Chi Wang always had an unserious demeanor, with a carefree smile perpetually plastered on his face, giving people the mistaken impression that he had a pleasant temperament.
When his expression suddenly turned cold and he spoke less, he appeared rather unapproachable.
It didn't seem like an excessive request, just asking him to say one thing.
Su Lian lowered his eyes, struggling internally for a moment before finally speaking up.
As soon as that "Brother Chi" left his lips, the hand holding the cigarette froze. Chi Wang turned his head towards the screen with some surprise.
His originally fair cheeks were tinged with a faint pink, as if he was blushing.
The young man's clear voice became almost inaudible as he called out softly, swallowing the trailing sound along with his words.
It was like a delicate feather brushing against one's heart, causing a tingling sensation.
Usually, his buddies mostly called him "Master Wang," though some did call him "brother," but none had ever had such a powerful impact.
He had heard it a total of three times before, never intentionally coy, just lower than usual, making one's heart itch. All the irritation instantly vanished.
If Su Lian were to call him again right by his ear, he would probably become rigid, unable to move.
Imagining the scene, Chi Wang fiddled with the cigarette pack in his hand, lowering his head and laughing at himself for being too young and inexperienced.
But he still harbored some hope, changing his tone as he spoke again slowly: "I shouldn't have said that earlier."
Hearing the underlying meaning, a warmth crept up to his ears as Su Lian coughed lightly: "Just this once, considering you studied diligently today."
In fact, he regretted it the second after he said it. Memories came rushing back like waves, involuntarily reminding him of many scenes from their time together.
The name "Brother Chi" was special and unique, it should have been that person's exclusive property, buried in the past along with the funeral.
Just now, seeing Chi Wang's disappointed expression through the video, it seemed as if he was unwilling to agree to even a simple request, making himself appear too stingy.
In the end, he just couldn't bear it.
Just this once, Su Lian thought to himself.
Chi Wang rested his chin on his hand, looking at him thoughtfully: "If I study well tomorrow too, will there be more?"
For the first time, he suddenly showed some interest in studying. It seemed that reading really did require external motivation.
Su Lian raised his eyes to glare at him, exasperated: "You're getting addicted now? What's wrong with you, do you like being someone's brother that much?"
The other side was silent for a moment, then candidly said: "I don't know why, but it just feels really nice."
Su Lian pressed his lips together, not knowing how to respond, so he remained silent.
The book had been read, the "brother" had been called, it seemed there was no need to continue the video call, but Chi Wang didn't want to hang up.
So he spun around in the study's swivel chair, searching for something to say: "You said you weren't feeling well today, what's wrong?"
"My heart hurts," Su Lian raised his hand to press against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm, which now seemed to be beating normally.
Chi Wang's playful expression disappeared as he furrowed his brow: "I thought you just hadn't slept well. Heart problems are no small matter."
"It's fine now..." Before he could finish speaking, the video call was abruptly ended by the other side.
Su Lian stared at the light in the room for a while, feeling that even though two bulbs were broken, it was somehow dazzling and made him dizzy.
As a doctor, he could keenly sense that every time he jumped through time, his body would have varying degrees of reaction.
Palpitations or reduced immunity were not good signs for the body.
Perhaps he shouldn't rely so much on going back in time and use it so often.
Probably besides the time limit, there should also be a control on the number of times, though he didn't know where the upper limit was, Su Lian thought.
His fingertips touched that watch, all of his encounters had started from this hand, which was quite marvelous.
Just over a month ago, he was still sitting in front of Chi Wang's gravestone, not knowing where to go. Now it seemed life had returned to normal, leaving him no time to dwell on the past.
Perhaps for him, it was also a kind of mental liberation in some sense.
After thinking randomly for a while, Su Lian casually picked up some materials, twirling a pen while burying his head in solving problems.
He didn't know how much time had passed when there came a few knocks at the door.
"Dad, did you forget your key?" Su Lian got up, shuffling to the door in his slippers. He opened it and was slightly stunned to see the visitor, "Why are you here?"
Chi Wang looked like he had run a long way, still catching his breath as he spoke: "To take you to the hospital for a check-up."
"You came from home?"
"Yeah, took a taxi."
Su Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry, thinking to himself that he was a doctor and it wasn't anything serious.
But the person had run over from the other side of the city late at night, grabbing his wrist and dragging him out, unstoppable.
"Let me change my shoes and put on a jacket," Su Lian said helplessly, his fingertips reaching up to tug at the other's sleeve.
Chi Wang let out an "Oh," his heart still not completely at ease, crossing his arms and silently urging with his eyes.
The moonlight was clear tonight, with a lingering scent of osmanthus in the air. The two walked side by side along the long alley, Su Lian's pace very slow, but being pulled along by the other to speed up.
Walking out of the dim alley, they hailed a taxi and headed to the hospital once again.
Along the way, Chi Wang kept staring at him worriedly, his palm hovering over his chest before withdrawing, realizing it wasn't quite appropriate: "When did it start hurting?"
Su Lian pulled his jacket closer, saying softly: "Just for those few seconds this morning."
"Hmm, getting it checked will be more reassuring," Chi Wang leaned forward towards the driver, urging, "Please speed up a bit, someone's about to have a heart attack."
Hearing this, the driver stepped on the gas, almost taking off on the spot.
This guy always made a big deal out of nothing, exaggerating needlessly.
Su Lian turned his head to look out the window, seeing Chi Wang's worried expression reflected in the glass, inescapable. His fingertips touched the dim glass, tracing the handsome outline in the air, for a moment feeling as if he had returned to the future.
When he first started studying at medical school, everyone said he was aloof, but gradually he became somewhat more approachable, occasionally even cracking a joke or two.
Su Lian knew it was that Chi Wang who had changed him in many ways.
After traveling back in time again, he had picked up that armor once more, wrapping himself up tightly, keeping people at a distance.
But the current Chi Wang had a completely different personality, still possessing this ability to slowly break down one's coldness.
Su Lian turned his head, his gaze falling on the red string around his neck, asking softly: "Aren't you tired, running out so late at night?"
Chi Wang glanced at him, feeling the question was quite strange: "If it were for barbecue skewers, I definitely wouldn't come out. But you're alone at home, what if something happened?"
He spoke very naturally, the concern in his words undisguised, as if it should be this way. Su Lian thought, he really is a warm-hearted person after all.
He could say such things even to a stranger he met for the first time, so it wasn't hard to understand his attitude towards a friend he spent time with daily.
The car stopped at the hospital entrance. Chi Wang settled him in a chair, registered and paid the fees, ticking off a series of examination items, afraid of missing anything.
Su Lian was pushed by the shoulders in and out of various diagnostic rooms, getting X-rays, blood tests, undergoing a thorough examination.
After all the tests, he felt like all the strength had left his body.
It was still those seats waiting for results. Last time it was Chi Wang who had a full-body check-up after getting injured, this time it was himself. Perhaps it was karma coming full circle.
Su Lian suddenly found the situation quite amusing, staring at the scrolling names on the electronic screen, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"What are you smiling at? Did the blood draw make you stupid?" Chi Wang nudged him with his knee, somehow producing a candy from one of his pockets and placing it in his palm, "Eat one, in case of low blood sugar."
Su Lian: "You carry these around?"
Chi Wang: "Yeah, in case you need it. Grabbed a handful before leaving."
Su Lian unwrapped it and put it in his mouth: "I just think it's funny how we keep running to the hospital every other day. We should get a membership card for discounts."
"Discount your ass." Chi Wang raised his eyebrows slightly, his expression serious, in no mood for jokes.
He kept glancing towards the window, afraid of missing the X-ray results.
When this guy got serious, he looked quite proper. Su Lian stared at him for a while before looking away.
"Su Lian, which one?" Someone called out the name, "The X-ray results are ready."
Chi Wang gripped his wrist as they stood up, took the results, and carefully read the diagnosis on the report. It said there was nothing wrong, but he wasn't reassured and went to find the doctor again.
"Your heart is very healthy, strong as an ox," the doctor said, pointing at the scan. "If you're feeling unwell, it's probably due to staying up late or fatigue. Just get more rest."
Chi Wang let out a sigh of relief and nodded slightly. "Thank you, doctor. I appreciate your help."
"However, for someone as tall as you, weighing only about 120 pounds is on the light side. Pay attention to your nutrition," the doctor rambled on, then glanced at him again. "Are you his brother? You seem so worried. You must be close siblings."
Chi Wang wanted to laugh but didn't dare, merely curling his lips slightly. "I suppose you could say that."
Since he had just been called "Brother Chi," it didn't seem inappropriate to be considered Su Lian's brother.
"Who's my brother?" Once out of the hospital, Su Lian coldly asked with his hands in his pockets, still bothered by this sudden new title.
Chi Wang followed him, squeezing into the back seat. "I am."
"Shameless."
"Thank you for the compliment."
The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Su Lian coldly snorted and looked away.
He glanced at the time on his phone and his expression suddenly changed. "Oh no, my dad should be home by now. I haven't explained about the bed to him yet."
The newly christened "brother" looked quite smug. "Just tell him your brother gave it to you."
Su Lian: "..."
Why did he keep feeling like this guy was roundabout trying to become his father's son?
The car stopped at the entrance of the alley. To avoid Su Huasheng overthinking again, Su Lian pushed Chi Wang, who had gotten out, back into the taxi. "Be careful on the way. Let me know when you get home."
"Mm, see you tomorrow," Chi Wang waved from the car window, as if tutoring had become a habitual appointment.
Su Lian entered the house slowly carrying his test results. Su Huasheng was standing at the bedroom door, staring blankly at the bed.
Turning to look at the person who had just come in, he asked with a puzzled expression, "Where did you get such a big bed from?"
Su Lian casually made something up: "I got lucky, won it in an online giveaway."
"A giveaway? This prize looks quite expensive." Su Huasheng stared at the high-quality bed frame for a long time before speaking. "It's my fault. I should have bought you a good bed before."
Su Lian shook his head and tossed his jacket on the sofa. "It doesn't matter. I don't really care about such things."
He wasn't lying - he truly didn't pursue material things much.
As long as he had a place to lie down and sleep, that was enough. He wasn't particular about it.
Su Huasheng didn't ask any more questions and went straight to the bathroom to shower. Su Lian opened the cabinet door and, looking at the big red floral comforter inside, let out a small sigh of relief.
He thought to himself that this matter had finally blown over without incident. It wasn't a waste of effort after all.
The holiday passed in a flash. Su Lian dragged Chi Wang and Gu Anjiu through five straight days of intense review. The two were miserable.
They returned to school on Sunday, and the next day was the monthly exam that everyone was anxiously dreading. A gloomy atmosphere permeated the entire campus. Even the cicadas had gone silent, leaving only the golden yellow leaves on the trees outside.
After the evening self-study session ended, Gu Anjiu had just quickly slipped into his room when he was grabbed by the back of his neck, perfectly demonstrating a French bulldog caught trying to escape after committing a crime.
Su Lian spoke flatly: "There's an exam tomorrow. Let's cram one more time tonight."
The chubby boy's features all scrunched together like a melon. "Brother Lian, have mercy on me! Even Buddha can't help someone like me."
"Buddhism may not be able to help, but Taoism can," Su Lian said, lifting his gaze.
"Oh? Is that so? Come, come, sit down Brother Lian..." Gu Anjiu's interest was instantly piqued. His eyes lit up, ready to hear some guidance from the metaphysics expert.
What else could he do? Who isn't a devout believer right before an exam?
"What I mean is..." Su Lian deliberately lowered his voice. Gu Anjiu's ears immediately perked up like antennas. He understood the principle of not passing on secrets to others.
"Buddha can't help you, but Laozi can." The cold voice suddenly got heavier, scaring Gu Anjiu so much that he fell off his chair onto the floor.
"Study properly." With one hand, Su Lian stuffed Gu Anjiu into room 404, then poked half his body into room 403 to look at Lin Yan and Song Jiaci. "Want to review together?"
"S-sure." Song Jiaci picked up his small backpack and pushed Lin Yan towards the room across the hall.
Chi Wang had just come out of the bathroom when he saw the neat row of heads all sitting together. He remarked with feeling: "Teacher Su, are you planning to personally escort us to Tsinghua and Peking University?"
"Teacher Su is planning to escort us to heaven," Gu Anjiu grumbled listlessly.
All he could see were dense blocks of text, like crawling insects. Just looking at them made him sleepy. It felt like going through the eighteen levels of hell.
"Stop talking nonsense. Sit down." Su Lian jerked his chin towards the chair next to him. "Don't waste even the last minute."
Chi Wang leaned against the back of the sofa and lowered his eyes with a smile. "What can we accomplish in just these few hours?"
The rather resentful Teacher Su spoke slowly: "What did you all say during the last practice exam? Cramming for one night, memorizing a few more things to get a couple extra points is better than nothing. Tonight we'll memorize - classical poetry, literary Chinese, English essays, biology and chemistry. We have it all."
Word by word, his tone was full of vengeful killing intent.
Hearing this, the others broke out in a cold sweat. The merciless demon king had descended upon room 404.
Remembering the scene last month when they had forced him to memorize over 30 model essays in the middle of the night, no one dared say another word.
Now thinking back, they realized the details they had overlooked before.
If one could really memorize over 30 model essays in a single night, would they still need to be sitting here cramming? Ridiculous.
However, Song Jiaci's grades were outstanding, yet he was also forced to join this torturous group.
Well, that made it alright then. The poor students' crushed spirits found balance again.
"In one hour, we'll start with classical poetry recitation," Su Lian expressionlessly announced the plan, then leisurely lay down on the small sofa himself.
The room was quiet for only a few minutes before Gu Anjiu slapped his palm on his textbook and sighed dramatically: "My pig brain really can't remember anything. Isn't there some other way?"
"How about trying memory bread?" Chi Wang smiled as he turned a page in his book. "Sorry, I'm already on the second passage."
Gu Anjiu flattered him: "Well, you did score a 79, the pride of the last exam room. That's impressive."
Chi Wang chuckled: "Indeed."
Though it was unclear what there was to be smug about when he hadn't even passed.
Gu Anjiu looked at Su Lian pleadingly and asked for help: "Brother Lian, isn't there some simpler, quick way to boost my score? You know, calling me pig-brained is an insult to pigs. I'm sleepy and stupid right now, I really can't memorize anything."
After thinking for a moment, Su Lian nodded slightly: "Your self-assessment is quite accurate. In that case, I'll sincerely tell you one method."
"Please, go ahead." Gu Anjiu's eyes lit up as he pressed his palms together. "Is it kneeling on the ground and kowtowing three times to the Wenchang Emperor?"
Praying to deities before exams was definitely an essential and solemn ritual. Even those ranked in the bottom ten had to try and gain some divine favor.
"You're quite knowledgeable." Su Lian opened a music player and slowly walked over to him, placing it by his ear and pressing play.
Gu Anjiu listened to the intro and mumbled, "This sounds familiar..."
"Good luck is coming to wish you good luck"
"Good luck brings joy and love"
In an instant, the song "Good Luck Is Coming" resounded throughout the room, its lively rhythm lingering.
The others present looked at each other, not daring to comment on this soul-stirring anthem.
Gu Anjiu felt his ears were about to go deaf and his soul ascend: "Teacher Su, you win. Turn it off, I'll memorize."
"See, at least we've solved the problem of sleepiness," Su Lian sat back down on the sofa and added: "Fifteen minutes have already passed."
With the boss present, the others didn't dare slack off and could only bury their heads in last-minute cramming.
An hour later, they took turns reciting. Chi Wang managed about 70%, which was considered his best effort.
As for Gu Anjiu, saying he got 30% would be generous. It was too pitiful to watch.
"Brother Lian, this is an impossible task. Look, even Wang didn't memorize it all," Gu Anjiu wore a pained expression as he angrily accused Su Lian of assigning an unrealistic task.
Su Lian made a sound of acknowledgment: "If no one can really memorize even one passage, then I'll let you all go to sleep."
"Is there really such a good deal? I'd be delighted to see that," Gu Anjiu instantly perked up. "I dare bet that among those present..."
Before he could finish, Su Lian raised his chin slightly: "Little monkey, come here."
"A guest for thousands of miles, always feeling autumn's melancholy..."
"A hundred... a hundred years of illness... climbing the tower alone"
"The dance pavilions and song terraces..."
"All the romance... has been... beaten away by wind and rain..."
Gu Anjiu stared in disbelief, thinking to himself that picking one of the top 50 students was practically cheating.
"Had enough?" Su Lian asked with a slight smirk, looking at Gu Anjiu. "Do you admit defeat?"
"I... I admit it," Gu Anjiu felt like he'd lost his will to live. Damn, outsmarted by the clever one again.
It was Lin Yan's turn, with Song Jiaci stammering quietly next to him, trying to give hints.
Facing the youngster, Su Lian softened his tone and said with resignation, "Can you take the exam for him?"
"N-no, that's not it. This is already his best effort," Song Jiaci defended.
A large hand ruffled his head messily, and Lin Yan smiled, "Indeed it is."
Though they were cramming for such a serious and sacred event as exams, the room seemed to be permeated with a sour smell of romance.
Gu Anjiu glanced at the two studying, then at Chi Wang leaning against the sofa, staring intently at someone. A deep, indescribable loneliness suddenly welled up inside him.
In this vast world, why was there no one to love and cherish him?
Finally done with the Chinese language stumbling block, the next subject was the dreaded English essay memorization.
Time had slowly ticked past midnight. Chi Wang stretched out his long legs, turned to look at the others, and said in a low voice, "Aren't you going to sleep? You have exams tomorrow, will you be able to get up?"
"Thanks for reminding me. I'll sleep for a couple of hours, then get up to cram," Su Lian stood up, stretched his limbs, and rotated his sore neck left and right.
Chi Wang was speechless: "...So the rest of us don't deserve sleep? Even animals don't push themselves this hard."
Su Lian's expression remained calm and unruffled: "Don't you usually stay up late? What's the big deal about 2 AM?"
There was no arguing with that, but was staying up late for fun the same concept as studying until midnight?
Obviously not. Happy times fly by, while painful moments drag on endlessly.
"I've fin-finished reviewing. I'm going to sleep too," Song Jiaci got up, showing an innocent smile. "Good luck, you guys."
The two top students went to rest in the next room, leaving behind the 404 trio to continue their agonizing struggle with English.
After being tormented for six days during the holiday, without even a "Brother Chi" at the end, Chi Wang was already irritated. Now, staring at this pile of books just made him angrier.
As soon as the others left, he became unrestrained.
He flicked open his cigarette case, casually put one in his mouth, and lit it: "Six days without smoking, I'm getting anxious."
As the smoke dispersed, Gu Anjiu's expression was shocked: "Damn, you really haven't touched one this whole time?"
Chi Wang mumbled an affirmative: "Su Lian's nose is too sharp. He can smell it as soon as he gets close."
Lin Yan reminded him: "Then aren't you afraid of getting beaten up if you smoke now?"
"Memorizing is too frustrating. If I get beaten, so be it. I'll just smoke half," his bravado carried a hint of compromise, showing he was still a bit scared.
Lin Yan laughed: "What a wimp."
The crimson cigarette flickered, and Chi Wang exhaled a cloud of smoke, grumbling in a low voice: "Ever since he transferred here, not only do I go to bed early and wake up early to study properly, I even do morning exercises. Smoking, drinking, internet cafes - he manages everything. It's not like his family lives in the Pacific Ocean."
He truly didn't understand if Su Lian was just randomly being kind, or using this opportunity to take revenge on society, or simply enjoyed tormenting others for fun.
The duo exchanged a glance, their decade-long rapport allowing instant understanding.
Gu Anjiu cut to the chase: "If you clearly don't like being managed, why don't you rebel?"
Chi Wang choked for a moment, unable to find a reason to refute. His hand trembled, scattering ashes on the floor.
Why didn't he rebel? It was strange indeed; he had never thought about it before.
Gu Anjiu crossed his legs and slowly counted: "You used to say you wouldn't sleep before 3 AM. Now look at you, waking up at 7 AM sharp every day, more punctual than the old folks walking their birds in the park."
Chi Wang: "...Ah, indeed."
It was all because of that damn loudspeaker.
Lin Yan immediately added: "Just take studying for example. Do you remember your disdainful tone before? 'Studying will only slow down my money-making speed.' And now?"
As he spoke, he tapped the English materials spread out in front of them. The evidence was right there, quite embarrassing.
Chi Wang took another drag of his cigarette and fell silent again. This... should be considered poverty alleviation through tutoring fees.
Unrelated to memorization, the two got excited, as if they couldn't stop talking. They fired off one comment after another.
"You were the little tyrant of No. 3 High School. Who could control you? And who would you let control you?"
"He doesn't even let you smoke. The old you would've just raised an eyebrow and ignored it completely."
"The internet cafe was your pride and joy. He tells you to go less, and you actually comply, albeit irregularly."
"And that weird health smoothie, when have you not finished it in one gulp while frowning?"
...
Well, there were too many inconsistencies, no reasons, no explanations.
"So, he put a spell on me?" After listening to the litany, Chi Wang flicked his ash and slowly came to this conclusion.
Gu Anjiu looked exasperated, rubbing his chubby face: "A love spell, I guess. No cure for that."
Chi Wang propped his chin on one hand, his whole face filled with bewilderment: "What the hell?"
Faced with this romance-illiterate iron straight man, Lin Yan bluntly revealed the truth: "You like him. Is that so hard to understand?"
Chi Wang: "?"
He asked back: "Like who?"
Gu Anjiu drawled out each word: "You. Like. Su. Lian."
The five words fell into his ears, and though it was all Chinese, somehow it felt incomprehensible.
Half of the cigarette had turned to ash. Chi Wang sat motionless, as if he had never considered this possibility before.
Was it the kind of "like" that involved dating? It sounded absurd.
"To be honest, I thought something was off with you from the beginning," Gu Anjiu nudged his shoulder. "We've known each other for so many years, I can at least tell that much."
Chi Wang bit the cigarette butt, hesitating: "No, we're both guys. It's one thing when you guys joke about it, but now it's just us bros. No need for this."
"Then think about it yourself. If it's not this reason, what else could it be? Don't tell me you're a masochist?" Gu Anjiu shook his head, his face full of "hopeless case" disappointment.
Chi Wang paused for several seconds, lowering his eyes slightly: "Let me think about it calmly."
He slowly got up and walked to the small balcony in a daze, letting the wind blow on him while he digested the previous conversation.
Holding the cigarette between his fingers, he took a couple of puffs, then suddenly remembered Su Lian's half-threatening expression. He instinctively stubbed it out in the nearby ashtray.
Staring at the half-smoked cigarette, Chi Wang blinked very lightly.
What they had mentioned earlier was all surface-level stuff. There were actually many things even Gu Anjiu and Lin Yan didn't know about.
For instance, fearing that Su Lian might be short on money but wouldn't accept direct transfers, he was forced to give tutoring as a form of financial aid.
For instance, hearing that Su Lian was slightly unwell made him anxiously want to rush to the hospital, worried sick inside.
For instance, he inexplicably liked to stare at the guy, always unable to look away, that waist of his leaving a particularly deep impression.
For instance, after reading that short essay, the unspeakable wet dreams and his body's honest reactions.
For instance, he always wanted to have physical contact with him from time to time, not minding the clinginess between two guys.
And for instance, the moment his heart fluttered every time Su Lian called him "Brother Chi".
Thinking back from their first meeting, countless fragments fell like snowflakes, as if he had subconsciously harbored a sense of sympathy and protectiveness towards Su Lian.
Many instances of closeness and hugs, consideration and restraint, were all gentleness he had never shown to others.
Chi Wang didn't want to keep listing examples in his mind. The more he thought about it, every clue unanimously pointed in the same direction.
Su Lian was indeed different from everyone else to him.
He had never been in a relationship, let alone feelings between people of the same sex. This was beyond anything he had experienced in his entire life.
He usually had many friends and was the leader, accustomed to taking care of everyone. At first, he treated Su Lian the same way.
But in this process, it seemed that care had imperceptibly changed its flavor.
So this feeling was what it meant to like someone.
The night wind tousled his hair but gradually cleared his mind.
Standing on the balcony for half an hour, Chi Wang stared at the distant night sky and found that tonight's moon was exceptionally bright, just as beautiful as the moon he had watched with Su Lian that day.
He lowered his head and chuckled self-mockingly. Given his personality, he could actually stare at the moon all night. Thinking about it belatedly, it was downright bizarre.
Perhaps, as they said, he did like Su Lian.
He wasn't sure what kind of like it was, but he could be certain that he wanted Su Lian to be happy and content.
He didn't even want to see the slightest frown appear on that flawless face.
At this thought, Chi Wang's heartstrings quivered, and he immediately wanted to go see Su Lian again.
He stood in the night breeze to dispel the smell of smoke from his body, then turned and entered the building, heading straight for the main door.
Gu Anjiu shouted from behind: "Don't be impulsive! You haven't figured out how he feels yet, don't be a beast!"
Chi Wang waved his hand dismissively and gently pushed open the door to room 403. Su Lian was sleeping soundly on the bed by the window, his breathing soft and shallow.
In the moonlight, his entire being was enveloped in a gentle tenderness, very quiet and very beautiful.
He slowly walked over and grasped the long-fingered hand hanging off the edge of the bed, his fingertips gradually tightening until their fingers were interlaced.
In his sleep, Su Lian unconsciously gripped back, holding on tightly.
Chi Wang was flustered and at a loss, his heart beginning to race uncontrollably, almost leaping out of his throat.
A trembling current seemed to rise on his skin, paralyzing him from his arm all the way to his brain and heart, leaving his entire body frozen in place.
In an instant, the world fell silent. He could no longer hear the wind or the trees, only feeling the warmth and softness of that hand.
He leaned against the side of the bed, slightly raising his eyes to gaze at the sleeping face, instinctively wanting to move closer.
In the deep of night, heavy with dew, their two hands remained intertwined for a long time, neither letting go.
Chi Wang was unwilling to release, and reluctant to part.
The young man had not yet seen the storms of life, but his heart had already been moved, his affections already poured out.
If half an hour ago he had been unsure of his feelings, now he could tell himself with certainty:
He liked him, more than he could have ever imagined.