As Lin Wangye wiped away his tears and snot with a tissue from his pocket, the police had already arrived.
A group of officers got out of the car, and one by one, they completed their statements.
Since Lin Shen and Fu Xuexue were still minors, the situation they faced was likely going to be more serious due to the minor protection laws.
After Fu Xuexue made a call home, her parents quickly showed up.
Her parents were not well-educated and, upon hearing about their son’s serious trouble, they were frantic, begging the police for leniency. Of course, their pleas were in vain.
After the police finished gathering evidence, even though the victim wasn’t injured, the aggressor had been severely beaten up. With the Lu family’s legal team involved, it was clear the final ruling would be self-defense.
This group would spend a few days inside receiving education and criticism—it was inevitable.
By the time they left the police station, it was already past eleven.
There was an exam tomorrow, so they couldn’t afford to be delayed too long.
The business van was parked at the police station entrance, and after dropping everyone else off, it made its way to the Lu family’s home. After such a long day, Lin Wangye couldn’t help but feel drowsy as soon as he got into the car, dozing off halfway with his head leaning on the seat. He was only woken up by Lu Chengxuan when they arrived at the front door.
As soon as they stepped inside, Lu Wei, who had been lounging on the couch watching TV, immediately put the remote down and rushed to greet them, giving each of them a warm hug and sighing with relief.
“You really worried me so much, I’m just glad you’re safe.”
The more powerful and influential a family is, the more attention they attract, so it’s essential to keep a close watch on their children. This probably wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. Lu Chengxuan remained calm as usual, unfazed as he took off his scarf and nodded to his mother. “Don’t worry, everything’s fine.”
In contrast, Lin Wangye couldn’t hide the sparkle in his eyes. “I was so scared at the time, but I’m so glad you sent people to rescue us! When I saw the car coming, it felt like the whole world lit up!”
Lu Wei, who had a son who, except for his looks, was 99% like his father and had never been one to show affection or act cute, rarely experienced that warm, motherly bond. For a mother, that was always a bit of a regret.
But the emotional comfort Lin Wangye offered made up for that emptiness perfectly.
Lu Wei’s heart melted when she heard him. She took his hand, gently patting it to reassure him. “Oh, don’t be afraid, my dear. From now on, Auntie will make sure to send people to protect you more closely. You’ll never have to be hurt again.”
With that, she took out a watch and handed it to him.
“It’s the same as Chengxuan’s, with GPS tracking. Make sure to wear it all the time when you’re out.”
Lin Wangye knew how to put elders at ease, so he didn’t hesitate. He immediately fastened the strap and put the watch on in front of her, continuing to sweet-talk her. “Thank you, Auntie. It’s so great to have you around, I won’t be afraid anymore!”
“You’re my dear treasure, I’m so glad to have you,” Lu Wei said fondly, taking his hand and leading him into the living room.
“Come on, I’ve prepared some fruit. Have a snack before going back to your room to rest.”
“Okay.”
As usual, Lu Chengxuan couldn’t stand the mushy display between them. After having a few bites, he went off to freshen up. Lin Wangye, fighting off sleep, chatted with Lu Wei for ten more minutes before heading to his room, taking a quick shower, and lying down in bed.
Late at night, the villa, far from the busy city, cut off all sounds from the outside world.
Wrapped in his blanket, Lin Wangye tossed and turned in bed. Maybe it was because he had just showered, but sleep didn’t come as easily as it had when he first got home.
Every time he closed his eyes, the memory of that hug from the car earlier today came rushing back.
The warmth left by their intertwined hands still lingered.
Lin Wangye couldn’t quite figure out whether Shi Yuan’s kindness toward him was a reflection of his gentle soul or if there was an unspoken mutual affection in his subconscious.
Even though Shi Yuan never seemed to mind any closeness, he couldn’t be sure.
Because, whether in this life or the previous one, Shi Yuan’s attitude had always been calm and kind.
Lin Wangye had almost never heard him say no to anything.
But there was a nagging feeling, a subtle intuition, that kept lingering in his mind.
Tossing and turning, Lin Wangye couldn’t resist grabbing his phone and opening the chat window.
*
[Xiao Lin Bullied by Math: Goodnight!]
[A: Goodnight]
[9 minutes ago]
[Xiao Lin Bullied by Math: Are you asleep?]
[A: Not yet]
[A: What’s up, can’t sleep?]
[Xiao Lin Bullied by Math: I keep… thinking about what happened tonight.]
[Xiao Lin Bullied by Math: I tried several times, but I couldn’t fall asleep. The images just keep playing in my mind, like an animated show.]
[A: Don’t think about it, it’s all over now.]
[Xiao Lin Bullied by Math: Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!]
[Xiao Lin Bullied by Math: Can I call you?]
*
Seeing how late it was, Lin Wangye didn’t call immediately. He typed out the message, but then thought it was probably pointless to ask since Shi Yuan likely wouldn’t turn him down anyway.
Just as he was about to dial, his phone suddenly buzzed.
It was Shi Yuan calling.
Lin Wangye’s face lit up with joy, and without a second thought, he answered the call. Just as he was about to speak, Shi Yuan’s voice came through the receiver: “It’s so late, why are you still awake? If you need something, say it quickly, then get some rest.”
Since it was late, Shi Yuan’s voice had unconsciously lowered, sending a slight buzz through Lin Wangye’s ears, making them tingle.
“I… I don’t really need anything…” Lin Wangye’s heart was racing, holding the blanket, his voice small. “I just wanted to hear you talk to me.”
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the line.
Lin Wangye bit his lip, then cautiously asked, “Did I interrupt something?”
“No,” Shi Yuan answered quickly, then lightly laughed, “But it’s already past midnight. You’ve got an exam tomorrow, don’t you?”
“Don’t look down on me, I’m not one to sleep in.”
Lin Wangye stubbornly defended himself, rolling his eyes a few times before replying, “Don’t believe me? Try it tomorrow—call me when you wake up, and I’ll get up in three seconds! I won’t be late for the 8:30 exam!”
Shi Yuan drew out the word in a teasing tone. “Okaaay~”
Lin Wangye lay back on the bed with his eyes closed, all serious. “I want a bedtime story. Tell me a story.”
“Alright, how about I tell you about the triangle inequality in functions?”
The topic hadn’t even been going for a minute before the sound of even breathing came from the phone. Shi Yuan asked “Are you listening?” three times, but didn’t get any response.
He couldn’t help but smile in helplessness, but there was a tenderness in his eyes.
The phone was placed on the pillow, and the call didn’t end. Soon, Shi Yuan was asleep too.
Their breaths intertwined on the line, slowly syncing.
In the room at the end of the hall, Lu Chengxuan had been reading the financial newspaper before turning off the light and preparing to rest. Suddenly, his phone on the nightstand vibrated.
For years, he had gotten into the habit of not responding to messages during rest time.
But just as he closed his eyes, the phone vibrated a few more times, and when he ignored it, it continued vibrating, signaling an incoming call.
Clearly, this time he had to pick up. Lu Chengxuan reached for his phone in the dark, not checking the caller ID, he answered the call with his eyes still closed.
“Hello?”
“Why’s Lin Wangye’s phone always busy?” Lin Shen’s deep voice came through the receiver, instantly waking Lu Chengxuan. He switched on the bedside lamp and sat up, pressing his fingers to his temples.
“I don’t know, what’s up? What do you need from him?”
“I was just playing that stupid hero game, I think I messed up my gear and called him to ask, but this kid’s been on the phone the whole time! I lost the game, and he’s still on the phone, what’s he doing?!”
“There are two possibilities,” Lu Chengxuan said calmly, “He either blocked you, or he’s on the phone with someone else.”
Lin Shen immediately dismissed the first option but was still confused. “Who would he be talking to at this time of night?”
Although Lin Wangye had mentioned keeping secrets in front of Lin Shen, Lu Chengxuan never directly promised not to spill anything; he simply didn’t pry.
In reality, Lin Wangye wasn’t hiding anything—his behavior was obvious. Lin Shen hadn’t caught on simply because he lacked awareness, not because the situation was flawless.
At this point, the answer was clear.
Lu Chengxuan decided it was pointless to keep Lin Shen in the dark and hinted, “Is it that hard to guess?”
Lin Shen paused for a few seconds, then cursed under his breath before raising his voice again, more agitated than before: “Lu Chengxuan, do you think there’s something going on between Lin Wangye and Fu Xuexue?!”
“…”
Lu Chengxuan wasn’t the type to engage in much small talk, but when he heard Lin Shen say this, he was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he sighed lightly and said, “Fu Xuexue likes you. Don’t you know that?”
“I told her I’m seeing Yang Qingsen.”
Lin Shen spoke firmly, “She’s so perceptive, do you really think she’d hang herself on my crooked tree?”
After saying that, Lin Shen suddenly realized that Lu Chengxuan might know something, and quickly asked, “What’s going on? Tell me! I hate riddles!”
“I can’t say for sure, but you can try calling Xu Suinian,” Lu Chengxuan said, then hung up the phone.
Lin Shen didn’t immediately call back; it took about twenty or thirty seconds before he dialed again. Lu Chengxuan picked up right away, but before he could say anything, Lin Shen’s voice came screeching through the phone.
“What’s going on!? What’s happening!? Don’t scare me, I’m easily frightened and could die from a shock!”
His dullness shocked Lu Chengxuan.
“The situation is right in front of you; I don’t know anything more. You figure it out,” Lu Chengxuan said.
Lin Shen had known for a while that Lin Wangye had been thinking about getting into a relationship, but he always thought it was a normal phase for boys his age, just a passing thought. He mostly paid attention to the girls who were close to Lin Wangye.
But now it turned out the kid was secretly seeing a guy from his class?
In fact, there had been signs all along.
From when Lin Wangye was first hospitalized, he had been pretty open about a lot of things. Plus, he kept going to Xu Suinian’s place; it was all too obvious.
But Lin Shen’s nerves were as thick as a power line—he never thought about it that way.
All the talk of ‘atoning for mistakes’ and ‘striving for college entrance exams’ had easily kept him in the dark.
After replaying everything in his mind, Lin Shen finally realized what was going on, but he still found it hard to accept. His voice wavered as he spoke.
“But… didn’t they just meet not long ago?”
“Does the length of time you’ve known someone really matter when it comes to feelings?” Lu Chengxuan retorted.
Lin Shen fell silent for a long time. After a while, he spoke again.
“That’s true… but it’s still too fast, isn’t it? Why?”
Lu Chengxuan analyzed the situation. “I don’t find it strange. Lin Wangye is sincere and straightforward. He’s very good at expressing his feelings and making others understand. If he likes someone, the other person would definitely feel it.”
“That makes sense.”
Lin Shen nodded as he processed the information, then started freaking out again.
“Damn it, but I still can’t accept it. My beautiful Xiao Lin, I wouldn’t even think of touching him! No way, I’m talking to Xu Suinian tomorrow. Xiao Lin is still so young!”
“Forget it,” Lu Chengxuan advised. “What if they haven’t even done anything yet? You don’t want to mess things up and make it awkward for everyone. Also, Lin Wangye is already an adult, older than Xu Suinian by a year. He knows what he’s doing.”
“Does he really know?” Lin Shen was anxious. “It can hurt, you know!”
There was a long silence on the phone.
Just when Lin Shen was wondering if the call had dropped, Lu Chengxuan’s response came through.
“How do you know?”
Lin Shen cursed, “Come on! Just because I haven’t eaten pork doesn’t mean I’ve never seen a pig run, right? Do you really think I’m an idiot with no brain?”
Lu Chengxuan, who had been gripping the phone tightly, finally relaxed and let out a quiet sigh, his tone calm, “This isn’t something you need to worry about.”
“I’m not worrying about it, so who will?” Lin Shen ranted. “I can’t be like you, detached and indifferent. Xiao Lin doesn’t have parents to protect him. If I say I’m his father, I’m his father. I won’t let him suffer!”
“Then try harder.” Lu Chengxuan was unruffled. “See if you can teach him how to be the one in control.”
Lin Shen was completely confused, his voice rising in surprise.
“What I meant was, he shouldn’t suffer in relationships! What are you talking about, Lu Chengxuan?”
Lu Chengxuan remained unfazed, his voice steady and attitude unbothered. “I was talking about being the one in control in a relationship. I don’t know what you understood from that.”
Lin Shen was speechless, struggling for a long time before finally managing to say, “You’re unbelievable.”
Making sure there wasn’t anything more important, Lu Chengxuan turned off the light, lay back on the bed, and closed his eyes, saying, “Stop thinking about all this nonsense. We have an exam tomorrow, and you shouldn’t be playing games. Get some sleep.”
“Got it, I’m already in bed. Don’t rush me.”
After the sound of a charger being plugged in, the room grew quiet.
“Were you scared, Lu Chengxuan?” Lin Shen suddenly asked.
Lu Chengxuan opened his eyes. A variety of images flashed in his mind like a revolving lantern. When Lin Shen was fighting alone up ahead, and he was surrounded by three people, unable to break through, it wouldn’t be true to say he hadn’t felt a little flustered.
Every time he imagined coming to Lin Shen’s aid, even if it was just a minute late, the feeling of regret was real.
To stand with Lin Shen, side by side, openly and confidently, Lu Chengxuan knew the forces he’d need to face would always be formidable.
He always became painfully aware of his own helplessness.
Without waiting for Lu Chengxuan’s reply, Lin Shen kept talking, “There’s really nothing to be afraid of, right? After all, everything is under your control. You must know your family will come.”
After saying that, Lin Shen immediately asked, “Do you believe I can handle it?”
Without hesitation, Lu Chengxuan answered, “I believe.”
Lin Shen chuckled on the other end of the phone, stretching lazily as he spoke slowly, “I believe you’ll figure it out too. It’ll just take some time. Until then, I can handle it.”
The winter night was as dark as ink, the stars dimmed, with only the moon embellishing the sky.
Lu Chengxuan curved his lips in the darkness and murmured softly, “Mm.”
After a few seconds of silence.
Lin Shen: “You’re not asleep yet, right?”
Lu Chengxuan: “No.”
“Send me five bucks.” Lin Shen got up from his bed and lifted the covers, “I just remembered how to build my items. I’m going to buy a bottle of Mai Dong, then play one last match.”
“……”
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
