Chapter 8

The next day, Xie Chenfeng didn’t show up. Lin Ze knew he must have overslept and didn’t call to wake him. By the afternoon, Xie Chenfeng finally woke up and said he had something urgent to attend to—he had to go to Hechuan for student recruitment.

“Are you two together now?” the barista asked.

“Yeah,” Lin Ze replied, the corners of his lips curling slightly. “How did you know?”

The barista placed a latte on the counter and grinned. “You just look like you’re in love. You’re not using your iPad or Jack’d anymore—what else could it be? Have you slept together yet?”

Lin Ze sighed and put away his phone. “Alright, no, not yet. Actually, he lost his phone, so he can’t use WeChat.”

Lin Ze thought about their relationship. They’d already kissed, but after parting and meeting again, there was still a bit of awkwardness. For the entire second day, Xie Chenfeng didn’t send a single text, leaving Lin Ze feeling uneasy. It wasn’t until noon on the third day that Xie Chenfeng finally called, his voice sounding exhausted. “Baby, your man didn’t sleep well last night. My phone got stolen.”

Lin Ze let out a sigh of relief, thinking, As long as he’s okay. He then started teasing him. Xie Chenfeng sighed helplessly, “See, when love goes wrong, everything else just follows.”

Lin Ze knew Xie Chenfeng cared about him. The moment his phone was stolen, he called to make sure Lin Ze didn’t think he was ignoring him. A lost phone was just a lost phone—nothing to be done about it. Lin Ze planned to buy two new couple numbers when Xie Chenfeng returned, with a new iPhone included in the contract—the kind his younger brother had—so they could use them together.

This time, Xie Chenfeng’s recruitment trip would take three days. He got a temporary new SIM card in Hechuan and borrowed a phone to use. Lin Ze returned to the café, where they could only exchange texts to pass the time.

That night’s kiss had opened the floodgates of their emotions, and the torrential downpour instantly drenched the long-parched land of their hearts. Lin Ze couldn’t even explain why he loved Xie Chenfeng so much. Just half a month ago, they had only wanted to be friends. But feelings come when they come, as if sunlight had suddenly flooded his vision, making life indescribably beautiful.

Xie Chenfeng’s words had also changed, as if he were a different person.

Xie Chenfeng: [What are you having for lunch? Miss you.]

Lin Ze: [Bought a group coupon—eating for two by myself. What about you?]

Xie Chenfeng: [Tofu pudding rice. Starting today, Xie Xie is saving money to support his wife.]

Lin Ze: [Oh? Xie Xie has a wife now? Show me a picture.]

Xie Chenfeng: [Turn on your camera and press the shutter.]

Just as Lin Ze pressed the shutter, the barista bent down behind him and flashed a peace sign.

Lin Ze: “…”

Lin Ze shot him a look, and the barista chuckled before returning behind the counter.

Xie Chenfeng received the MMS and saw the handsome backdrop behind Lin Ze. He asked: [Flirting with others again?]

Lin Ze: [Yep, life’s lonely!]

Xie Chenfeng: [Delete your Jack’d right now. Or I won’t love you anymore.]

Lin Ze: [You lost your phone and can’t use Jack’d, so now I can’t either?]

Xie Chenfeng: [Yep. You kissed me, so you’re responsible for me now. I’ll check when I get back.]

Lin Ze: [Oh? How are you gonna check?]

Xie Chenfeng: [Xie Xie wants to spend a passionate night with you when he gets back, genius.]

Lin Ze: “…”

Lin Ze uninstalled Jack’d. The barista asked, “That tan, lean top from last time?”

Lin Ze hummed in agreement. The barista asked, “How’d you fall for him?”

Lin Ze shrugged. “Dunno. Who can explain these things? He just happened to be my type.”

The barista wiped a glass bottle. “What about him? How’d he fall for you?”

Lin Ze replied, “Just because I took one more glance at you in the crowd…”

The barista chuckled and continued, “And couldn’t forget your face after that…”

Lin Ze hesitated for a long time before typing: [We’ll talk when you’re back.] But for some reason, he deleted it and changed it to: [Okay.]

Neither of them was a virgin. If they wanted to be serious, sooner or later, they’d be willing… Lin Ze imagined Xie Chenfeng as a bottom in bed and couldn’t help but swallow hard, thinking mischievously: I’ll take good care of you.

Zheng Jie arrived. Lin Ze pushed open the glass door to go out for lunch. Zheng Jie stood under the scorching sun, staring at him blankly.

Lin Ze smiled. “Let’s go.”

Zheng Jie grinned. “You’re in a damn good mood.”

Lin Ze’s lips twitched as he realized he was being too obvious. While they were eating, Lin Ze received a text from Li Chiran:

[Brother, can you come to Xiao Zhu’s birthday party tonight? Keep me company.]

Xiao Zhu was Li Chiran’s bestie, also a bottom. Lin Ze thought about it—now that he was with Xie Chenfeng, he didn’t want to get involved in the gay scene anymore.

Lin Ze: [No, baby. I’ll go to your birthday, but not your friends’. Aren’t you dating someone now too? Don’t get mixed up in that mess—the scene’s too chaotic.]

Li Chiran didn’t reply.

After lunch, Lin Ze returned to the café. He had no interviews today, but tomorrow afternoon, a newspaper office had invited him for one. Perfect timing—he could have dinner with Xie Chenfeng after the interview.

The barista called from behind the counter, “Lin Ze, your boyfriend’s not back yet. Can you do me a favor tomorrow night?”

“What?” Lin Ze looked up from texting Xie Chenfeng, confused.

“Accompany Junjun to Xiao Zhu’s birthday party. They invited me, but I’m working overtime. Junjun and Li Chiran have no one to go with.”

Lin Ze had no choice but to agree. He hadn’t expected the barista to already be dating that student named Junjun. Going to karaoke wasn’t a big deal. If Xie Chenfeng was back by then, they could go together.

The next evening, Xie Chenfeng still hadn’t returned. He was on a bus back to the city. Lin Ze texted him, telling him to meet him at the KTV when he arrived, and sent him the address. Then he headed straight into the private room.

The lights were dim, and the large room was filled with flamboyant gay men. When Lin Ze entered, many looked up at him. These were all people from Li Chiran’s circle—Lin Ze only recognized a few. He nodded at Xiao Zhu, the birthday boy, and handed him a Häagen-Dazs ice cream cake as a gift.

“Who’s this from?” someone asked as they took it and opened it.

“Ranran’s brother,” Xiao Zhu answered proudly.

Lin Ze smiled. “Happy birthday, Xiao Zhu. Thanks for looking after my little brother.”

Xiao Zhu laughed and greeted the guests. Li Chiran, basking in the attention, waved from the side, signaling for Lin Ze to join him in the corner.

“Brother,” Li Chiran called. “Why’d you come so late?”

“Had an interview today,” Lin Ze replied. “They want me to start next Monday at the daily newspaper.”

Several people nearby overheard and teased him. Lin Ze smiled at them. “Xiao Zhu, make yourself at home. I’ll have to—”

Li Chiran leaned in and whispered, “Shh…”

Lin Ze glanced at him. Li Chiran seemed in low spirits. “Anyway, just enjoy yourselves. Thanks, but I won’t be eating.”

Li Chiran ordered a cocktail and brought it to Lin Ze’s lips. Lin Ze took a sip. The two sat in the corner, not singing or choosing songs.

Junjun arrived too. Lin Ze snapped his fingers at him. “Your man’s working overtime tonight, so he asked me to take you to a hotel and ‘take care’ of you.”

The group burst into laughter.

Junjun pouted. “I knew he wouldn’t come. I’ll go with you—I’ve decided to break up with him!”

Lin Ze chuckled. “Just kidding, don’t say that. He can’t help it.”

Junjun sighed and sat down. Lin Ze had gone to the newspaper interview today, and the editors, having long admired his reputation as a talented writer, asked him to start next Monday. They gave him his own section and a team of four to work on features. Instantly, Lin Ze’s repeatedly battered confidence soared, and his presence became more commanding.

Now, with Li Chiran on his left and Junjun on his right, he looked every bit the dominant top.

The private room was packed—at least a dozen people. The lights dimmed further as someone started singing. The birthday boy was too busy to entertain them, so the three chatted quietly in their secluded corner.

“Situ Ye doesn’t like me,” Junjun muttered. “See, he never even mentions me to you.”

“Of course he does. He talks about you often.”

“Don’t lie. He took me to his rented place—there was nothing there. He said he’s just working in Chongqing for a while, saving up before he leaves.”

Lin Ze hadn’t even known the barista’s name until now, when Junjun mentioned it: “Situ Ye.” A rare two-character surname with a pretty given name. He didn’t know Situ Ye’s background either—the guy had never mentioned where he lived or why he was working at Starbucks.

But that didn’t stop their serendipitous friendship. Lin Ze smiled. “You should think about this seriously and talk it through. If you’re willing to make it work, I’m sure he’d stay in this city for you.”

Junjun didn’t respond.

“Brother, buy me a Samoyed. I want a dog.”

“Sure. Go pick one out next week, and I’ll buy it for you. Out of living expenses?” Lin Ze patted Li Chiran’s head.

Li Chiran didn’t answer. He snuggled against Lin Ze and handed him a small plushie. “Just won this downstairs.”

“Your brother treats you better than Situ Ye treats me,” Junjun muttered.

“Don’t overthink it. Ye-ge is probably really working overtime—it’s not like he’s avoiding you to save money.”

Lin Ze understood now. Junjun was a college student with little money. Hanging out with Li Chiran and his friends had already stretched his budget thin. Situ Ye was probably broke too—he couldn’t afford the social scene, and the café kept him busy.

“Here’s the thing,” Lin Ze said quietly. “Junjun, Situ Ye likes serious students. You’re only a junior—maybe you could work part-time and build a life together. I think that’d be better.”

“Mm,” Junjun replied absentmindedly, clearly not listening.

Lin Ze didn’t want to lecture. These kids were much younger, still chasing material things and love, convinced the two were inseparable. He’d only annoy them if he said more. They’d figure it out eventually.

After a while, Junjun left to make a call.

“Let’s sit over there.”

Lin Ze hummed in agreement. Li Chiran took his hand and led him to a single sofa, making Lin Ze sit first before squeezing in beside him. This forced Lin Ze to wrap an arm around Li Chiran’s waist as Li Chiran clung to him, playing with the buttons on his shirt.

“Brother, buy me a British Shorthair, okay?”

“What’s wrong, baby?” Lin Ze murmured. “What’s a British Shorthair?”

“A British Shorthair cat. I want a cat too.”

“Sure, but didn’t you want a Samoyed? Won’t the cat and dog fight?”

Two other bottoms on the nearby sofa glanced at Li Chiran, envy in their eyes.

Li Chiran offered his cocktail to Lin Ze again. Lin Ze sensed something was off but didn’t ask.

“Baby,” Lin Ze whispered in Li Chiran’s ear. “Why are you acting so clingy all of a sudden? Feeling down?”

Li Chiran’s eyes were red as he looked at Lin Ze. In the past, Lin Ze might’ve felt a flutter—Li Chiran had always been sensible and knew his limits, which was why Lin Ze doted on him. He liked Li Chiran, but it wasn’t about lust or love.

“You’re almost an adult,” Lin Ze whispered. “Don’t cry so easily.” To outsiders, they looked like a couple flirting in the dim light.

“Where’s your man?”

“Gone. We broke up.”

Lin Ze patted Li Chiran’s head like he was soothing a sad kitten. He knew words weren’t needed—just letting Li Chiran hold him while he stroked his hair was enough.

Someone handed Lin Ze a mic, but he waved it off. Li Chiran went to pick a song, and the door opened.

Another couple walked in—the bottom was another of Li Chiran’s besties, the one who’d come to Starbucks with him that day.

The bottom held hands with a tall, handsome guy, both dressed stylishly.

“Your friend’s here,” Lin Ze said, arm around Li Chiran. “Aren’t you gonna say hi?”

Li Chiran glared at the bottom like a scorned lover. The guy’s partner looked uncomfortable, avoiding Li Chiran’s gaze as he wished Xiao Zhu a happy birthday.

Li Chiran pressed his lips to Lin Ze’s ear, breath warm against his neck. “Brother, can you hug me first?”

Lin Ze finally understood.

He tightened his arm, pulling Li Chiran flush against him. Li Chiran’s skin was soft, smoother than most girls’, and he smelled sweet.

“Can you kiss me?” Li Chiran’s nose brushed Lin Ze’s as he whispered, sliding a hand under Lin Ze’s shirt to caress his chest.

The stimulation made Lin Ze hard. Li Chiran had flirted with him before, and Lin Ze had always let him, but this time, Li Chiran was clearly putting on a show.

Lin Ze whispered, “Baby, I’m dating someone now. I can’t kiss you on the lips, but I’ll kiss your cheek, okay?”

Before Li Chiran could answer, Lin Ze pressed his lips to the side of his face.

The couple left right after giving Xiao Zhu their gift.

“That bitch,” Junjun muttered from the other sofa. “He didn’t know you’d be here, Ranran. Look how fast he ran.”

Xiao Zhu came over. “You got your revenge, Ranran.”

Li Chiran didn’t reply, just buried his face in Lin Ze’s shoulder. Lin Ze could guess what had happened and rubbed Li Chiran’s back to comfort him. He asked, “That top was Ranran’s man?”

Junjun nodded. Xiao Zhu remarked, “Your brother’s way hotter than Huang Xiaochuan. Not even in the same league.”

Junjun and Xiao Zhu both patted Li Chiran’s head. Lin Ze felt dampness on his neck—Li Chiran was crying.

“Brother, who are you dating?” Li Chiran whispered.

“I’ll introduce you next time,” Lin Ze replied, pulling out his phone to text Xie Chenfeng. He told him he was helping Li Chiran put on a show and to wait outside if he arrived. Li Chiran watched him type but didn’t speak. Lin Ze murmured, “A soccer player.”

Li Chiran: “A bottom?”

Lin Ze: “A top, I think. Not sure.”

Li Chiran laughed through his tears. “You’re such a waste of resources, brother. What are the rest of us supposed to do?”

“Heh,” Lin Ze chuckled without elaborating.

“I’ll take you to buy a Shorthair or a Scottish Fold on Saturday,” Lin Ze offered. “I got a new job—I can afford it.”

Li Chiran hummed. “Maybe not yet. The cat can wait.”

“Let’s get one,” Lin Ze insisted. “A kitten will keep you company.”

Many were staring at Lin Ze. Most in the room were students—college or high school. Only Lin Ze and a few other bottoms had jobs. To many, his status as a working adult carried a certain mystique. With his good looks and presence, Lin Ze and Li Chiran made a striking couple.

Li Chiran urged, “Let’s go, brother. That bitch always said he liked you. I knew he was trash, so I never introduced you. Then he saw me with Huang Xiaochuan and stole my man.”

Now Lin Ze understood. He comforted, “They’re both trash. You’ll find someone better.”

Li Chiran stood to leave, but Lin Ze held his hand and wrapped an arm around his waist, turning to Xiao Zhu. “We’re heading out. I’m taking Ranran shopping.”

“Bye—”

Several guys waved as Lin Ze wished Xiao Zhu a happy birthday again. Still holding Li Chiran’s hand, they took the escalator down.

“Where to?” Lin Ze asked. “Want a late-night snack? Xie Chenfeng’s coming soon—I’ll introduce you.”

Li Chiran declined, “Let’s meet him another time. I just wanna go home.”

Lin Ze patted his head. “You okay?”

On the empty street, Li Chiran hugged Lin Ze, burying his face in his shoulder, and sobbed loudly.

He cried for a long time. Lin Ze murmured, “You’ll feel better after this. Tomorrow’s a new day.”

Li Chiran nodded, wiping his tears. Lin Ze hailed a cab. “Text me when you’re home.”

Li Chiran agreed. Lin Ze added, “Take a shower and sleep. Don’t overthink it.”

After Li Chiran left, Lin Ze sighed, flipping the plushie in his hands.

It was already 11 p.m., hot and stifling. Where should he wait for Xie Chenfeng? Lin Ze took out his phone to text him and accidentally bumped into someone.

Today, Xie Chenfeng wore a fitted floral shirt and the denim shorts Lin Ze had bought him, showing off his long limbs. A gym bag hung from his shoulder.

“Why didn’t you call?” Lin Ze asked, amused.

“Just got off the bus,” Xie Chenfeng replied. “Was about to buy flowers and propose to you in front of everyone at KTV.”

Lin Ze laughed, touched but also relieved. “No flowers—I’m not a girl. Save the money for lube.”

Xie Chenfeng blushed instantly. “Wanna get a room tonight?”

Lin Ze questioned, “Aren’t you tired? If you are, just come to my place to sleep and chat.”

After three days apart, Xie Chenfeng looked thinner, as if he hadn’t slept well.

“Why’d you leave the KTV?” Xie Chenfeng asked.

“Took my brother home,” Lin Ze replied. “Was gonna find somewhere to wait for you. Didn’t sleep well? You look exhausted.”

Xie Chenfeng admitted, “Missed you. Thought about you all the time… lying in bed…”

Under the streetlight, Lin Ze felt a surge of emotion threatening to overwhelm him.

No one was around. Xie Chenfeng pressed, “What about you? Do you miss me? Do you love me?”

Lin Ze stepped closer. Xie Chenfeng leaned down, and their lips met briefly before parting. Xie Chenfeng adjusted his shorts awkwardly—clearly hard.

“Where should we…” Lin Ze began.

Xie Chenfeng took a few steps, then turned back, pressing Lin Ze against the lamppost as they kissed passionately.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lin Ze saw someone in the distance watching two men kiss before turning away. He patted Xie Chenfeng’s head, pushing him back. “Someone’s there!”

Xie Chenfeng’s face was red. Neither dared to look back. He led Lin Ze around a corner. “I missed you so much I couldn’t stand it.”

Lin Ze tucked the plushie into Xie Chenfeng’s collar. “Let’s go to my place.”

“No, your roommate’s probably home. We’ll do that later,” Xie Chenfeng replied.

“Fine. Let’s buy supplies. We don’t have… you know,” Lin Ze muttered.

They entered Far East Department Store through a side entrance and went to Watsons for lube. The Pikachu plushie was still stuck in Xie Chenfeng’s collar as he studied the options. Lin Ze, standing beside him, noticed the stares and whispered, “Hurry, just pick one. No ribbed or dotted—textured is fine…”

Two men buying condoms and lube left little to the imagination. Lin Ze quickly paid and left, still feeling the curious gazes.

On a quiet stretch of Bei Cheng Tian Street, Lin Ze held Xie Chenfeng’s hand as they walked slowly.

“Hungry?” Lin Ze asked. “What’d you have for dinner?”

“Not hungry,” Xie Chenfeng replied. “Bread and milk. You want something?”

Lin Ze shook his head. “Passed the interview. Starting next Monday.”

Xie Chenfeng grinned. “Awesome. Knew you could do it.”

“Where’s your place? Move in with me tomorrow,” Lin Ze offered.

“Your place is too far from work. How about you move in with me? Where’s the new job? We can rent a one-bedroom,” Xie Chenfeng suggested.

Lin Ze considered it. Moving out would require discussing it with Zheng Jie. “I’ll ask Zheng Jie. Maybe we can all move to Nanping—a two-bedroom would be closer for both of you.”

“Sure,” Xie Chenfeng agreed. The plushie had slipped to his back, trapped under his shirt. He grinned like a kid. “Your friends are my friends. I don’t know many people here. What’s he like?”

“He’s neater than me. Works late, so he won’t disturb you,” Lin Ze explained.

Xie Chenfeng hummed. Lin Ze tugged his shirt free and retrieved the plushie, his fingers brushing Xie Chenfeng’s hot skin. He couldn’t resist wrapping his arms around Xie Chenfeng’s waist from behind.

“Hard again. Let’s go. Where’s a hotel?” Xie Chenfeng breathed.

Hand in hand, they ran. Xie Chenfeng panted, signaling for Lin Ze to wait outside while he checked in. They could’ve gotten a twin room, but he wanted a king bed.

Soon, Lin Ze got a text:

[2207]

He went up casually and rang the bell. Xie Chenfeng yanked him inside, slamming the door shut.

They clung to each other, Lin Ze’s back against the door as they kissed hungrily. After three minutes, Xie Chenfeng pushed Lin Ze onto the bed. As Lin Ze lay back, he exhaled in satisfaction.

Instead of kissing him again, Xie Chenfeng lay on top of him, their eyes locked. He kissed Lin Ze’s face gently, then his lips.

“The first time I saw you,” Xie Chenfeng murmured, gazing into Lin Ze’s eyes, “I fell in love.”

“Me too. I knew I loved you the moment I saw you,” Lin Ze replied.

“Take it off. You go first,” Xie Chenfeng urged, tugging at Lin Ze’s shirt.

Lin Ze chuckled, distracted. “Ranran said we’re wasting resources—two tops together.”

Xie Chenfeng burst out laughing. “Have you ever bottomed? Be honest.”

“Yeah,” Lin Ze admitted. “After my last breakup, I was depressed for a while…”

“It’s fine. I have too. We’re even,” Xie Chenfeng said.

He laughed as Lin Ze flipped him over, straddling his hips to unbutton his shirt. Xie Chenfeng was lean—though he had pecs and abs, Lin Ze could feel his ribs. Xie Chenfeng squirmed, ticklish, and batted his hand away.

“You’re the one I love most,” Xie Chenfeng said, unbuckling Lin Ze’s belt. “Meeting you was fate being kind to me.”

Lin Ze smiled, his dimples charming. “I love you too. Never felt like this before, really.”

[A flock of river crabs scuttles by…]¹A phrase used by Chinese authors as a euphemism for “explicit content that couldn’t be written or had to be removed due to censorship”

Lin Ze kissed him, exhausted. Xie Chenfeng had gone at it for nearly an hour and was also spent. After pulling out and tossing the condom aside, he pulled Lin Ze into his arms.

“Wanna shower?” Xie Chenfeng whispered, kissing Lin Ze’s forehead.

Lin Ze was too tired. “Tomorrow.”

Xie Chenfeng hummed. Lin Ze noticed his voice was hoarse.

“Sick?” Lin Ze asked.

“Sore throat. AC was too cold at the hotel in Hechuan,” Xie Chenfeng replied.

“Turn the temperature up,” Lin Ze advised.

Xie Chenfeng was already drowsy. Lin Ze reached out to adjust the AC to 25°C before turning off the light.

Xie Chenfeng’s breath was hot. As they cuddled, Lin Ze heard him cough—he had a cold.

Lin Ze felt his forehead and decided it couldn’t wait. He dressed and went out to buy medicine. At 2 a.m., the streets were empty. He bought cold medicine at a 24-hour pharmacy and returned to find Xie Chenfeng sitting up in bed, dazed.

Xie Chenfeng’s eyes were red as he looked at Lin Ze.

“Take this. What’s wrong?” Lin Ze asked.

“Woke up and you were gone. Scared me—thought tonight was a dream,” Xie Chenfeng murmured.

Lin Ze laughed. “You scared me. Like sleepwalking.”

As he boiled water, he couldn’t shake the image of Xie Chenfeng’s vulnerable gaze—the one he couldn’t resist. Like a lonely child, guilty yet hopeful.

“Medicine,” Lin Ze said, handing him water. Xie Chenfeng took it and held out his arms.

Lin Ze knelt on the bed, grinning as he undressed again and slid under the covers.

“You take good care of people. You’d make a great wife,” Xie Chenfeng said.

“Maybe not a wife, but I’ll take care of you,” Lin Ze replied.

Xie Chenfeng turned off the light, and they lay in silence.

“What’s your dealbreaker?” Xie Chenfeng asked in the dark.

“Getting ahead of the breakup talk?” Lin Ze responded.

Xie Chenfeng chuckled. “Yeah.”

Lin Ze: “Cheating. Just don’t cheat—we can work through anything else. No hookups, not even once. You?”

Xie Chenfeng: “No dealbreakers. As long as you love me.”

Lin Ze: “…”

Xie Chenfeng grinned. “Just kidding. You’re mine—heart, body, everything.”

Lin Ze sighed. “Sleep. Don’t overthink it.”

Resting his head on Xie Chenfeng’s shoulder, Lin Ze accepted that he’d have to bottom now. He understood Xie Chenfeng’s foresight—neither was new to relationships.

After the honeymoon phase came fights, then the long adjustment period. Survive that, and the seven-year itch would test them. Only by overcoming these could they settle into companionship.

But Xie Chenfeng was perfect in every way, sincere at heart. Lin Ze believed they could face anything. They weren’t kids anymore—that was why he’d chosen Xie Chenfeng.

Love needs emotion; relationships need reason.

Lin Ze fell asleep as Xie Chenfeng kissed him, responding instinctively.

The next day, Lin Ze woke to darkness. The bed was empty—Xie Chenfeng was gone.

Rain poured outside. It was noon.

Breakfast sat on the table with a note: Had to submit recruitment forms. Eat.

Lin Ze relaxed, texting Xie Chenfeng. No reply.

The streets were dark, headlights cutting through the rain. The mountain city seemed trapped in an endless night.

Under the downpour, Xie Chenfeng stood outside the stadium, eyes red as he choked back sobs. He pinched the bridge of his nose, then gripped the chain-link fence, crying like a wounded animal.

His phone rang. Xie Chenfeng wiped his face and checked it.

Drops splashed the screen—rain or tears. The caller ID read: A’Ze.

“You’re up?” Xie Chenfeng forced a smile, voice strained.

Lin Ze: “Feeling better? You didn’t take an umbrella—when’d you leave?”

Xie Chenfeng: “Fine. Already at school.”

Lin Ze: “You don’t sound fine. Your voice is shot.”

Xie Chenfeng: “Sorry, was in a meeting earlier.”

Lin Ze: “Go ahead. Text me your address. Got rice at home? I’ll make congee later.”

Xie Chenfeng: “Place is a mess. I’ll move in tonight.”

Lin Ze: “Okay. Want me to pick you up?”

Xie Chenfeng: “Later. After the meeting.”

Lin Ze: “Love you.”

Xie Chenfeng: “Me too.”

The call ended. Xie Chenfeng turned off his phone and broke down, staggering through the rain, wiping his eyes. Leaning against a lamppost, he looked up at the black sky and let out an anguished roar.

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  A phrase used by Chinese authors as a euphemism for “explicit content that couldn’t be written or had to be removed due to censorship”