Chi Zhan: What about you?
Song Guang: Seven days.
Chi Zhan froze.
The amount of time he and Song Guang had been back in contact—counting up to today—was exactly…
Seven days.
For a moment, Chi Zhan didn’t even know how to respond. Song Guang, however, had already launched the game. Back in the small kitchen scene, just like he’d said, the first two questions had changed. Chi Zhan fumbled through with some wild guesses, managing to get one right by sheer luck, but he still got the birthday question wrong.
Clearly, basic info like that… they should’ve talked about it more beforehand.
But Song Guang got it right.
Still undefeated, Song Guang answered two more questions correctly in a row, bringing them once again to the familiar “Heartbeat Question.”
Chi Zhan paused, then typed in: One day.
He thought that this time, he couldn’t possibly mess it up. But as soon as he confirmed the answer, a big red X flashed across the screen.
[Sorry, that’s incorrect.]
Chi Zhan blinked in disbelief.
They were sent back to the game room.
No matter how hard he thought about it, Chi Zhan just couldn’t figure out why he’d failed again.
Chi Zhan: Don’t tell me…
Chi Zhan: “…you put ‘zero,’ didn’t you?”
Song Guang was silent for a while, then replied: “Mm.”
Chi Zhan was genuinely at a loss for words.
Right now, he felt like one of those stereotypical trashy boyfriends—cold, careless, emotionally detached, the kind who doesn’t even bother catching feelings.
Chi Zhan: We’ve used up all our attempts for today. Let’s try again tomorrow?
Song Guang: “Okay. cat emoji smile.jpg”
For some reason, that smiling cat emoji looked… kind of deflated to him for the first time.
Song Guang: “lCan you tell me your address? I have a relative working in Province A. Maybe they can occasionally bring you something.
Chi Zhan felt that if he refused Song Guang again, he’d really be an asshole. So he sent the address over.
Chi Zhan: I can manage on my own. If I need help, I’ll message you.
Song Guang: Let’s exchange contact info. I don’t log into the game often, and I might miss your messages.
Chi Zhan: What, you don’t sneak in a few rounds during work hours?
Song Guang: My job is gaming. I just don’t use this account.
Chi Zhan: You’re a pro gamer?
Song Guang: Mm.
It was honestly a shock.
In Chi Zhan’s mind, Song Guang was the type to wear dress shirts, look all refined, and constantly be away on business trips. He always seemed so busy, hardly online. Who would’ve guessed Song Guang was in e-sports?
Song Guang: You don’t like that?
Chi Zhan: No, just… surprised. Did the ‘old me’ know about this?
Song Guang: Not at first, but later on, yeah—you knew.
It seemed like Song Guang didn’t want to reveal his true identity, and though Chi Zhan was really curious, he felt awkward directly asking which pro he was. He mulled it over, then suddenly had a spark of inspiration.
Chi Zhan: If you’re in e-sports, do you know Seven?
Song Guang: From WT? He’s pretty famous. Are you a fan?
Chi Zhan: Kinda… He looks really cool when he plays.
Song Guang: Compared to me?
Chi Zhan immediately choked.
For the first time, Song Guang’s message carried a distinct hint of jealousy.
But truth be told, Song Guang and Seven gave off a strangely similar vibe. They both had that cool, slightly aloof air. They even liked using the same cat emojis. Maybe it was just his imagination.
Chi Zhan: I haven’t seen you before, so I can’t really compare.
Song Guang: So you still like Seven more.”l
Chi Zhan: Of course not! I just admire his skills—I’m a fan of his gameplay. I’m not interested in his looks at all.
Song Guang: So… you don’t like his face?
“……”
No way to answer that without stepping on a landmine.
Chi Zhan decided to turn the tables: Then shouldn’t you send me a photo?
Song Guang: So you can compare me with Seven?
Chi Zhan: …No! That’s not what I meant at all!
Song Guang: cat emoji turning away.jpg
“Hey, you think God Qi’s being catfished?” Chen Che whispered to Wen An. “Just look at him—he can’t stop smiling while texting. Dude’s completely lovestruck. Kinda scary. What if the other guy’s just some romance scammer? You think his bank card and Alipay are still intact?”
“Honestly, I’d rather believe you’re the one being scammed. Just hand your bank card over to me for safekeeping before it’s too late.”
Qi Song heard his name and turned around, the smile on his lips vanishing instantly, returning to his usual indifferent expression.
“Holy shit,” Chen Che gaped. “Did you train in face-changing or something?”
Qi Song made a call.
He couldn’t stop worrying about Chi Zhan. After mulling it over, he decided someone needed to look after him. Leaving Chi Zhan all alone like this just didn’t sit right with him.
He’d considered going himself, but with Chi Zhan’s memories gone, revealing that he was Seven now… Qi Song had a gut feeling that would only push him further away.
There was no evidence. Just instinct.
Qi Song’s instincts were rarely wrong.
He called Chu Xingxiao.
The other line rang for a few seconds before connecting. Chu sounded a bit surprised. “What’s up?”
“That custom gift box you mentioned last time—Wen An can give you his spot. But I need a favor.”
Those gift boxes weren’t cheap. Qi Song wasn’t one to freeload off his teammates, so he’d already paid to secure that slot.
“What kind of favor?” Chu Xingxiao sounded reluctant, but the lure of the gift box was strong. “You know I’m a celebrity—I can’t just show my face around.”
“You’re working in Province A now, right? I need you to check in on someone. Not often. I’ll call when needed.”
“I am in A right now,” Chu replied, his voice hoarse and slightly lethargic. “Who is it you want me to check in on?”
“Your future brother-in-law.”
