door. It opened and a young woman poked her head in. She took a step back in surprise, a questioning look in her eyes.
    The professor turned to her. ‘Yes, Miss Wu?’ His voice was soft and his eyes no longer looked like scary orbs behind his glasses. They were gentle and loving.
    â€˜The Health Department called and wondered if you still needed the quarantine.’
    Professor Law scoffed. ‘Of course not. These aren’t ordinary chickens after all. They are the famous Tic Tac Toe Champion Chickens and deserve our very best care. Quick, get them some of our finest grains.’
    Cap looked up at the professor and smiled, the last few tears sliding down his face. He let out a loud hiccup.
    I let go of the breath I didn’t even know I’d been holding. Guo reached out and squeezed my hand. He was relieved too.
    Miss Wu looked confused. ‘Do you want me to call the kitchen?’
    Professor Law stood up, shaking his head earnestly. ‘No, no, that won’t do at all. We can’t feed champion chickens kitchen slop. Quick, what’s their favourite food?’
    â€˜Noodles,’ I piped up. ‘They like noodles.’
    â€˜Ah yes, of course.’ The professor’s face was no longer unreadable. He was smiling with the excitement of a boy. ‘Miss Wu, go down to the wonton shop and order two big bowls of noodles for our special guests. Make that five bowls – I’m sure you kids are hungry.’ Cap’s face brightened at the mention of food.
    â€˜And Mr Lin,’ he added. Guo snapped to attention. ‘I believe you’ll need a few days off to finish your assignment as you’ve been so busy caring for our famous friends.’ Guo’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.
    â€˜After all, that’s the reason you’ve been falling asleep in my class, eh?’ the professor said, winking at me again.
    This time, I winked back.
    Guo was blushing now, his tongue twisting around for words. ‘I . . . I didn’t mean to . . .’ But the look on his teacher’s face stopped him from finishing his apology. Professor Law was grinning from ear to ear.
    â€˜Thank you,’ my brother whispered.
    Satisfied, the professor nodded and scooped Little into his arms. He cuddled her like a puppy. I smiled, happy that my brother had been given the extension he needed, although quite confused by the professor’s sudden change of heart. Professor Law was a very, very strange man but judging by the way he cooed at Little, maybe he wasn’t all bad.
    â€˜Excuse me.’ Miss Wu cleared her throat. ‘There’s one more thing, actually.’ She turned to Guo and me. ‘Someone has arrived to see you.’
    My heart fell.
    Jin.

Chapter Twelve

    Jin was waiting for us in the dorm room. He was all smiles when Guo and Cap entered, greeting Guo with a big warm hug and shaking Cap’s hand when Guo introduced him as my friend.
    I shrank behind them, barely managing to balance the large chicken cage in my arms. What would Jin say? Would he be angry? Guo and Cap made way in the narrow room. I swallowed nervously and stepped inside.
    But Jin’s smile was gentle, his good eye warm and inviting. I thought even his glass eye looked friendlier than usual.
    â€˜Mei, it’s good to see you.’ He glanced at the chickens poking around their cage. ‘And Little and Lo too.’
    â€˜You should have seen it!’ Cap interrupted. ‘I taught Little how to play tic tac toe.’ He was bursting with pride and I was a little annoyed that he was bragging to my stepfather even though he didn’t even know him.
    But Jin