Chapter 3

Lin Ze stuffed his hands in his pockets and chatted with Huang Ruiguang as they walked uphill to eat. They picked a small restaurant and ordered two servings of tofu pudding rice and a stir-fry dish. Suddenly, Lin Ze noticed Zheng Jie was also inside.

“Hey,” Lin Ze greeted him. “Why are you back?”

Zheng Jie glanced at Lin Ze, then at Huang Ruiguang. He was sitting alone, eating a bowl of tofu pudding rice without even a side dish—just five yuan for a bowl of tofu pudding, a plate of chili oil, and a bowl of rice. That was his lunch.

“Picking up goods,” Zheng Jie replied, nodding at Huang Ruiguang.

The three of them ate lunch together. Lin Ze knew Zheng Jie was tight on money and couldn’t afford much for lunch, so he ordered two extra stir-fried dishes. Huang Ruiguang and Zheng Jie exchanged pleasantries and quickly got acquainted, chatting animatedly. Lin Ze didn’t mention the specifics of his resignation in front of an outsider.

As they finished eating, Huang Ruiguang got to the point: “You guys want to come work out?”

Zheng Jie knew the drill and immediately responded, “No time. I’m exhausted like a dog after work every day.”

Huang Ruiguang handed Zheng Jie a business card. “It’s free. Working out is a way to relieve stress. You can come try it out. It’s not as tiring as people say.”

Zheng Jie took the card. Lin Ze thought to himself, We can barely afford meals, let alone a gym membership, and called the waiter to pay. Huang Ruiguang immediately insisted on paying.

Lin Ze hated owing favors. He was afraid that if he let Huang Ruiguang pay this time, he’d have to keep interacting with him, eventually getting roped into buying a membership.

But after wrestling with the trainer over the bill, Lin Ze still lost and had to let him pay for both his and Zheng Jie’s meals.

After lunch, Lin Ze went home to enjoy the air conditioning and sleep. Zheng Jie, still working like a dog, went back to his job. Lin Ze slept until evening when the sun shone in from the balcony, casting golden light across the floor. He woke up but didn’t feel like getting out of bed. He grabbed his phone and saw a text—Huang Ruiguang had invited him and Zheng Jie to the gym that evening.

Huang Ruiguang: [You quit your job, right? This is the perfect time to work out and enrich your life. Come on, give it a try.]

The intention was obvious—he was trying to sell them a membership.

Lin Ze knew Huang Ruiguang wasn’t interested in anything beyond business. If he were genuinely interested in romance, he wouldn’t have asked Lin Ze to bring Zheng Jie or mixed work with personal matters.

The door opened. Zheng Jie knew Lin Ze was home and called out as soon as he entered, “I’m so jealous of you.”

Lin Ze replied, “I quit. Couldn’t take it anymore, so I left.”

Zheng Jie took off his shirt, revealing his lean, tanned muscles in dress pants. He struck a bodybuilder pose at Lin Ze’s bedroom door, then turned around to show off his back muscles.

Having grown up together, Lin Ze didn’t even need words to know Zheng Jie was silently mocking him about the Fitness Coach from lunch.

“Fuck off!” Lin Ze roared.

Zheng Jie laughed and went to shower. “Quit if you want. There’s always room for one more at the table. You won’t starve.”

Lin Ze got out of bed listlessly and slumped at the dining table. Zheng Jie showered at lightning speed, emerging quickly and sitting across from Lin Ze. He patted Lin Ze’s head. “You really quit, huh?”

“Yeah,” Lin Ze confirmed. “They sidelined me, gave me a measly 2,800 a month. I quit.”

Zheng Jie got up to grab a beer. “When are you job hunting?”

“Starting this month,” Lin Ze replied. “Let’s order takeout. I just woke up and don’t feel like going out.”

Zheng Jie shook his head. “I bought groceries. Just sit tight.”

He went into the kitchen and quickly made mung bean congee, then tossed together some cold dishes he’d bought—mountain pepper chicken, seaweed strips, and wood ear mushrooms.

Lin Ze’s appetite returned instantly. Congee was just what he needed. The two of them devoured the cold dishes like a storm. As night fell, they squeezed onto a single lounge chair on the 20th-floor balcony, shoulders and feet touching like when they were kids, enjoying the cool breeze and the city lights coming to life.

“You tell me,” Zheng Jie began. “What’s wrong with a high-quality guy like me?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Lin Ze chuckled. “You’re perfect. If only you were gay, we wouldn’t even need to look for partners.”

Zheng Jie nodded thoughtfully. Lin Ze knew that, jokes aside, Zheng Jie would never be interested in him romantically. Even if he were somehow “converted,” the idea of them sleeping together would be unbearably awkward. Suddenly, Lin Ze remembered something. “When’s your blind date?”

“Friday,” Zheng Jie answered. “Wanna come along?”

Lin Ze declined, “Nah, I’ll eat alone on Friday.”

Zheng Jie continued, “This time, my aunt set me up with a salesgirl. They say she’s really pretty, works at the Lancôme counter selling cosmetics.”

“Not bad,” Lin Ze said, patting his shoulder. “Exactly your type.”

Zheng Jie thought for a moment. “I don’t even know what my type is.”

Lin Ze offered, “You like pretty girls with mature, charming vibes. Not the innocent, girly types.”

Zheng Jie asked, “What about you?”

Lin Ze replied, “Me? It’s hard to say. You know what? Nowadays, whether it’s blind dates or introductions, why is it so hard to make a match? Both men and women are to blame. Blind dates are about making friends, not chasing feelings. Feelings take time to develop. Last time, our marriage channel interviewed an expert who said the current blind date scene is like this: both sides come in with fantasies—men fantasize about sex, women fantasize about love. These fantasies are fundamentally at odds. If they treated it like meeting a business partner or a friend at a salon, it’d be much easier.”

“Men see a woman and think she’s nice, wanting to take things further. Women usually don’t like rushing into things and want to find someone they ‘click’ with. The guy might feel a spark, but the girl might not. The truth is, no one really knows what ‘clicking’ means. Wanting to find someone you ‘click’ with is basically hoping for love at first sight. But that’s rare, so most blind dates fail. I’ve given up on love at first sight. I’d rather start as friends.”

Zheng Jie observed, “Not many can keep up with your conversations, though.”

Lin Ze did have a bit of a professional habit. Even while lounging on the balcony, he found himself wondering what explosive news would break if the whole city had a blackout tomorrow. His thoughts wandered aimlessly for a while, and he nearly dozed off again.

Zheng Jie nudged him with his elbow. “Dishes.”

Lin Ze was a little hard. He’d been single for too long, and even the scent of a man’s skin could get him going. Annoyed, he got up to wash the dishes and took a cold shower to cool down.

When he came out, Zheng Jie was in his room with the door closed. So Lin Ze went back to his own room to watch some gay porn, while Zheng Jie watched straight porn in his room. They each took care of their needs, marking the end of Lin Ze’s first day of unemployment.

For the next few days, Lin Ze did nothing but laze around, planning to start job hunting the following Monday. The area around Bei Cheng Tian Street was bustling day and night, as if no one had jobs. Crowds came and went in waves. He’d get up in the morning, eat something light, and spend the day at Starbucks. On Wednesday, he stopped by the gym and saw Huang Ruiguang pitching a membership to two flamboyantly dressed gay guys in striped tank tops. “You can come all summer. Big bro will show you around.”

Lin Ze just glanced from afar and left, returning to Starbucks to browse job listings.

The journalism industry wasn’t overly hierarchical. Once you survived the hazing period where seniors stole your bylines and scoops, it became a meritocracy. Lin Ze was confident he’d find a new job.

He watched people pass by outside the window, imagining their stories. That girl was clearly waiting for her boyfriend, her expression impatient, lips pursed in annoyance.

Around the corner, a gay couple emerged, arms around each other in matching outfits. The taller one carried shopping bags while the shorter one tucked his credit card back into his wallet—clearly, he’d just paid. A bottom supporting his top? Maybe.

A China Merchants Bank Gold Card—must be doing well financially. They didn’t look like working adults, though. Probably living off their parents…

A message arrived.

This time, from someone named “P.E. Teacher.”

Lin Ze was amused. Do I really attract so many rugged men?

P.E. Teacher: [Collarbone guy, I’ve seen you sitting in Starbucks all day, just drinking ice water. Aren’t you afraid they’ll kick you out?]

Lin Ze rolled his eyes, buttoned up the second button of his shirt, and called to the counter, “Ice water refill—”

The barista came over with a smile, handed him a glass of ice water, and leaned on the counter to peek at his iPad. “Flirting?”

Lin Ze whispered, “Is this your type?”

The barista shook his head. “These days, everyone flirting pretends to be a tough guy. Not many real tops.”

Lin Ze asked, “Are you a top or bottom?”

Barista: “Top. You?”

Lin Ze: “Also top.”

The barista reached over to scroll through Lin Ze’s contacts, tapping on one. “This one’s nice.”

Noticing the manager approaching, Lin Ze hushed him. “Shh, I’ll set you up.”

The barista saw the manager and quickly returned to grinding coffee beans. He pulled out his phone behind the counter, whistled at Lin Ze, and pointed to his chest, signaling he’d handle the flirting himself.

P.E. Teacher: [You’ve been at Starbucks for three days. Is the cute barista your boyfriend?]

Lin Ze: [No. It’s cheaper to spend on coffee than air conditioning at home. Where are you?]

P.E. Teacher: [Right across from you.]

Lin Ze looked up. The seat opposite was empty.

P.E. Teacher: [At Häagen-Dazs across the street.]

Lin Ze turned to look. Häagen-Dazs wasn’t far, but there were hardly any customers—just a few girls.

P.E. Teacher: [That was five minutes ago. Now I’m at Darongcheng.]

Lin Ze: “…”

Lin Ze rarely got played like this. He found the guy amusing, but the thought of Huang Ruiguang’s gym membership killed his interest. P.E. Teacher… If he really is a P.E. teacher, at least he won’t try to sell me classes.

Lin Ze: [Teacher, no classes today? Gonna teach me soccer?]

P.E. Teacher: [Summer break. Been taking some high school athletes to Lifan Club for tryouts. Played three days straight. Saw you yesterday at Honeymoon Dessert with an insurance salesman. Wanna learn soccer? You’re not cut out for it. But you can hold my clothes and fetch water on the sidelines.]

Lin Ze knew Lifan Club wasn’t far from Bei Cheng Tian Street. The guy probably wasn’t lying.

Lin Ze: [Fetching water is a no-go, but playing sounds fun.]

P.E. Teacher: [Most people aren’t even allowed to hand me towels.]

Lin Ze laughed. Lin Ze: [You just took your students to Häagen-Dazs?]

He pictured a group of tall, tanned soccer players following their P.E. teacher into Häagen-Dazs—a place usually frequented by girls. The image was hilarious. He’d missed quite a spectacle.

The guy’s profile said he was 27, with an Italian soccer jersey as his profile picture.

P.E. Teacher: [They’re on the light rail to North Station, heading home. Wanna meet?]

Lin Ze knew this guy had been eyeing him for a while, likely interested. The question was whether he was looking for a hookup or something more. Either way, Lin Ze liked his vibe—not desperate, not aloof.

Lin Ze: [Height, weight?]

P.E. Teacher: [If you’re looking for a hookup, pass. I’m too old for that kid stuff. Have fun.]

Lin Ze: [My bad. Been single too long. The guy you saw yesterday is my childhood friend. He’s not an insurance salesman. Don’t worry.]

P.E. Teacher: [I know. You two don’t look like a couple. Come to Darongcheng. I’ll wait at the entrance. Hipanda T-shirt, shorts.]

Lin Ze was still considering when the Starbucks door opened. Two flamboyant guys sashayed in, handbags swinging, fanning themselves. “Ugh, so hot—”

A more reserved guy followed them in.

One of the flamboyant ones turned back. “Come on, come on.”

Lin Ze was speechless—one of them was his “dry” younger brother, Li Chiran.

The barista looked up and smiled. “You’re here?”

The two flamboyant ones ordered coffee, while the quieter one smiled at the barista and noticed Lin Ze.

He nudged Li Chiran. “Ranran, your brother.”

“Brother—” Li Chiran came over

Lin Ze asked, “What’ll you have? My treat.”

“I’ll pay,” the barista replied. “What do you want?”

“No, I got it,” Lin Ze handed over his card. “But I’m only paying for two—my brother and his friend.”

The barista smiled at the quiet guy, radiating charm. “Ignore Lin Ze. He’s messing with you. I’ll treat you. Want to try my latte?”

Whoosh—

Li Chiran and his flamboyant friend caught on.

After buying coffee, Lin Ze ruffled Li Chiran’s hair. “I’m off to an interview.”

“Brother,” Li Chiran offered. “Let me treat you to dinner tonight. I’ll introduce you to my boyfriend.”

“Might be busy. I’ll call you. If you don’t hear from me, don’t wait. Next time, I’ll treat you both.”

He packed up his iPad, watching as the barista chatted up the quiet guy at the counter. Li Chiran and his friend tactfully found seats. Looks promising.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, the sun cast a golden glow as the square filled with people—gay men meeting online friends, girls posing for street photos, laughing loudly without a care.

A homeless man set up a microphone stand under a tree, preparing to sing at nightfall.

Lin Ze crossed the pedestrian street, scanning the mall entrance. Someone called out, “Over here!”

Lin Ze spotted the P.E. teacher.

He looked exactly as Lin Ze had imagined—tall, lean, tanned, wearing shorts with no socks and pristine low-top sneakers. His arms and legs were long, and he wore a Hipanda T-shirt, looking clean-cut.

His hair was slightly messy, his eyes deep and melancholic. Standing at the mall entrance, he seemed half-asleep, his high nose bridge and sharp features giving him a sculpted, sensual look.

For a moment, Lin Ze felt that familiar jolt—love at first sight.

Including the rich, handsome guy from Monday, this was the second time in a week. Am I really this desperate?!

“What should I call you?” Lin Ze smiled.

“You have dimples,” the P.E. teacher poked Lin Ze’s cheek. Lin Ze was speechless.

“Call me Teacher Xie,” the man replied. “And you?”

“Thank you, Teacher. My surname is Lin.”

“Thank you,” the P.E. teacher repeated.

“You’re welcome.”

“I mean, my name is Xie Xie.”

“…”

“Oh, thank you,” Lin Ze responded.

“Mhm, you’re welcome.”

Lin Ze burst out laughing—the first real laugh since quitting his job. The P.E. teacher then added seriously, “Just kidding. My name is Xie Chenfeng.”

“I’m Lin Ze.”

He doubted anyone was really named “Xie Xie,” but the guy was fun. They entered the mall and headed upstairs to eat.

“Your students all gone?” Lin Ze asked.

“Just gave them their stipends. They’ve gone home. Summer classes haven’t started yet. What do you want to eat? Let’s split the bill.”

They chose a teahouse. Lin Ze thought, Perfect. It had been too long since he’d met someone he clicked with. He ordered some snacks, studying Xie Chenfeng across the table. Despite his boyish outfit, his face was mature. They locked eyes for a moment, and Lin Ze laughed again.

Xie Chenfeng sipped his tea. “What are you doing tonight?”

“Not sure. My childhood friend has a blind date. Maybe walk around after dinner. You?”

“Nothing,” Xie Chenfeng cracked his knuckles.

“You seem kinda down.”

“Used to it. Too much crap to deal with.”

“Let’s get you a haircut later. Your hair’s getting long.”

Xie Chenfeng touched his forehead. “Yeah.”

Lin Ze’s journalist instincts kicked in. “Any students have crushes on you? What happens if something goes wrong?”

“The athletes or the high schoolers?”

Lin Ze thought, “Both.”

“Athletes are all straight, have girlfriends. No issues there. High schoolers? Yeah, but I can’t mess around. Even dating girls is off-limits. Get caught, and it’s over.”

“What’s your sport?”

“Used to do high jump. Wrecked my back. Know some guys from sports school. Now I coach soccer, recommend kids to Lifan’s youth team.”

“Lifan’s not doing well these days.”

Xie Chenfeng nodded, sipping tea. “Chen Hong’s no good. Team’s a mess. After merging with Hongta, it’s all cliques and politics.”

A waiter brought utensils, eyeing them. Xie Chenfeng asked, “Get us an ashtray.”

He offered Lin Ze a cigarette. Lin Ze lit it for him. “I just quit my job. Job hunting next week.”

Lin Ze shared stories from his reporting days, keeping the conversation balanced. Xie Chenfeng nodded along. “Yeah, schools are full of drama.”

“Even P.E. teachers?”

“Less for us. We have our own office by the field. Graduating class teachers? Cutthroat. Never teach seniors.”

Lin Ze’s professional curiosity returned. “Much corporal punishment?”

Corporal punishment was always hot news, but Lin Ze hated sensationalizing student-teacher conflicts. Tabloids loved negative stories, though.

“No one dares. But kids are stressed. A kid jumped at the high school next door. Didn’t make the news?”

“I don’t cover social news—” Lin Ze’s phone buzzed.

Zheng Jie: [Fuck! Just finished my blind date, realized I left my wallet at work! SOS! Come to Ali & Aide Western Restaurant!]

“…”

“Sorry, gotta help a friend. Be right back.”

Xie Chenfeng nodded. Lin Ze rushed off.

As he descended the escalator, he thought Xie Chenfeng seemed like a good guy. Glancing back, he saw him sitting alone, lost in thought—elbows on the armrests, fingers steepled, brow furrowed in frustration.

Worth getting to know, Lin Ze decided. First impression’s good. No ulterior motives. Let’s see where this goes.