Su Lian's waist was excessively slender. When an arm wrapped around it, even through the shirt, it felt like just a thin layer.
Chi Wang didn't dare to move, just standing in place maintaining that posture, lightly embracing the person.
That "Brother Chi" made his heart tingle.
Usually he wouldn't, only becoming this obedient when dazed like this.
Even though the wind was fierce at this moment, Chi Wang felt very hot. Su Lian's breath was scalding, his skin was scalding, and his lips pressed against Chi Wang's neck were scalding.
He lowered his head slightly, his peripheral vision sweeping over that face with closed eyes and shallow breathing.
Chi Wang called softly, "Teacher Su?"
Su Lian didn't respond, only tilting his head to nuzzle slightly, finding a more comfortable angle to lean.
"Don't sleep here, let's go down first." Chi Wang patted his back and added, "You just recovered from being sick, you can't be in the wind."
"Don't want to move, it's warmer here." The drunk Su Lian seemed to have broken through his usual reserve, becoming extremely willful.
Chi Wang's hand slid down to his waist. "Then... can I carry you down?"
After a few seconds' pause, Su Lian nodded hazily. "Okay."
Loosening his hold slightly, Chi Wang bent down to hook under Su Lian's knees, easily lifting him into a princess carry as he slowly walked downstairs.
The staircase was narrow, already inconvenient for one person to pass, let alone while carrying someone. It was even more difficult now.
By the time they got from the fourth floor to the second, Chi Wang's back was drenched in sweat, his forehead beaded with perspiration. A few scattered customers remained in the internet cafe at midnight. He quickly walked into the resting room inside, laid Su Lian on the bed, and changed into slippers.
Chi Wang pulled the blanket over him, let out a long sigh, and tugged at his collar to fan himself. "We'll make do here for the night."
Two seconds later, the blanket was kicked off. Su Lian opened his eyes slightly. "No good, I need to shower."
Chi Wang was about to be driven mad by this ancestor. Even in this state he was still so fastidious about cleanliness.
He bent down, staring at Su Lian as he asked, "Can you wash yourself?"
"I can." Su Lian answered decisively, as if the wind had blown away much of his drunkenness.
Chi Wang turned to find one of his own t-shirts and a pair of long pants from the small wardrobe nearby, handing them over. "The bathroom's right next door. Be careful, it might be slippery."
"No way I'd slip. I'm not drunk." Su Lian's words were confident, but his steps were unsteady as he made his way out of the room, supporting himself against the wall.
Chi Wang was worried sick. "...Take it slow."
Before he could reach out to support him, Su Lian abruptly shook him off. "I can manage myself."
So independent and stubborn.
Chi Wang still followed him over, too concerned to let it be. Just as his foot was about to cross the bathroom threshold, the door slammed shut mercilessly, nearly hitting his nose.
He helplessly turned to lean against the wall and wait, fearing the unsteady man might take a fall.
Rustling sounds came from the bathroom, pausing for a few seconds before the water started running, steam seeping out through the cracks.
The internet cafe manager came by on his rounds, passing by to ask, "Young Master Wang, not asleep yet?"
Chi Wang smiled, nodding towards the lit bathroom. "Waiting for Su Lian to finish showering before sleeping."
"How considerate, it's already 2:30 AM." The manager yawned. "Business is slow for Mid-Autumn Festival. I'm going to doze off up front for a bit."
"Alright, go ahead." After exchanging greetings, Chi Wang aimlessly scrolled through his phone for a while, his mind elsewhere.
The sound of running water continued unabated. Nearly twenty minutes passed with no other movement from the room.
Sensing something amiss, Chi Wang called out, "Su Lian, are you done?"
No response.
Chi Wang knocked on the door, growing anxious. "Are you alright? Say something."
The room remained silent. Chi Wang's hand rested on the doorknob, gently pressing down. "I'm coming in."
The door slowly opened. Mist swirled in the bathroom. Su Lian lay on the floor, his wrists and waist impossibly slender, long legs curled up, eyes tightly shut, completely unclothed, a vision in white.
Water droplets from the showerhead still pattered onto his body, scattering in all directions.
Had he fainted, or fallen asleep? This was truly maddening.
Chi Wang closed his eyes, then slowly opened them again. He quickly went over, supporting Su Lian's neck as he shook him gently. "Wake up, get up first."
Su Lian opened his eyes. Their gazes met. A pair of misty eyes, slightly reddened, looked quite pitiful. "Can't get up, my legs are numb."
Chi Wang: "..."
He turned off the shower and stepped out, instructing, "Don't move, I'll find you a towel."
When he returned with the towel, Su Lian was still sitting motionless in the same spot, looking a bit dazed.
His ears inexplicably burning, Chi Wang didn't dare meet the other's gaze, focusing instead on the patterned tiles to the side.
Averting his eyes, he reached out to wipe Su Lian's damp hair, then wrapped the large towel around his body, attempting to pull him up from the floor.
Su Lian's back remained pressed against the wall, not moving. He slowly raised his arm, reaching for the showerhead, water droplets trailing down his skin.
Chi Wang grasped his wrist helplessly. "No more showering, let's go back to sleep."
"Why did you come in without warning?" In his hazy state, Su Lian seemed to recognize Chi Wang, his first words a complaint.
"...If I hadn't come in, you probably would have died in here."
"Impossible, I lay down myself. So sleepy."
"Fine, whatever you say."
Chi Wang didn't want to reason with a drunk person. It would be futile anyway.
After much effort to carry Su Lian back to the room, dry his hair, and coax him into bed, Chi Wang was exhausted.
He took his sleepwear into the bathroom. The small room still held lingering traces of the body wash's scent - a whiff of lime.
The scene from earlier flashed through his mind again, his ears heating up once more.
Shaking his head, he quickly took a perfunctory shower, then lay down on his side in the narrow space beside the small bed.
-
Su Lian woke up thirsty.
Opening his eyes to search for water, his gaze fell on the bright white ceiling. Looking around, he realized it was his first time staying overnight at the internet cafe.
Glancing down, he saw his clothes in disarray, the robe half open, brazenly exposing him to the air in a rather shameful state.
He turned his head to look at the person still sleeping next to the pillow, pulled his clothes tight, and kicked out at the other's shin.
Roused by the pain, Chi Wang was forced to open his eyes, looking at Su Lian in confusion. "What's wrong?"
Su Lian coldly demanded, "Why did you take off my clothes?"
His tone and expression were frosty, as if accusing a scoundrel who had slept with him and run.
Sure enough, sobered up he had returned to his icy demeanor, cold and unfeeling.
Chi Wang rubbed his face, feeling wronged. "You really don't remember anything from last night?"
Fragments of memories flashed through Su Lian's mind. It seemed they had been eating, then went to the rooftop to look at the moon. What else? He couldn't quite recall.
Realizing he may have behaved inappropriately, Su Lian's cheeks heated up, but he staunchly denied it. "I drank too much. I've forgotten it all."
"With your alcohol tolerance, I advise you not to drink next time." Chi Wang, having been troubled all night, lazily yawned.
"Thank you for taking me in again." Su Lian lowered his eyes, knowing he was in the wrong.
Chi Wang snorted lightly, teasing, "So this is how you thank your benefactor? With a kick in the morning?"
Su Lian's voice lowered, his expression awkward. "I thought you..."
"Thought what?"
"Nothing."
Su Lian struggled to get up from the bed, clutching his robe. The beer had been poor quality, leaving him with a terrible hangover. His head was pounding.
He wandered aimlessly around the room before turning to ask, "Where are my clothes?"
"In the bathroom. They got soaked by the shower. Wear mine." Chi Wang lifted his chin, pointing towards the wardrobe. "Help yourself."
Su Lian slowly shuffled over, took out a set of clothes, then warned, "I'm changing. Don't look."
Tch, it's not like he hadn't seen it before.
Chi Wang lazily turned his back, pulling the blanket over his head. "Not looking."
When he woke again it was already 10 AM. Chi Wang stretched, opening his eyes to see Su Lian sitting dazed on the sofa.
He threw off the blanket and got out of bed, his gaze falling on Su Lian.
His hair was a mess, wrapped in Chi Wang's oversized black t-shirt which hung loosely, revealing a sliver of collarbone. The stark contrast between the dark shirt and pale skin made him appear even more fair.
Chi Wang reached out to tap Su Lian's forehead. "What are you spacing out about? Where are you planning to go today?"
Su Lian was still piecing together fragments of last night's memories. He looked up distractedly, answering after a beat, "To the temple."
Chi Wang found it odd that someone would visit Buddha on the first day of vacation. Curious, he asked, "What for?"
"To fulfill a vow."
Su Lian thought about how it had been nearly a month since he traveled back in time. It must have been Buddha's help that allowed such an incredible experience.
Since his wish had been granted, he ought to find an opportunity to fulfill his vow.
Thinking of the dense crowds during the holiday, Chi Wang raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "You're going alone?"
Su Lian nodded, his expression blank. "I often go out alone. It's normal."
"I'm free today, so I'll go with you. Let's invite Little Nine and the others too. We can make it a temple day trip," Chi Wang said, taking out his phone to send a message to the group chat.
[Human Delusion]: Is everyone up?
[Nine Nine Nine Little Clever]: Up! What's the plan today, Boss Wang? Internet cafe, or sleeping in?
[Human Delusion]: Going to the temple to pray
[Double Wood]: ???
[Nine Nine Nine Little Clever]: Are you drunk? It'll be so crowded, why go to a temple?
[Human Delusion]: Monthly exams are coming up. Wouldn't you like to pray to Buddha for a couple extra points?
[Nine Nine Nine Little Clever]: ...Can't argue with that
[Ci Ci]: I'll come too!
After a few more exchanges, everyone agreed on a time and place to meet at the foot of the temple mountain.
Gu Anjiu watched as the two got out of the car one after another, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Su's clothes look very familiar."
Chi Wang casually closed the car door and provided the answer directly: "They're mine."
"Oh my, already exchanging clothes? Alcohol really is the best aphrodisiac," Gu Anjiu nudged Lin Yan with his shoulder. "What did I tell you? Something's definitely going on."
Lin Yan nodded in agreement: "Indeed, there's an affair afoot."
Su Lian: "..."
What kind of friends were these? He should have just come quietly by himself and left without a trace.
Remembering the song from last night, Gu Anjiu leaned in and lowered his voice: "Su, I didn't know you could sing so..."
Before he could find the right word, his mouth was covered by Chi Wang's hand. "Don't mention last night."
Su Lian turned his head to look, confusion in his eyes. "What singing? Who sang?"
Chi Wang's hand pressed harder, his fingers pinching the chubby cheeks, as if he wanted to assassinate him on the spot.
Since Su Lian had forgotten, there was no need to bring it up again. It would only make him embarrassed and upset.
The forcibly threatened chubby-faced boy shook his head, his face turning red: "Nothing, nothing happened. Ah, the weather is so nice today."
Su Lian cut him off mid-sentence, exasperated: "Forget it, let's go."
The temple was on the mountain, and the group slowly made their way up the plank road. Before they even reached halfway, Gu Anjiu was panting heavily: "I feel like whether I pray or not makes no difference. I'll still be at the bottom of the class. Why don't we just give up?"
Chi Wang grabbed him by the neck and pushed him up the stairs: "After praying to Buddha, you might make it into the bottom ten."
Gu Anjiu pouted: "That doesn't sound appealing at all."
Song Jiaci stuttered: "Buddha is... is trying his best."
The group couldn't help but burst into laughter, nearly sliding down the stairs.
The mountain path was winding and narrow, crowded with people coming to pray, making it quite congested.
After walking a bit further, Gu Anjiu finally couldn't hold back and started complaining furiously: "You said the same thing ten minutes ago. Who comes to climb mountains and pray during the holidays? Are you crazy? I must have the worst luck to be your friend. Next time... forget it, there definitely won't be a next time."
Chi Wang cursed softly: "Shut up, you talk too much."
Lost in thought, Su Lian didn't say anything, just calmly and quickly walked up the path.
Afraid that Song Jiaci might fall, Lin Yan supported his thin arm all the way up: "Little monkey, do you have a wish?"
"Yes," Song Jiaci nodded, then covered his mouth with his hand, "But I... I can't tell you. If I say it out loud, it won't come true."
Lin Yan chuckled softly: "I can guess what you want to wish for without even trying."
Song Jiaci glared at him, quickening his pace up the stairs, not wanting to talk anymore.
"Teacher Su, what did you wish for last time?" Chi Wang walked over to walk side by side with Su Lian.
"Can't say," Su Lian replied, not trying to be mysterious. If he were to say it out loud, probably no one would believe him anyway.
The time he had traveled back from the future to the past – anyone who heard it would think it was a tall tale. Better not to mention it.
Chi Wang lazily put his hands in his pockets: "Fine, if you're all not saying, I won't say either."
Su Lian scoffed lightly: "It's either making big money or starting a company. Anyway, it has nothing to do with studying or exams."
"Damn, can you read minds?"
"...Your thoughts are written all over your face."
Chi Wang raised an eyebrow. Was it really that obvious?
Finally reaching the mountaintop, the noisy atmosphere suddenly became quiet, with the sound of ancient bells ringing softly in the air.
In the sacred Buddhist grounds, everyone stopped joking around and fell silent, their expressions becoming solemn.
Su Lian knelt before the Buddha statue, palms pressed together, sincerely fulfilling his vow.
Chi Wang knelt beside him. Despite being in a temple, his mind was not at peace. He kept glancing sideways at Su Lian.
What kind of wish was worth coming all this way for?
He had always felt that Su Lian was hiding many secrets. Even though their relationship seemed to have grown closer, it was still like looking at flowers in the fog – he could never quite figure him out.
Moreover, this person was taciturn and aloof, unwilling to say anything, which made him seem even more mysterious.
Su Lian looked very devout, his eyelashes lowered, head slightly bowed, silently mouthing something.
Chi Wang was mesmerized for a moment before remembering that he was still kneeling. He quickly turned his gaze away and hastily made his own wish in his mind.
After bowing three times, they straightened up and left the temple, marking the perfect end to their day trip.
Just as they were about to head down the mountain, Su Lian suddenly stopped: "Wait for me for a few minutes."
The sky was growing dark. Chi Wang tilted his head slightly: "Do you have something else to do?"
"Mm, I'll be quick," Su Lian hurriedly turned back, re-entering to find a chanting monk in the temple.
He lowered his eyes slightly and asked sincerely: "Excuse me, is it possible to get a safety charm here?"
"Yes, you should carry it with you at all times after receiving it," the master replied, putting his palms together and bowing slightly.
Su Lian nodded, his voice very soft so as not to disturb others: "Alright, please, I'd like one."
A sincere heart brings blessings, so he hoped that Chi Wang could be a little healthier, Su Lian thought to himself.
When he came out again, while no one was paying attention, he secretly slipped the safety charm he had just obtained into Chi Wang's coat pocket. The group then said their goodbyes at the foot of the mountain.
Chi Wang first dropped Su Lian off at his home before having the driver take a detour to slowly drive towards his own house.
Feeling bored in the car, he put his hands in his pockets and felt something hard.
Taking it out, he saw red embroidery with yellow characters on it, of good quality, with the words "Safety Charm" written in large letters.
Somewhat puzzled, he took a photo and sent it to the group chat.
[Human Delusion]: Who gave me this charm? So thoughtful, I'm really touched
[Nine Nine Nine Little Clever]: Not me
[Ci Ci]: Not me
[Double Wood]: Not me
There were only five people in the group. After eliminating everyone else, the answer instantly surfaced, and no one dared to respond.
The moment Su Lian saw the group message, his expression crumbled, feeling like life wasn't worth living.
He had only intended to quietly give the charm, but this guy had to go and make it known to everyone.
Chi Wang fingered the tassel of the safety charm and opened Su Lian's chat window, typing with one hand: Teacher Su, I'm really touched that you specially got a charm for me.
The message failed to send, with a glaring red exclamation mark appearing next to it.
Evidently, he had been blocked.
Chi Wang sent a new friend request, which was promptly rejected. Recalling his actions over the past two days, he looked bewildered.
Damn, what did I do wrong this time?