The cabin door opened, and Hong Kong Island’s signature humid heat washed over him once more. It was nearing midnight, yet the wind outside was still warm—something Zhu Ran found hard to adjust to.
Even on the hottest northern days, you could escape the heat in the shade. But Hong Kong Island was like a massive steam cooker, with high heat and humidity baking the body without respite.
Zhu Ran descended the airstair with his luggage in tow when his phone suddenly vibrated, displaying “Mom” on the screen.
He froze for a second, and whether from not holding it steady or some other reason, the phone slipped from his grasp and tumbled down the stairs.
It kept vibrating as it bounced a few times upon landing before going still. Zhu Ran walked down the steps with a perfectly calm expression, as if the fallen phone weren’t his.
“Looks like it’s broken. Want me to get it fixed for you?” From a short distance away, a middle-aged man leaning on a cane bent down to pick it up and looked up at Zhu Ran.
His Mandarin wasn’t very standard, so he spoke a bit slower than most. But the man had kind eyes and was sharply dressed, so Zhu Ran didn’t feel overly wary.
Zhu Ran just found it baffling. They didn’t know each other, and it was his own phone that had fallen—why was this guy offering to fix it out of nowhere?
He was about to refuse when a large hand reached from behind him. “No need for Second Uncle to trouble yourself. We can handle it.”
Huo Boyan had appeared behind Zhu Ran at some point. His left arm draped casually over Zhu Ran’s shoulder as his right hand smoothly took the phone from the man.
Zhu Ran: ?
Zhu Ran was even more puzzled now. What was Huo Boyan inserting himself into this for?
But the drama didn’t end there. Huo Boyan pocketed the phone, then leaned down and asked in an intimately affectionate tone, “What was so urgent? Why not wait for me?”
Zhu Ran opened his mouth. I never said I was leaving with you!
“Did I interrupt something good?” the man opposite suddenly interjected. The kindness on his face faded, replaced by a sly, worldly cunning.
Huo Boyan gave a slight smile, but his tone held no warmth. “Second Uncle is so busy—how do you have time to pick me up from the plane?”
Huo Zhixiao replied, “My nephew’s become a big shot now. It’s not easy to see you anymore, so I had to come block you at the airport myself.”
In just a few short exchanges, the atmosphere grew heavier and tenser.
Zhu Ran was adept at reading the room, and with the gossip he’d overheard before, he vaguely sensed that Huo Boyan and his second uncle didn’t get along.
He’d only hitched a ride on the plane—he had no desire to get dragged into their family feud.
The timing wasn’t ideal, but Zhu Ran couldn’t worry about that. He wriggled free from Huo Boyan’s arm, tugged at his sleeve, and said, “Mr. Huo, thanks for the ride back. I won’t keep you from your work—I’ll head out first.”
To his surprise, Huo Boyan looked up at Huo Zhixiao and said, “Second Uncle, you’ve gone to the trouble. I have something to handle—I’ll take my leave.”
Huo Zhixiao’s expression soured, but his impeccable manners kept him from reacting.
Zhu Ran hadn’t expected things to play out like this. He stood there stunned, unsure what to say, and silently followed Huo Boyan onto the shuttle bus.
The airport wasn’t large, and before he could even formulate a sentence, they’d arrived at the terminal.
Zhu Ran got off with his suitcase and walked halfway before realizing his phone was still with Huo Boyan. He doubled back, held out his hand, and said, “My phone.”
Huo Boyan finally smiled. “I thought you didn’t want it anymore.”
Zhu Ran said nothing, just fixed him with a pair of clear, piercing eyes.
Huo Boyan seemed about to say something more but ultimately just handed the phone back with an apologetic tone. “Sorry, looks like it’s broken.”
“It’s fine if it’s broken,” Zhu Ran replied calmly.
It really wasn’t worth regretting—in fact, a broken phone might be for the best. Though checking messages would be inconvenient, and he’d have to buy a new Octopus Card. Standing at the airport exit, Zhu Ran found a machine, bought an Octopus Card, and checked the MTR lines.
It was already past midnight, and the subway would stop running soon. Out of habit, he pulled out his phone to book a hotel, then sighed at the dark screen. He had to admit, life without a phone was inconvenient. He’d been too stubborn earlier.
Should he buy a cheap replacement? Or skip staying out and just head back to his little aunt’s house?
Before he could decide, a phone was thrust toward him from the side, accompanied by Huo Boyan’s familiar voice. “I have a spare. Use it for now.”
Zhu Ran glanced at it but didn’t take it.
What spare? The phone had no screen protector, no case, not even fingerprints registered—it was clearly brand new, bought right at the airport.
Anyone would be happy to receive such thoughtful care, maybe even grateful for Huo Boyan’s consideration.
But for some reason, Zhu Ran felt even more irritated, though he couldn’t pinpoint why. It was like a wild rage building inside him, an untamed beast urging him to lash out at everything.
He took a deep breath and refused coldly, “No need. I’ll get mine fixed tomorrow.”
Huo Boyan asked, “Then how will you contact your friend?”
Zhu Ran: “…”
He’d forgotten about that lie.
Zhu Ran glanced at Huo Boyan and said, “How much? I’ll transfer you the money.”
He’d made decent money as a photographer, and his investments in gold and U.S. stocks had risen nicely—no financial pressure at the moment.
“Zhu Ran,” Huo Boyan looked up, his tone cool as he said, “I’m not a phone salesman.”
