Because-of-love-Chapter-03

There have only ever been two people that Lin Hao has been truly scared of in his life.

One is his dad. The other is Shen Yu.

His dad’s fighting skills are off the charts, so being scared of him is only natural.

As for Shen Yu, Lin Hao bullied him for over a decade. By all logic, Shen Yu should be the last person Lin Hao would ever be afraid of. But on the night of their high school graduation, Lin Hao got so drunk he mistook Shen Yu for a woman, tried to have his way with him, and ended up getting his own butt handed to him—literally. It’s a memory he’d rather never revisit!

Ever since that night, Lin Hao has been dodging Shen Yu like the plague. He even went to college overseas, making sure that wherever Shen Yu was, he was not.

He managed to avoid him for a solid four years, until he came back home—only to have his dad drop a bombshell on him: “I’ve talked to your Uncle Shen. Next week, you’re starting an internship at Shen Corporation. You’ll be learning directly from Shen Yu. Make sure you pay attention!”

Lin Hao was dumbfounded.

Learn from Shen Yu? Learn what, exactly? How to get his butt kicked?

No way! Lin Hao had his pride!

He protested with all his might, refusing to go to Shen Corporation.

His dad took off his slipper, ready to smack him, so Lin Hao scrambled to his mom for help.

His mom just patted his head kindly and said, “Go on, honey. This time, listen to your father.”

With even his own mom not backing him up, Lin Hao felt like a 22-year-old oversized puppy, full of grievance.

His dad then ordered, “Get ready. Tonight, you’re coming with me to a banquet.”

Lin Hao didn’t want to go, but one glare from his dad had him muttering, “Fine, fine, I’ll go, okay?”

So Lin Hao, looking all proper and respectable, followed his dad to the event. The moment he stepped into the hall, he spotted someone even more proper and respectable—Shen Yu.

He was baffled.

Back in kindergarten, Shen Yu was more delicate than any little girl. In elementary school, he was sweeter than any little girl. In middle school, he was prettier than any little girl… So how did he end up growing into a six-foot-three “refined scoundrel” now?

All because he popped his cherry after high school graduation?

Thinking about it made Lin Hao’s stomach (not his butt, really) hurt.

And then, seeing the gorgeous woman next to Shen Yu—his stomach really started to ache!

Fair skin, red lips, wavy hair, tiny waist, long legs…

Every feature made Lin Hao’s heart tremble.

Why?!

Why does Shen Yu get to have such a bombshell by his side, while Lin Hao is left with psychological trauma and can’t even stand up straight?

He couldn’t dwell on it, or he’d lose his mind!

His dad noticed. “What’s wrong with you?”

Lin Hao muttered, “I’m going to the restroom.”

He didn’t want to watch the lovebirds, so he made a quick escape.

Instead of the restroom, he headed to the balcony and lit a cigarette.

A man’s got to have something, and if it’s not a woman, at least he’s got his smokes. Lin Hao’s side profile was the picture of melancholy.

He looked so handsomely sad that he attracted a beauty.

The woman winked at him.

Lin Hao, though a little rusty, still had a wandering eye. He flashed her a grin.

She sashayed over, drink in hand, and Lin Hao’s wounded heart felt instantly soothed.

Her legs were long, straight, and pale—Lin Hao’s hands itched just looking at them.

The mood was heating up, the two getting closer and closer, when Lin Hao suddenly glanced up and saw a man standing against the light.

Tailored suit, long legs, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a wine glass. Under the crystal chandelier, his features were sharp and cold, as if he were the winter sea—handsome, but stormy.

It was Shen Yu!

Never one to lose face, Lin Hao called out, “President Shen, long time no see.” He even flashed his signature mischievous grin, showing off his dimples.

Shen Yu didn’t smile, his words as cold and distant as ever: “Long time no see.”

The beauty, hearing “President Shen,” immediately turned around, her heart fluttering.

Lin Hao, annoyed, started shooing her away: “Let’s add each other on WeChat and chat later, okay?”

The beauty, weighing her options, decided the cute guy was the better bet and quickly scanned his QR code.

They chatted and laughed, while Shen Yu’s eyes grew colder and colder.

Lin Hao felt pretty smug: Jealous, are you? Envious? See, I’ve still got it!

But when the beauty left and it was just him and Shen Yu, Lin Hao wasn’t so cocky anymore.

Because Shen Yu immediately asked, “You’re coming to Shen Corporation?”

Lin Hao was about to say “Like hell I am,” when Shen Yu added, “Don’t come.”

What’s the definition of reverse psychology? Beg me to go, I won’t. Tell me not to go, and I’ll show up just to spite you!

Lin Hao raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

Shen Yu stared at him for a long moment before saying, “I don’t want to see you.”

He doesn’t want to see him? He actually said he didn’t want to see him!

Sure, the one who makes the first move is supposed to be the shameless one, but Lin Hao was the one who got his butt kicked, okay?

If Shen Yu was so bothered, why did he drag things out in the car, then continue in the hotel?

That night left Lin Hao with a psychological scar! He’d never cried that hard, not even after eighteen years of getting smacked by his dad!

And now Shen Yu is still mad? Still doesn’t want to see him?

Lin Hao exploded: “Shen Corporation isn’t even yours yet! Who are you to tell me what to do?”

Shen Yu’s eyes turned icy. “Lin Hao, that’s enough.”

Lin Hao was furious: “You get lost! I’ll go wherever I want!”

With that, Lin Hao tried to storm off, but Shen Yu blocked his path, pinning him against the balcony railing.

He glared at him, eyes blazing. “Why did you come back?”

Who would’ve thought—the guy he bullied all his life had grown half a head taller than him!

Lin Hao felt a little intimidated, but he kept up the bravado: “None of your business!”

Shen Yu reached out—his long fingers were surprisingly strong—and gripped Lin Hao’s shoulder, warning, “Stay away from me.”

Lin Hao had been fighting people since he was a kid; he could lose a fight, but never his dignity. He shoved Shen Yu away and snapped, “Who the hell wants to get close to you!”

He said that, but three days later, Lin Hao’s flashy custom sports car was parked right outside Shen Corporation.

Lin Hao strutted in with sunglasses, looking like a superstar.

Word spread fast—everyone at Shen Corporation knew the Lin family’s young master had arrived, and people peeked from behind corners to get a look.

Lin Hao kept his chin up, ignoring everyone, and didn’t even take off his sunglasses when he entered the office building.

The receptionist, Xiao Zhang, knew better than to mess with him, so she just quietly explained his tasks and left him alone.

Lin Hao coolly replied, “Mm.”

Once Xiao Zhang was gone, Lin Hao finally took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of spectacular black eyes—panda eyes!

So much for saving face. His dad had socked him right in the eye—how humiliating!

It’s just an internship at Shen Corporation, right? No need for violence, Dad!

Lin Hao felt wronged, but there was no one to complain to. Just thinking about Shen Yu’s sour face made his stomach hurt again.

He’d skipped dinner the night before in a fit of anger, and left early this morning without breakfast. Now it was almost 10:30—no wonder his stomach was killing him.

All Shen Yu’s fault! That heartless jerk!

Lin Hao was clutching his stomach and whining to himself when the door suddenly opened.

He hurriedly put on his sunglasses, and looked up—only to see the heartless jerk himself.

Lin Hao puffed up his chest, determined not to show weakness: “Stay away from me. Shen Corporation isn’t so small that I have to see you every time I turn a corner!”

Shen Yu, expressionless, walked over and said in a low voice, “Take off your sunglasses.”

Lin Hao got nervous. “Mind your own business… Hey—Shen Yu!”

Before he could finish, Shen Yu, with his long arms, deftly snatched the sunglasses off his face.

The bruises around his eyes stood out starkly against his pale skin. Shen Yu stared at him for a long moment.

Lin Hao, embarrassed and angry, snapped, “What are you looking at? Want a fight?”

Shen Yu said, “Shut up.” Then he turned and walked out.

He left… just like that, and even took Lin Hao’s sunglasses with him!
Suddenly, a big, warm hand pressed gently over his stomach, separated only by the thin fabric of his shirt.

In an instant, the stabbing pain seemed to vanish.

Shen Yu asked, “Feeling better?”

Lin Hao: “…”

With his right hand, Shen Yu picked up his phone and dialed a number.

A sweet female voice answered on the other end, “President Shen.”

Lin Hao heard every word, and his stomach started to hurt again. He bared his teeth and tried to slap Shen Yu’s hand away.

“Don’t move,” Shen Yu said softly, covering the phone with his hand.

Lin Hao was a man of pride, not to be humiliated—he refused to give in.

Shen Yu spoke into the phone, “Prepare a bowl of millet porridge for me, with a small dish of sugar on the side. I’ll add it myself. And some easy-to-digest pastries…”

Lin Hao perked up his ears, listening intently. The more he listened, the more he scoffed, “She sounds like such a sweetheart, and you’re bossing her around like that?”

Shen Yu’s face immediately turned frosty. “Shut up.”

Lin Hao’s stomach hurt too much to bother arguing.

Soon, the food arrived. Lin Hao craned his neck to see who brought it, and when he saw it was a man, he pouted in disappointment.

Shen Yu noticed, and his lips pressed into an even thinner line.

Lin Hao stood up. “This millet porridge looks pretty good…” He’d never liked porridge as a kid; the only kind he could stomach was millet, and it had to be just a little sweet—not too much, just enough for a hint of flavor.

Shen Yu glanced at Lin Hao’s pale face, pushing down the storm of emotions swirling in his chest.

You can’t eat with sunglasses on, Lin Hao thought. Besides, Shen Yu had already seen his panda eyes—no point hiding anymore.

He took off his glasses and said, “Don’t get the wrong idea. My dad didn’t give me this black eye.”

Shen Yu didn’t look at him, just carefully ladled the porridge into a bowl.

No way Lin Hao would let Shen Yu know he’d been smacked and forced to come to Shen Corporation!

Lin Hao’s eyes darted around, and he came up with a particularly cool excuse.

He sighed dramatically, “So, I was with Xiaoqing last night—you know her, right? The beauty from the other night. We were at a bar, and I just stepped away to the bathroom for a second, and someone started hitting on her. How could I let that slide? I went over and punched the guy, but turns out he was a trained fighter, and then…”

Crash! The thin porcelain bowl slipped from Shen Yu’s hand and shattered on the marble floor.

Lin Hao jumped. “What the heck! You’re so tall and you can’t even hold a bowl of porridge?”

Shen Yu’s eyes darkened. “You’re hungover. That’s why your stomach hurts.”

Lin Hao hadn’t actually drunk any alcohol last night… but according to his story, he’d been totally wasted, so he quickly nodded, “Of course!”

Shen Yu’s expression grew even colder. He stepped right over the mess on the floor and closed in on Lin Hao. “You’ve really grown up, huh? Fighting over a woman now?”

Lin Hao felt a little intimidated, but he held his head high, panda eyes and all. “A man’s gotta protect the woman he likes…”

Shen Yu’s face was like a block of ice. “You like her?”

Lin Hao’s heart skipped a beat. “What else?”

Shen Yu was so angry he actually laughed. “Good. Very good.”

It wasn’t until Shen Yu had been gone for a while that Lin Hao finally relaxed.

The millet porridge was stone cold, the room was a disaster, his eyes hurt, his stomach hurt—he couldn’t have been more miserable.

He slumped over the desk, thinking about the past, and suddenly felt so wronged he could cry.

Back in kindergarten, when Shen Yu got bullied, Lin Hao beat those kids so hard they ran home crying.

In elementary school, when Shen Yu’s homework got stolen as a prank, Lin Hao searched the whole school and nearly ended up swimming with the fish before he finally fished out the backpack.

In middle school, when some jerks mistook Shen Yu for a girl and harassed him, Lin Hao rounded up his buddies and beat those punks until they were bawling for their moms.

In high school… Lin Hao couldn’t even think about it.

He just didn’t get it. They’d been so close as kids—so why did things turn out like this when they grew up?

For the next two days, Lin Hao didn’t see Shen Yu at all.

Just like he said, Shen Corporation was big—so big that Lin Hao could wander all day and never run into anyone he didn’t want to see.

By the third day, Lin Hao was so bored he was about to start sprouting grass out of his head!

Up at seven, stuck in traffic for an hour just to get to this godforsaken place; couldn’t smoke wherever he wanted, and if he went to the smoking room, he got stared at like a zoo animal; couldn’t be late, couldn’t leave early—his dad was watching him like a hawk; and everyone around him was a dude. Forget pretty girls—there wasn’t even a female under fifty in sight!

He couldn’t take it anymore. He had to break out!

Just as he was about to make his daring escape, the door swung open by itself.

In walked his gentle, beautiful mom—and the traitorous Shen Yu.

Lin Hao’s heart skipped a beat.

Mrs. Lin smiled at Shen Yu, “Haohao hasn’t given you any trouble, has he?”

Shen Yu, ever the darling of the older generation, replied warmly, “I heard from Xiao Zhang that Lin Hao’s been doing a great job.”

Mrs. Lin knew her son too well—she could tell Shen Yu was just being polite.

She turned to Lin Hao. “Your eye still hasn’t healed?”

Lin Hao tensed up, starting to panic.

Mrs. Lin casually sold him out, “Your dad, honestly. He knew you were starting work and still hit you in the face.”

Lin Hao: “!!!” Mom, please stop talking, please!

Mrs. Lin went on, “Shen Yu isn’t an outsider—he knows all about you.” She walked over, took off Lin Hao’s sunglasses, and said with concern, “How did it get so bad? I leave for a few days and you two are already at it again…”

With just a few words, Mrs. Lin had tossed her son’s last shred of dignity into the Pacific Ocean.

Lin Hao was dying of embarrassment. He sneaked a glance at the stunned Shen Yu and felt even worse.

Mrs. Lin added, “I heard from Auntie Sun you haven’t eaten breakfast these past few days?”

Lin Hao had no choice but to tough it out. “It’s nothing, I’m not hungry.”

Mrs. Lin fretted, “Our house really is far from Shen Corporation…”

“Mom,” Lin Hao’s eyes lit up, “why don’t you talk to Dad and let me live in the city?”

Mrs. Lin replied, “I was just thinking the same thing. I talked to your dad about it earlier.”

No way—he could really move out? Lin Hao was thrilled. “Did Dad agree?”

“He did,” Mrs. Lin beamed. “He said he’s at ease since you’ll be living with Shen Yu.”

Wait, what?

Lin Hao was stunned. So was President Shen.

They both blurted out at the same time, “Live with him (me)?”

Mrs. Lin explained, “Oh, it’s like this. I ran into Mrs. Song (Shen Yu’s mom) yesterday. She said Shen Yu lives alone in the city, close to the company—very convenient.” She turned to Shen Yu, “You and Haohao have always been close. Living together won’t be a problem, right?”

The word “close” stabbed Shen Yu right in the chest.

Lin Hao quickly protested, “Mom, I have plenty of apartments in the city. Why do I have to—”

Mrs. Lin cut him off, “Ha! You’ve been dreaming of living alone.”

Lin Hao was speechless. Mrs. Lin turned to Shen Yu, “We can’t let this rascal live by himself. Who knows what kind of trouble he’d get into.”

Shen Yu was silent for a long time. Logically, he should refuse.

—Living under the same roof, seeing Lin Hao every day, just thinking about it made his scalp tingle.

But for some reason, he agreed. “Sure, that’s fine.”

Lin Hao was dumbfounded. “Who wants to live with you?!”

Mrs. Lin gave him a light punch, and Lin Hao wilted.

And just like that, it was settled.

Lin Hao thought things couldn’t get any worse. He was wrong.

Shen Yu said, “Three rules.”

Lin Hao: “…”

Shen Yu didn’t even look at him, just rattled them off: “No smoking indoors. Be home before eleven. And…”—he turned to glare at Lin Hao—“No bringing people home.”

Lin Hao exploded, “I’m not living with you!” He tried to storm out.

Shen Yu’s icy voice rang out behind him, “If you’re not home by eleven, I’ll call Auntie.”

Lin Hao was devastated. “Shen Yu, if you’re a man, don’t go tattling to my mom!”

Whether Shen Yu was a real man was debatable, but Lin Hao was definitely a man who feared his mother.

So, tail between his legs, he moved into Shen Yu’s city apartment. Still bitter, he grumbled, “So small, so old, so ugly…”

A 3,000-square-foot luxury apartment in a prime downtown district, and he had the nerve to complain like this—he was just asking for a beating!

Shen Yu didn’t even look at him. He pointed to a room. “That one’s yours.”

Lin Hao scoffed and stomped in, slamming the door and locking it.

Shen Yu stood in the living room for a moment, then headed to his study.

Lin Hao flopped onto the bed like a corpse. Thirty seconds later, he sprang up, reaching for a cigarette.

—No smoking indoors.

His pale fingers hesitated on the lighter. Lin Hao grunted, stuck a cigarette in his mouth, and was about to—

“Ding-a-ling…”

The sudden ring of his phone startled him so much he dropped his cigarette!

He fished out his phone. On the screen, three big characters: “Shen Big Eyes.”

What the hell? Living together and he still has to call?

Lin Hao answered, and Shen Yu’s voice came through: “No smoking inside.”

“…” Lin Hao was silent for a second, then exploded, “Did you install cameras or something?” How else could he know!

Shen Yu chuckled, “Would I need to?”

Hearing the mockery in his voice, Lin Hao got even angrier. “Get lost!” He hung up.

A moment later, Shen Yu texted: “There are smoke detectors in the house. If you smoke, I’ll tell Auntie.”

Lin Hao shot back, “Are you a grade schooler? Can’t you do anything besides tattling?”

Shen Yu didn’t reply.

Lin Hao regretted it as soon as he sent the message. He wanted to take it back, but figured Shen Yu had already seen it—what was the point?

If Shen Yu had known how to tattle in elementary school, he wouldn’t have gotten bullied so much.

Back then, Lin Hao’s favorite thing to say was, “Don’t bLin the Knight tossed and turned all night, barely catching a wink of sleep.

He stumbled out of bed, bleary-eyed, wearing nothing but boxers and slippers, his long legs on full display as he stood in front of the bathroom door.

The black-and-gold door handle was sleek and modern, a far cry from the “ancient tomb” aesthetic of his parents’ house.

Lin Hao suddenly woke up fully—this wasn’t his home! He was living with Shen Yu!

The memory of his “blooming” butt from four years ago sent a chill straight down his spine.

Back—back to the bedroom!

He had just turned around when he ran smack into Shen Yu, who’d just returned from his morning workout.

Shen Yu wore a sleeveless tee, his tanned arms on display, showing off a body that was all muscle and no fluff.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, and a thin sheen of sweat running down from his jaw to his collarbone—Lin Hao could practically hear a chorus of women screaming in his head.

Lin Hao forced a laugh, “Morning…”

Shen Yu didn’t reply, but his eyes, clear from exercise, suddenly darkened.

Lin Hao didn’t dare look at him, but he couldn’t move either, so he just stood there like an actor who’d forgotten his lines, frozen under the spotlight.

Except this time, the “spotlight” was Shen Yu’s gaze.

After a long, awkward pause, Shen Yu finally spoke, “Are you… heading in for a shower?”

Lin Hao latched onto the question like a lifeline, “Yeah, yeah, exactly!”

Shen Yu’s voice sounded totally normal, “You go first.”

Lin Hao mumbled, “Okay!” and practically dove into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

Outside, Shen Yu took a deep breath, walked steadily back to his room, grabbed a bottle of mineral water, and dumped it over his own head.

After a very confused shower, Lin Hao realized he had nothing to change into.

He eyed Shen Yu’s bathrobe, then looked at his own slept-in T-shirt…

What was he thinking! Of course he’d pick his own shirt—clothes were clothes, not leftovers!

But then came a tougher choice: wear his underwear, which was suspiciously damp in one spot, or go commando.

What was he thinking! Of course… of course he’d wear Shen Yu’s bathrobe!

Lin Hao wrapped himself up in the bathrobe, spent three minutes praying he wouldn’t run into Shen Yu, and then—because he’d never been good at praying—walked right out…

And ran straight into Shen Yu.

Lin Hao was mortified, “Um… I…”

Shen Yu paused, his voice a little hoarse, “It’s fine. Just wear it.”

Lin Hao had almost convinced himself it was no big deal, but now it felt like the biggest deal in the world. He had to act like nothing was wrong, so he said, “Ha… yeah, I used to wear your clothes all the time.”

Shen Yu looked surprised.

Lin Hao realized that sounded way too nostalgic, but it was too late to take it back.

To his surprise, Shen Yu actually smiled, “Yeah, you always liked my jackets.”

Lin Hao muttered, “You never minded, even though you wore long sleeves in the summer.”

Shen Yu replied, “I didn’t want to get sunburned.”

“I know,” Lin Hao said, remembering clearly, “But you always liked the sun.”

Shen Yu glanced at him, but didn’t say anything.

He was afraid of the sun, but loved the blazing sunlight—because the person he liked had “Hao” (bright) in his name.

After a few casual exchanges, Lin Hao’s chatterbox mode kicked in, and he started rambling to Shen Yu about everything and nothing.

They’d always had endless things to talk about.

So much time spent together, so many shared memories, their lives were like two tangled threads—move one, and you’d weave something beautiful.

Shen Yu couldn’t help but let his guard down.

Four years—he’d stopped dreaming about Lin Hao, stopped thinking about him, even decided he’d never see him again.

But the moment Lin Hao reappeared, everything changed.

Lin Hao had given him his deepest pain, and his greatest joy.

Lin Hao was always the most special—time seemed to bury him, but really, it just made him stand out more.

Suddenly, Lin Hao’s stomach growled.

Shen Yu immediately said, “Go get changed, I’ll make breakfast.”

Lin Hao rubbed his belly, “You always cook for yourself?”

Shen Yu hesitated, “Yeah.”

In truth, he almost never ate at home—he usually just grabbed something at work.

Lin Hao couldn’t handle hunger—if he skipped a meal, his stomach would rebel: “Just make some noodles, something quick.”

Shen Yu’s voice was gentle, “I know.”

Of course he knew. He knew everything about Lin Hao: that he liked noodles for breakfast, with diced potatoes and a sprinkle of green onions—nothing fancy, but Lin Hao could eat it every day for years and never get bored; that he hated porridge, except for millet porridge, and even then it couldn’t be too mushy; that he hated red wine but loved beer, especially Belgian craft beer, Rochefort 10—he could drink himself silly on that stuff…

A splash of hot water snapped Shen Yu out of his thoughts.

He frowned, pushing all those old memories back down.

He couldn’t even face the taste of Rochefort 10 anymore—because that night, Lin Hao’s mouth had tasted of that bittersweet, caramel-rich beer.

At first, he thought Rochefort 10 had made his dreams come true, but in reality, it had sent him straight to hell.

The noodles were so good, Lin Hao wanted a third bowl, but Shen Yu stopped him, “Don’t eat too much, or you’ll feel sick.”

Lin Hao beamed, “This is delicious!”

Shen Yu stayed silent.

Lin Hao added, “Your cooking’s as good as the Empress Dowager’s!”

That was the highest compliment in the Lin family—Mrs. Lin was convinced it was her silly son’s standard for choosing a spouse.

Knowing too much wasn’t always a good thing. Shen Yu felt a pang in his heart, but kept his tone light, “Auntie’s cooking is the best.”

Lin Hao clicked his tongue, “She doesn’t cook anymore.”

Shen Yu asked, “Why not?”

Lin Hao sighed, “Because I’m not home… she—” He trailed off.

But Shen Yu already knew what he meant.

Lin Hao had been gone four years, his dad was always busy, and Mrs. Lin stopped making breakfast because there was no one to eat it.

Maybe she was mad that her son had left, so even now that he was back, she refused to cook for him. The family chef’s noodles were fancy, but they never tasted quite right.

Shen Yu changed the subject, “It’s about time. Shall we head out together?”

Lin Hao jumped at the chance, “Sure!” Free ride—he hated driving.

Half a month later, Shen Yu stood at the apartment door with a bag of fresh fruit, still in disbelief.

How did things end up like this?

Just one door away was the person he’d dreamed of for years.

He’d once thought he’d never see Lin Hao again, that their relationship had ended on that crazy night, that happiness would never come near him again.

But now… Lin Hao was right inside, curled up on the sofa, waiting for his fruit.

Shen Yu opened the door, and Lin Hao yelped, then quickly called out, “Come in, come in, you scared me!”

The projector was playing an old horror movie. The screen was creepy, the sound effects even creepier, but Shen Yu’s heart was full of warmth.

“I’ll wash the fruit,” Shen Yu said.

Lin Hao quickly hit pause, jumped up from the sofa, and said, “I’ll help!”

Shen Yu started, “No need, I can—”

But he saw Lin Hao’s nervous face, and Lin Hao blurted, “I’m not scared or anything, I just want to eat fruit while I watch.”

Shen Yu’s eyes softened, and he stopped arguing, “Okay.”

They went into the kitchen. Shen Yu opened the bag, revealing cherries and blueberries the size of coins, making Lin Hao grin from ear to ear, “These look awesome!”

Shen Yu also pulled out a box of loquats, and Lin Hao was even happier, “Got a spoon? I’m a loquat-peeling master now!”

Shen Yu handed him a stainless steel spoon and began gently scraping the skin off a loquat.

Lin Hao was amazed, “You watch Douyin too?”

He loved loquats, but the skin was a pain to peel and always made a mess. After learning this trick, he’d show off to everyone—peeling a whole box and not letting anyone else have any.

Shen Yu didn’t actually watch Douyin, and he didn’t even like loquats. He just knew Lin Hao loved them, and after seeing his assistant peel them this way, he’d memorized the trick.

Lin Hao happily cradled the fruit plate and called Shen Yu over, “Come watch with me, this movie’s pretty good. It just started, I can rewind—”

“No need,” Shen Yu’s voice trembled almost imperceptibly, “Just give me a summary.”

Lin Hao laughed, “You always did that.”

They’d grown up together, and during the DVD era, they’d always watched movies together. Whenever Shen Yu came over, Lin Hao would already be halfway through a film. Shen Yu never wanted him to restart, just asked for a recap.

Lin Hao always teased him for being weird.

But really, Shen Yu just wanted to hear his voice. In those awkward, yearning years, all he wanted was to be close to the person he liked, to hear him talk.

Lin Hao quickly summarized the plot, and the movie started up again.

He whispered to Shen Yu, “I think that little girl is the ghost!”

Shen Yu thought the real ghost was in his own heart.

A dark room, a familiar yet unfamiliar scent, the person he wanted to forget but couldn’t, sitting right at his fingertips… It felt like being surrounded by a field of poppies—dangerous, intoxicating.

Meanwhile, Lin Hao was just his usual, carefree self.

He’d forgotten the awkwardness of four years ago, let go of all the tangled feelings, and with their old habits and familiar banter, he was just Lin Hao again—Shen Yu’s best friend.

Shen Yu stared off into space, his mind a mess, thinking about everything and nothing all at once.

“Shit!” Lin Hao suddenly screamed, grabbing Shen Yu’s hand for dear life.

Shen Yu snapped back to reality, just in time to see a giant bloody mouth open on the screen.

Lin Hao’s face was pale, clearly terrified, “I—I knew she wasn’t human!”

Shen Yu couldn’t help but say, “If you’re scared, don’t watch.”

“Who’s scared? You scared?” Lin Hao puffed up his chest, “If you’re scared, go upstairs. I’m finishing this.”

But the look in his eyes clearly said: Shen Yu, if you leave, I’ll cry right here!

Of course Shen Yu couldn’t leave. He looked away and fixed his gaze on the screen, “It’s almost over. Let’s finish it.”

But Lin Hao never dared look at the screen again. He started glancing all around, ears perked for any creepy sounds.

Eventually, he got distracted, his eyes landing on Shen Yu’s earlobe.

There was a tiny red mole there.

A long time ago, Shen Yu was as pale as jade, and that little red dot looked like a ruby earring. Now, after years in the sun, his healthy tan hid its brilliance.

But in the blue-gray light of the movie, that red dot was brighter than ever, like a plum blossom blooming in a snowy field.

Lin Hao remembered when it was at its brightest.

In the car at eighteen, with Shen Yu on top of him—white as jade, and that red mole as bright as blood.e scared. If anyone talks bad about your mom, just tell me. I’ll beat them so bad their grandma won’t recognize them!”

Little Shen Yu would nod, sweet as a little girl, but he never once tattled to Lin Hao.

Thinking about all this, Lin Hao looked at his recent message and wanted to smoke even more.

“Damn it.” He tossed the lighter aside and buried his head in the pillow.

Half-asleep, Lin Hao started dreaming.

In his dream, Shen Yu was a pale, delicate kid, hiding quietly in a corner, listening to people gossip: “That family’s crazy!” “His sister’s got issues, so he must too—they’re all the same!”

Lin Hao was furious. He stormed over and beat those kids until they were picking their teeth off the floor.

Shen Yu looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you.”

A thin ray of sunlight lit up his face, and little Lin Hao was so dazzled he just stared.

At that moment, he felt like a knight who’d just saved a princess—ready to protect him for the rest of his life.
Lin Hao was fuming. He stood up abruptly, but the sudden movement made his stomach cramp, and he yelped in pain.

Shen Yu, who was about to leave, stopped in his tracks. He turned and saw Lin Hao doubled over.

“You skipped breakfast again?” Shen Yu strode over.

Lin Hao couldn’t stand up straight, slumped over the desk. He didn’t want to be like this, but he just couldn’t take it anymore.

To his surprise, Shen Yu scooped him up in his arms.

Lin Hao was so startled, he forgot about his stomachache: “What… what are you doing?”

Shen Yu carried him into the break room.

Lin Hao, now a little scared, stammered, “Don’t take advantage of me while I’m weak…” Who would’ve thought the scrawny kid from before would grow up into this “bear” of a man!

Shen Yu shot him a look, then, without a word, started unbuttoning Lin Hao’s jacket.

Lin Hao’s mind was racing: Oh no, oh no, here comes another butt-kicking!