Cocoon

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Jiang Lou can’t hear out of his left ear, the result of a fight with three middle school students when he was ten years old.

At the time, with blood covering his face, he was sent to the hospital. The doctor asked where his guardian was, and he recalled the woman who had given birth to him, who at that moment was accompanying another child to a piano lesson.

That child also called her “Mom.”

Eight years later, Jiang Lou attended No.1 High School in Xucheng, earning scholarships, with X in the parent fields on his student information form.

One day after school, he saw the new transfer student from his class cornered by a few hoodlums on the side of the road.

The transfer student was frightened and pale, hunching his shoulders tightly against the wall, looking comical yet pitiful.

Jiang Lou watched from afar, his heart unmoved, feeling no pleasure in revenge.

Jiang Lou intervened and rescued the transfer student.

Two days later, Li Tang blocked him in the stairwell during a break. Amidst the noisy surroundings, Jiang Lou had to turn his head, using his right ear to listen to Li Tang’s gratitude.

This allowed Li Tang to easily notice that Jiang Lou’s profile was even more attractive than his front view, seeming to seek a kiss when he moved closer.

During a winter camp later on, Li Tang sneaked into Jiang Lou’s room, embracing him from behind, eyes red as he asked, “Why did you save me back then?”

Facing away from Li Tang, the dark night outside reflected in Jiang Lou’s eyes as he coldly said, “I didn’t want to see you bullied by others.”

“…Others?”

“Mm.”

I want all your pain to be caused by me.