Chapter 4 Part 1

Zhu Ran didn’t wait for Huo Boyan’s response before hugging his clothes and leaving the area.

Was Huo Boyan sick or something? Peeping on him while he showered was one thing, but actually asking such a private question!

Zhu Ran cursed all the way back, finally venting his anger by the time he reached his room door. He rinsed the sand off his feet at the entrance, and when he looked up, he discovered that Huo Boyan had actually followed him. The man’s tall figure lurked in the darkness, his features straight and cold, like a ghost wandering in the night.

Zhu Ran jumped in fright, then grew furious. He was truly angry this time. He had no grudge against Huo Boyan and couldn’t fathom why the man was targeting him like this.

“Mr. Huo,” he said with a laugh born of rage, practically speaking without thinking, “I had no idea you enjoyed tailing people so much. Why don’t I invite you inside for a seat?”

The other man lifted his gaze slightly, revealing a surprised expression before quickly smiling. “Are you inviting me in? Sorry, I’m afraid that wouldn’t be convenient…”

“I’m asking you to leave.” Zhu Ran cut him off coldly, not waiting for Huo Boyan’s reaction as he turned to swipe his keycard.

Swipe, swipe…

Wait, where was his keycard?!

Zhu Ran patted down all his pockets but couldn’t find it. He felt annoyed and embarrassed in that moment. Just as he steeled himself to turn back and search, a large hand extended from beside him. Huo Boyan handed over a room card. “I picked it up by the pool.”

Zhu Ran: “…”

Zhu Ran had always been a polite person since childhood, but right now, the words “thank you” burned his tongue.

His lips parted and closed again, and for a good while, he couldn’t say anything. The other man didn’t take offense at his rudeness. Huo Boyan placed the keycard on the outdoor table, said “good night,” and turned to leave.

Zhu Ran’s cheeks felt a bit hot. Only after confirming Huo Boyan had gone far away did he pick up the keycard and return to his room.

Hot water poured down from overhead. Zhu Ran looked out from the semi-open bathroom at the lush tropical plants, their layered leaves damp and sticky from the bathroom steam. His body grew slick and wet, as if it could commit any outrageous act.

Zhu Ran rinsed off the foam, slipped on a bathrobe, and stepped out of the bathroom.

His hair was still wet, dripping like rain. Zhu Ran draped a towel over his head and picked up the phone on the bedside table.

Song Xingchen had sent a barrage of emoji fish explosions. Zhu Ran hadn’t replied during his shower, so the guy followed up with a video of his dog to tempt him.

Zhu Ran didn’t feel like typing, so he dialed a video call. “Song Xingchen, you better have something important.”

“Woof!!” What appeared on screen first was the handsome face of a Border Collie.

Zhu Ran’s expression changed instantly. “Xiao Bao, did you miss me?”

“Woof woof woof~~~” The Border Collie huffed and puffed.

Man and dog chatted for a while before Song Xingchen finally pressed down the dog’s head, revealing his own face.

They knew each other too well—well enough that Zhu Ran didn’t need to put on an act. He switched back to his expressionless, energy-saving mode. “What do you want?”

Song Xingchen said, “You really went to Hong Kong Island? How long are you staying? Is this how you treat a friend? You just up and left without a word. If I hadn’t walked the dog to your place, I wouldn’t even know!”

Zhu Ran paused for a moment before saying, “Not sure yet. Might stay until the end of summer break.”

“That’s way too long. You’re just abandoning me like that? I was going to go to Universal Studios with you!” Song Xingchen wailed, then added, “Fine, then I’ll come hang out in Hong Kong Island too. I’m bored anyway.”

Zhu Ran said, “When are you coming? I’m not there right now.”

Song Xingchen: “Then where are you?”

Zhu Ran thought for a bit. “Maybe some small island in the Indian Ocean?”

Song Xingchen: ?

Zhu Ran: .

“You’re sneaking off to have fun without me again?!”

“I’m here with my cousin and his wife.”

“How come I don’t have a cousin who can invite me on an island trip?”

“It’s not my cousin who owns it. It’s his childhood friend’s family island.”

“You’re my childhood friend too. How come your family doesn’t have an island?”

“…”

Zhu Ran said expressionlessly, “Anything else?”

“Nope, just chatting.” Song Xingchen paused, then added, “Little Pig, if something’s up, tell me.”

Zhu Ran went quiet for a moment and nodded. “Yeah, I won’t hide it from you.”

Song Xingchen started rambling again. “Yesterday while walking the dog, I ran into Wang Ayi. Not sure if it’s my imagination, but she gave me this weird look and kept asking if I had a girlfriend. Did she finally notice how handsome and dashing I am and want to set me up?”

Zhu Ran’s heart tightened, but he adopted a casual tone. “What did you say?”

Song Xingchen: “I said I don’t have one.”

“And then?”

“Nothing after that,” Song Xingchen said. “Auntie’s face went a bit pale. I asked if she was okay, and she said no, then went back home.”

Zhu Ran said “oh” and hung up in a daze. He’d thought many times about just telling Song Xingchen outright, but every time the words reached his lips, he couldn’t say them for some reason.

He knew Song Xingchen wasn’t that kind of person, but he couldn’t stop himself from imagining the worst outcome.

Zhu Ran drafted and deleted a message over and over, ultimately failing to send it. He fell asleep hugging his phone.

“Daddy, hug!”

“Daddy’s busy with work. Go play by yourself first. Daddy will come soon.”

“Mommy, I love you.”

“Aren’t you embarrassed? You’re so young—how do you even know what love is? If you really love me, go do your homework.”