“Go see an eye doctor if something’s wrong.”
“……”
Chen Che, still unwilling to give up, tried again.
“Captain Qi, is something bothering you? Talk to us and we’ll be more than hap—ahem—we’ll help take some of the burden off your shoulders.”
Qi Song responded with just three blunt words.
“Broke up.”
Chen Che was stunned.
“You were the one who brought it up first…” he began, but trailed off, immediately realizing something felt off.
If Qi Song had initiated the breakup, why would he be this upset?
Clearly, he’d been dumped.
Even Captain Qi could get dumped?
Chen Che awkwardly mumbled, “Don’t feel too bad, Captain Qi. There’ll be someone better down the line.”
Qi Song lowered his gaze and said softly,
“There won’t be.”
It was the second time now.
Always the one left behind.
No warning. No signs.
His reflection shimmered faintly on the phone screen. Why had those words slipped out of his mouth so suddenly? Was it because the other person had already found a new boyfriend in real life?
Qi Song’s eyes gradually darkened, like a swan sinking into a deep, murky lake—its once-pristine feathers slowly dyed pitch black.
The gift he had planned to give, the words he wanted to say, the things he was going to reveal in two weeks…
Were they all pointless now?
A few hours later, the tour bus stopped in front of the company building. Employees began getting off one after another, dragging their suitcases and saying goodbye to Zhou Yanxing.
Chi Zhan also pulled his suitcase behind him, intending to drop Tao Ran off at the hotel first. Chu Xingxiao hadn’t said a single word the whole way. He simply pushed both of their suitcases like a diligent little boyfriend—so much so that Chi Zhan couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
Chu Xingxiao still didn’t realize that Zhou Yanxing had already seen through the fake boyfriend act between him and Chi Zhan, and was continuing to stake his claim. But ever since that incident in the hot spring with Chi Zhan, Zhou Yanxing couldn’t care less about Chu Xingxiao.
With a smirk tugging at his lips, Zhou Yanxing looked utterly unimpressed by this childish act. He turned to Chi Zhan.
“Go get some rest. See you at the office tomorrow.”
Can’t push too hard. Otherwise, it’ll backfire.
Chi Zhan walked off with Tao Ran, with Chu Xingxiao sticking closely to his side. The idol wore a baseball cap and a mask, completely bundled up. Chi Zhan understood—after all, the memory of the last time he got recognized by fans was still fresh. He definitely didn’t want to be chased through the streets while hauling a suitcase.
“You really don’t want to crash at my place? We can share the bed. It’s a big one.”
“Nope. I’m afraid someone might get jealous,” Tao Ran replied with a laugh. “Don’t wanna be a third wheel.”
“He’s not—”
“Shhh.” Tao Ran shushed him and whispered, “Don’t be so heartless. He’s totally into you. What’s the harm in giving him a chance? Just try it out—if it doesn’t work, then break it off. But he’s an idol. If you two get caught together, things could get really complicated.” Tao Ran suddenly remembered something else. “Oh, and your boss! He’s into you too. If you really end up dating that baby-faced puppy, what if your boss gets so jealous he pins you against the wall and kisses you?”
He slapped his forehead.
“Listen to me—reading too many webnovels has fried my brain. Like something that dramatic would ever happen in real life.”
“……”
Thanks. Already happened.
Tao Ran chose a hotel near the esports venue. By the time they got there, it was already noon, so they grabbed a bite nearby before parting ways.
Chu Xingxiao looked drowsy the entire time, as if he hadn’t really woken up. Half of that was definitely Chi Zhan’s fault. Chi Zhan had urged him several times to go back and sleep, but he stubbornly refused. During lunch at the restaurant, he kept nodding off—his chin bobbing closer and closer to the table until it almost landed in the soup. Thankfully, Chi Zhan caught it in time and saved the day.
Rubbing his eyes, Chu Xingxiao asked groggily, “What time did you sleep last night?”
His hair was a tousled mess, but it somehow made him look even more handsome. Gorgeous men didn’t need much—just washing their face and throwing on a plain white tee was enough to turn heads. And Chu Xingxiao was definitely in top-tier looks territory. If he were on campus, he’d easily be that guy—the undisputed school heartthrob.
He thought for a moment, then hesitated before replying, “Four… five, maybe?” He scratched the back of his head. “I did sleep, but I was scared I wouldn’t hear the doorbell, so I set alarms every hour.”
“……”
He’d been planning to scold him, but after hearing that, he just couldn’t get angry. They headed home together, and despite being half-dead from exhaustion, Chu Xingxiao helped tidy up the place.
Chi Zhan went into the bedroom, then returned a moment later and said, “Go sleep in the bed. I’ve got a few things to finish up in the living room.”
Chu Xingxiao blinked, clearly caught off guard. He paused, then carefully asked, “Can I… sleep in your room, gege?”
Sometimes this kid could be unbelievably bold, and other times, surprisingly polite.
“Just for today.”
The couch was a bit narrow—Chi Zhan barely fit, and Chu Xingxiao was taller than him. Sleeping on it all night definitely wouldn’t be comfortable. Yet he’d never once complained.
Was that why… he only dared to kiss Chi Zhan when he was drunk? Afraid he’d get mad otherwise?
Chu Xingxiao’s face lit up. He changed into clean pajamas and happily dove onto the bed.
It was the first time he’d been allowed into Chi Zhan’s bedroom.
The sheets and duvet had just been changed. Everything smelled of laundry detergent, but the room also carried Chi Zhan’s familiar citrus scent. Chu Xingxiao buried his nose in the bedding, breathing it in deeply. The room was neat and tidy, with a few books stacked on the side. He picked one up—sci-fi. So Chi Zhan liked reading novels too?
Suddenly, he felt like all that effort he’d spent pretending to be smart—struggling through A Brief History of Time for a whole week—was totally wasted.
…Not that he ever made it past page one before passing out.
There were also a few animal plushies near the bed. Chu Xingxiao poked one. Soft and squishy.
So gege liked hugging plushies in his sleep? So cute.
If only they could sleep together. Gege would definitely wrap around him in bed. Their heights seemed to match up just right.
Chu Xingxiao tucked himself under the covers and fell asleep with a smile on his face.
Meanwhile, Chi Zhan opened his laptop in the living room. He had a bit of work to finish before going back to the office tomorrow. As he typed away, his phone suddenly went ding-dong.
