Chapter 10 – Liberation

Qin Zhan had been absent from school for several days, working various odd jobs to scrape together money for his loan repayment. He excelled academically, learning quickly and effortlessly. His low profile at school meant some teachers didn’t even notice whether he attended class or not, and those who did often turned a blind eye.

When he finally returned to school, he kept hearing whispers about Bai Ling and Zhou Liao getting together. Most of the gossip was critical, with people complaining they’d never even heard of Bai Ling before. Others scoffed at her plain looks, wondering how she could have caught Zhou Liao’s attention.

He stared blankly at the chalkboard, ignoring the surrounding gossip. He only packed up his bag and left when the teacher closed his book and dismissed the class.

Bai Ling, wearing a long dress, was waiting for him around the corner by the back door. As soon as she saw him emerge, she waved urgently and called his name in a low voice. A few passersby glanced their way.

“Qin Zhan,” Bai Ling said, her heart aching at the sight of fresh bruises on his exposed skin. “Um… I texted you, but you didn’t reply, so I thought I’d wait for you after class.”

She handed Qin Zhan the bag she was carrying. “Mom said the seasons are changing soon and she’s worried you might catch a cold.”

Qin Zhan didn’t take it, but Bai Ling stuffed it into his hand anyway. “Just take it. If I go back without giving it to you, I’ll get scolded.”

“Thank you,” Qin Zhan mumbled.

“It’s nothing.” Bai Ling glanced at the lingering scars on Qin Zhan’s face. “Why haven’t your facial injuries healed yet? I’ve been wanting to ask… Were you bullied?”

As soon as she said it, she realized how unlikely it sounded. Qin Zhan was withdrawn and silent, rarely interacting with anyone. She couldn’t imagine him having conflicts with others.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry… It’s just, these wounds on your body… If you’re in trouble, please tell us, okay?” Her eyes lingered on the scars that now extended below his chest. Bai Ling sniffled. “Mom would be heartbroken to see you like this too.”

“It’s nothing,” Qin Zhan said, pulling his collar higher.

Sensing his reluctance to talk, Bai Ling didn’t press further. Like her mother, she possessed a natural compassion, especially for Qin Zhan, whose hardships and experiences were beyond the imagination of most people his age. This drove her to help him in whatever way she could.

“And thank Auntie for her kindness. Please don’t send me any more clothes. I have enough for everyday wear.”

“It’s not expensive at all! It’s just…” Bai Ling swallowed the “a few hundred yuan” she was about to say. “It was a gift from someone else, and Mom thought you could wear it.”

Qin Zhan didn’t reply, but Bai Ling’s phone buzzed twice. He watched as she answered, a shy smile spreading across her face, his gaze dark and unreadable. He waited until she hung up before speaking.

“Was that Zhou Liao?”

This was only the second time Qin Zhan had initiated a conversation with her, and both times it had been about Zhou Liao. Bai Ling brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she murmured, “Mhm.”

“…Are you two together now?”

Bai Ling shifted uncomfortably. After all, she had told Qin Zhan last time that they were just classmates.

“I guess so. He asked me out during the week, and… I said yes. I know it might seem a little fast… but…”

Qin Zhan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression inscrutable.

Bai Ling knew things had progressed too quickly and abruptly, but she genuinely didn’t know how to explain the intermediate stages. To outsiders—even her own roommates—Zhou Liao seemed like someone just playing around, based on his past relationships and reputation as a playboy. Yet, in her own interactions with him, she sensed he wasn’t that kind of person at all.

They hadn’t known each other at first, yet Zhou Liao had still helped her… later, he escorted her back to her dorm, drove her home, and after a few encounters, they began sharing meals and walks. Zhou Liao accompanied her to a cat café and even gifted her cosmetics and the plush toy she’d been wanting. Even their conversations were always respectful and kept within bounds. Throughout their time together, he’d been remarkably considerate of her feelings.

Through their occasional conversations, she also learned of Zhou Liao’s loneliness and lack of love, a far cry from the imagined happiness of a wealthy, powerful family. This realization only deepened her compassion for him.

“Um, actually, he’s not the kind of person everyone makes him out to be. He’s really a good person.”

Qin Zhan’s eyelid twitched.

“He’s been really good to me,” she continued, her blush deepening. “And he said he just wants to see if things work out between us. You don’t have to worry—if things don’t feel right, I won’t continue.”

“Have you ever wondered why he’s with you?”

Bai Ling paused, her expression immediately darkening. It was impossible to say she hadn’t thought about it. She knew her looks couldn’t compare to the girls Zhou Liao surrounded himself with, and their family backgrounds were worlds apart. Their connection had begun simply with the return of a borrowed jacket. Zhou Liao’s sudden initiative to start over from scratch also raised many questions worth investigating, but people in love rarely delve too deeply.

They often think, I like you now, and we’re together—that’s enough. Romance isn’t marriage, after all, and getting together with the boy she liked for the first time felt incredibly lucky.

“That’s none of your concern.”

A nonchalant male voice echoed through the gradually emptying corridor.

Qin Zhan glanced up. A tall, slender figure emerged from around the corner, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other casually draped over Bai Ling’s shoulder.

“I’ll tell her myself why I like her,” Zhou Liao said, his gaze softening as he glanced tenderly at Bai Ling. When he turned back to Qin Zhan, his eyes held a mix of challenge and amusement. “Or do you have some unique insights you’d like to share?”

This was the first time Bai Ling had ever been sandwiched between two boys, and she felt distinctly uneasy. Her sixth sense told her there was something off between them. For a split second, she even wondered if Qin Zhan’s extreme sensitivity to Zhou Liao’s name might mean his injuries were connected to him.

But she quickly dismissed the thought. To everyone at school, these two were like parallel lines that would never intersect—one barely noticeable, the other universally known. Besides, Zhou Liao’s usual demeanor had nothing to do with violence. How could Qin Zhan, who barely interacted with anyone, possibly have a conflict with him? Perhaps Qin Zhan was just genuinely worried about her.

“No unique insights,” Qin Zhan said, his eyes fixed on Bai Ling. “Have you forgotten?”

Bai Ling hadn’t expected Qin Zhan to be so blunt in front of Zhou Liao. Her face paled slightly, but Zhou Liao leaned in gently and asked, “Baby, what’s he talking about?”

“…Nothing.”

“Hey, what’s that injury on your shoulder?” Zhou Liao shifted the topic, no longer teasing Bai Ling. “Did someone hit you?”

Qin Zhan stared at Zhou Liao expressionlessly.

Knowing Qin Zhan wouldn’t dare speak, Zhou Liao deliberately probed him. He stepped forward and, feigning concern, pulled open the other boy’s collar, ignoring the rigid tension in his body.

“You should get that checked out at the hospital,” Zhou Liao said, blinking. “Your collarbone area is badly bruised. I’ll drive you there. You’re Bai Ling’s friend, and I can’t just stand by while my girlfriend’s friend is so seriously injured.”

Bai Ling hadn’t expected Zhou Liao to bring it up. She was already worried about Qin Zhan’s injuries, so having someone offer to help seemed like a good thing. She gently tugged on Qin Zhan’s sleeve. “Go, Qin Zhan. It’s been two weeks… and it’s only getting worse.”

Zhou Liao gripped Qin Zhan’s hand a little tighter, his voice filled with concern. “Come on, classmate. Your family would be so worried if they saw all these injuries.”

Bai Ling remembered Qin Zhan’s family situation and felt a silent wave of sadness wash over her. Du Li had told her so much, and she had personally witnessed many of Qin Zhan’s struggles. She genuinely hoped he would be safe and healthy. He already had the burden of caring for his grandmother—she couldn’t bear the thought of him being secretly abused like this. Zhou Liao’s offer of help was a good thing, after all.

More and more people were turning to stare at them. Qin Zhan lowered his gaze, his slightly long lashes veiling his cold, dark eyes.

“I have work later. I don’t want to trouble you.”

“How could helping my girlfriend’s friend be a trouble? It’s only natural.”

“…I can handle it myself.”

“My car’s right here, and the hospital’s only twenty minutes away. It’s better to go than not, right?” Zhou Liao said with a sly smile, then leaned in close to Qin Zhan’s ear and whispered, “Do you want Bai Ling to find out about her father?”

“Is that supposed to be interesting?” Qin Zhan whispered back, his voice equally low.

“Absolutely.” Zhou Liao grinned, a sinister edge to his smile.

Human nature is inherently evil; it’s just a matter of who awakens that darkness. Those in power see bullying as nothing more than a game, like pitting crickets against each other in a cage to alleviate their boredom.

“So, are you getting in the car?”

Qin Zhan knew that waiting for him wasn’t the hospital, but a fresh round of amusement: the violence of fists and feet, the endless humiliation and degradation, the trampling of his dignity, forcing him to kneel and lick spilled liquor from the floor, smashing a broken glass bottle against his back, letting the shards dig into his flesh.

He knew, but it didn’t matter. The snowball, stained with black ink, grew larger and larger as it rolled. The very act of being abused ignited a perverse pleasure within him.

Zhou Liao stood bathed in light, the smoke-filled private room blurring his silhouette. His upturned chin radiated fiery arrogance, haughty defiance, and an unshakeable sense of superiority. Yet beneath his feet lay Qin Zhan, cowering like a rat emerging from a sewer. Each time Qin Zhan drifted in and out of consciousness under the relentless assault, he felt a twisted sense of liberation, as if being dismembered. The agony sent uncontrollable shivers through him.

Shattered liquor bottles littered the floor, the metallic tang of blood flooded his mouth, the harsh neon lights above glared down, the countdown to his loan repayment deadline loomed, and the dialysis fees were due again.

Zhou Liao crouched down with feigned nonchalance, forcefully pulling Qin Zhan’s lips apart with his thumb to pour the last drop of liquor down his throat. As he did, he saw the seemingly unconscious man’s lips curl into a faint, sinister smile. On that perpetually expressionless, deathly pale face, the fleeting grin exuded an eerie, sinister chill.