IOLYF Chapter 68

The night that Han Shao Zhou had meticulously planned to win over Mo Ming turned out to be one that captivated Han Shao Zhou himself more than anything. He had never truly considered what Mo Ming meant to him until, in a sudden moment of clarity, he realized he was deeply, hopelessly in love. The agony of their breakup only served to reinforce just how much he cared for Mo Ming.

The cold wind blew across the mountaintop, but Han Shao Zhou felt a growing warmth within him. The soft grass beneath them cushioned the ground as he pressed Mo Ming down. As the passion between them heated up, and Han Shao Zhou started to undo Mo Ming’s clothes, Mo Ming suddenly grabbed his shoulders, flipping them over so that he was now the one on top.

Han Shao Zhou opened his eyes to meet a pair of sharp, chiseled features—Mo Ming’s gaze was as clear and penetrating as a cold moon reflected on a lake, reaching straight into his soul.

Han Shao Zhou obediently lay on the grass, a tender smile playing on his lips. “Actually, I quite like this position too…”

Mo Ming stared into Han Shao Zhou’s eyes for a moment before slowly sitting up from his chest, now straddling Han Shao Zhou’s waist as he looked down at him, expressionless. “Why do you like me?”

“Because of the time we’ve spent together these past three years.” Han Shao Zhou answered seriously. “I’ve never been with anyone like this, not even for a single day. Liking someone isn’t something that happens all at once; it’s a gradual process. For me, it’s a unique experience that can’t be replicated. You’re irreplaceable, Mo Ming.”

Mo Ming’s gaze remained devoid of any emotion. “You like the person I was these past three years?”

“Yes.” Han Shao Zhou replied without hesitation.

Mo Ming closed his eyes briefly, his thick lashes seeming to hide the emotions beneath.

Sensing Mo Ming’s coldness, Han Shao Zhou felt his heart sink.

“Under those fireworks earlier, you showed me your true feelings. I could feel it, Mo Ming…” As he spoke, Han Shao Zhou slowly sat up, concerned that Mo Ming might fall, so he placed his hands securely on Mo Ming’s waist.

Even though Mo Ming was now sitting on his lap in such an intimate position, Han Shao Zhou could still sense Mo Ming’s silent rejection. The feeling gnawed at him, filling him with uncertainty.

The fireworks had ended, leaving the night quiet and cold once more.

Han Shao Zhou nuzzled his lips against Mo Ming’s chin, like a large, anxious dog seeking affection. “Xiao Gui, let’s get back together, okay? You can’t judge my past actions by the standards of a boyfriend; that’s not fair. Let’s start fresh. Let me prove myself as your boyfriend for a while…”

Han Shao Zhou held Mo Ming’s waist tightly, his face tilted up to look at him. “If I don’t meet your expectations as a boyfriend, then you can return me, okay?”

Mo Ming raised a hand to cover Han Shao Zhou’s lips, stopping him from continuing, and finally spoke in a calm tone. “You shouldn’t have developed feelings for me…”

Han Shao Zhou gave a wry smile. “You don’t realize how special you are. I’ve been with you for three years—if I didn’t feel anything, could I still call myself a man? Besides, if I didn’t care, I wouldn’t have stayed with you for three years.”

Lowering his voice, Han Shao Zhou added, “I’m not someone who’s easily swayed, but you’re an exception…”

No matter how he looked at Mo Ming, he found him irresistible, never getting enough of his touch.

Mo Ming stood up from Han Shao Zhou, who tried to reach for his hand, but Mo Ming gently brushed him off.

Han Shao Zhou also stood up, watching Mo Ming’s back as he spoke. “I hope the past three years were a good memory for you because that’s the only thing I could give you in that relationship. If you enjoyed it, then we’ve had a fair exchange…”

Han Shao Zhou didn’t understand what Mo Ming was getting at and was about to ask when Mo Ming turned around. His gaze was indifferent, and his slender figure stood like a cold, distant moon in the night, devoid of any of the softness Han Shao Zhou had once known.

“If the past three years truly satisfied you, then stop bothering me…” Mo Ming said. “When things fall short of expectations, the difference between satisfaction and disgust is just a moment’s thought.”

“Are you saying that the person I saw during these past three years isn’t the real you, and that if I got to know the real you, I’d hate you?” Han Shao Zhou chuckled. “There’s no need to think that way. I’m not a saint either, but I like you. I’ll give you the best of me, just as you gave me your gentleness and affection over the past three years…”

Han Shao Zhou walked over to Mo Ming, slipping an arm around his waist as naturally as he had done on countless nights before. He rested his chin on Mo Ming’s shoulder, speaking softly. “If that made you feel constrained, you can be yourself around me. I’m curious about you too. Sometimes I feel like I know you well, and other times you seem like a stranger. But even that unfamiliar side of you makes my heart race. Really, I’m not lying…”

“Let go of me.” Mo Ming said.

Reluctantly, Han Shao Zhou let go.

“Take me back.”

“The night is beautiful. Why don’t we stay here a bit longer…”

“I want to go back.”

Seeing Mo Ming’s cold expression, Han Shao Zhou nodded. “…Okay.”

As the car descended the mountain, Mo Ming continued to gaze out the window in silence.

“I couldn’t spend your birthday with you this year…” Han Shao Zhou said. “But next year—no, every year after that—I’ll be with you to watch the fireworks. It’s something you love, and I’ll remember it. You…”

“Before we went up the mountain, you promised me…” Mo Ming interrupted. “You said that if tonight didn’t move me, you’d completely leave my life.”

Han Shao Zhou tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his throat emitting a sound that could be either a grunt or a sigh. “…Yes.”

“The truth is, I still don’t feel anything, so…” Mo Ming turned to look at Han Shao Zhou, his face devoid of emotion. “You can get out of my life now.”

The car had reached the bottom of the mountain and was now on a paved road. Han Shao Zhou pulled over to the side, turning to stare at Mo Ming in disbelief.

Get out?

He couldn’t believe Mo Ming had used that word on him.

“If you keep harassing me, I’ll call the police.”

Under Han Shao Zhou’s pained gaze, Mo Ming turned his head away, avoiding eye contact as he stared blankly at the dimly lit road ahead. “I don’t like you. The past three years with you were just for the money. I never fell in love with you. I’m sorry if you got attached, but that’s your problem, not mine. I’m not obligated to reciprocate your feelings…”

“…”

“No matter how much you think I cared about you during those three years, I can now tell you clearly—that was your mistake, Han Shao Zhou. I don’t like you, and I don’t want to hate you either. If our interactions stay in the past, we can both have a good memory. But if you keep pursuing me, it will only make me resent you, maybe even despise you.”

The warm air inside the car was pleasant, but Han Shao Zhou felt like he couldn’t breathe. He stared at Mo Ming’s cold profile, his jaw tightening until he eventually turned away, lowering the car window. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette and placing it between his lips.

Just as he was about to light it, he seemed to think better of it and glanced at Mo Ming. After a few seconds, he removed the cigarette from his mouth, leaned forward, and rested his head on the steering wheel, silent.

It was unclear how much time passed before Han Shao Zhou restarted the car.

Neither of them spoke again as Han Shao Zhou drove Mo Ming back to his apartment building.

Mo Ming was about to open the door and get out when he realized the door was locked. He turned to Han Shao Zhou with an impassive expression.

“I have something to say…” Han Shao Zhou turned off the engine, his gaze deep. “I don’t believe those fireworks didn’t move you. I saw every expression on your face. As for the past three years, if you were really just after my money, you wouldn’t have left me now… Even if I were just a nobody, even if you approached me with other intentions, three years would have been enough for me to occupy a place in your heart.”

Han Shao Zhou unlocked the door, then said softly, “We have many more three-year spans in our lives…”

Mo Ming opened the door and got out without a word, walking into the apartment building without looking back.

As soon as he returned to his apartment, Mo Ming received a friend request.

[Han Shao Zhou has sent you a friend request.]

[Message: Let’s be friends first.]

Mo Ming immediately hit “Reject.”

There was a bag of frozen wontons in the fridge. Mo Ming cooked half of it as a late-night snack, setting aside a third for Xiao Han.

Mo Ming pinched Xiao Han’s ears, his expression complicated. “Just bear with it a little longer, okay?”

Xiao Han gulped down a few bites of food, then looked up to lick Mo Ming’s fingers.

Mo Ming contacted Zhou Yixiang. Fortunately, he had only been rehearsing for the new play at the drama troupe for a few days, so it wasn’t too late to replace him.

Finally, Mo Ming messaged Cheng Jing to postpone their planned dinner for the upcoming Sunday.

[Cheng Jing]: Are you going to be very busy?

[Cheng Jing]: A vacation sounds good, especially after all the online drama. It’d stress anyone out. [Cheng Jing]: We’ll catch up when you get back. I also have something to tell you about Xia Qing.

Mo Ming: What is it?

[Cheng Jing]: Heh, it’s some insider info. I’ll tell you when you’re back.

Mo Ming frowned slightly.

The next morning, Mo Ming drove Xiao Han to the same pet shop as before.

He was familiar with the owner, and he felt comfortable leaving Xiao Han there.

At the entrance, Xiao Han realized he was being brought back to the pet shop and started squirming in his carrier, whining as if he were being abandoned.

Mo Ming took Xiao Han out of the carrier, but Xiao Han’s paws clung stubbornly to his sleeve, refusing to let go. He whimpered and howled, causing the shop owner to chuckle, saying that Xiao Han was deeply attached to Mo Ming.

For a stray dog that had found a home, this kind of fear was normal.

Looking into Xiao Han’s glossy eyes, which seemed to be brimming with tears, Mo Ming frowned slightly.

“Oh, Gao Chen, you’re here too.” the shop owner called out. “Just in time—Mo Ming’s here as well.”

Mo Ming turned to see Gao Chen walking in, wearing a cool-toned long coat and a black mask pulled down to his chin. When he saw Mo Ming, he froze for a moment.

“You were just asking if Mo Ming had come in, and here he is.” the shop owner said with a laugh.

Gao Chen forced a polite smile, awkwardness evident as he greeted Mo Ming. He was there to buy dog food, which he picked up from a shelf and brought to the counter.

Xiao Han, still in Mo Ming’s arms, continued to whine and cling to his clothes, refusing to go into the cage. After hearing the situation, Gao Chen realized that Mo Ming was going on a trip and needed to leave Xiao Han at the shop.

“It seems this little guy really doesn’t want to be left here.” Gao Chen said, gently stroking Xiao Han’s fluffy head. “If you don’t mind, you can leave him with me. You can pick him up when you get back.”

“But wouldn’t that interfere with your work?”

“Not at all. I already have a golden retriever at home, named Coffee. I’ve had him for years, and I brought him with me when I moved back to Chuanhai.” Gao Chen explained as he scratched Xiao Han’s head. “I don’t usually attend many commercial events, and I’m about to start working on new songs, so I’ll be spending a lot of time at home. You can trust that the little guy will be well cared for with me.”

Xiao Han, now thoroughly enjoying the head scratches, stopped struggling and allowed Gao Chen to hold him.

“See? He doesn’t dislike me.” Gao Chen said, looking up at Mo Ming. Having just come from his apartment, Gao Chen’s clothes might have carried Coffee’s scent, a familiar smell that Xiao Han found comforting…

It was rare for Mo Ming to see Xiao Han being so well-behaved, and he pressed his lips together.

In the end, Gao Chen took Xiao Han in, considering it a small favor to repay the debt he felt he owed Mo Ming. The exchange of favors made Gao Chen feel that Mo Ming was starting to see him as a genuine friend.

Mo Ming’s flight was scheduled for the morning, so Gao Chen didn’t invite him to his apartment but instead politely suggested they have dinner together when Mo Ming returned so he could properly thank him for the favor.

Gao Chen returned to his apartment alone, carrying both the dog food and the pet carrier with Xiao Han inside.

As he reached his apartment door, Gao Chen noticed someone waiting there—dressed in a light blue down jacket, with a mask covering most of their face, only revealing a pair of familiar eyes.

Gao Chen set down the dog food and pulled out his keys to unlock the door. His voice was flat as he asked, “What do you want?”

“I missed Coffee and wanted to see him.” Wen Ci replied softly, lowering his mask.

“Coffee is fine.”

“…I also had some questions I wanted to ask you.”

In Chuanhai, winter had already set in, but on Piqiu Island, the beach was still basking in the warmth of summer. The sea stretched to meet the sky, a breathtaking expanse of azure.

However, Mo Ming spent most of his time at the hotel. The suite faced the ocean, and the large open-air terrace allowed him to feel the gentle, salty sea breeze from afar.

In the span of a week, Mo Ming read the book Temperature three times, filling four pages with character notes…

By evening, the sand retained the warmth of the day’s sun, and walking barefoot on it was particularly pleasant.

He thought he understood the meaning behind the questions Liu Hekun had asked him that day—perhaps Liu Hekun was looking for an actor who had experienced something similar to the protagonist in the book.

But Mo Ming was luckier than the protagonist, who ultimately committed suicide in despair…

Rescued from such a fate, even a life of loneliness was better than despair.

“Are you thinking about how long you can hide from me before I give up?”

A lazy, amused voice called out from behind.

Mo Ming’s body stiffened as he turned to see who it was.

Wearing knee-length floral shorts, a white shirt with blue palm trees, and broad shoulders, Han Shao Zhou’s tall, muscular frame made the flashy outfit look anything but tacky.

Mo Ming stared in shock as the man approached.

Han Shao Zhou carried his sandals in one hand, his shirt unbuttoned to reveal his toned chest. The last light of the setting sun highlighted his defined abs, the golden glow tracing the sharp lines of his muscles before disappearing into his shorts.

Han Shao Zhou’s deep-set eyes reflected the warm glow of the sunset as he leaned closer to Mo Ming’s surprised face, a smile tugging at his lips. “This isn’t some fleeting crush, so why would I give up just because you’ve been away for a week?”

Mo Ming hesitated, lowering his gaze before turning away.

With his hands casually behind his head, Han Shao Zhou followed Mo Ming’s footsteps. “Don’t say I’m haunting you. I waited a whole week before coming to find you.”

Mo Ming kept walking without looking back.

“You don’t have to avoid me. You can keep doing whatever you want. I won’t disrupt your life.” Han Shao Zhou said earnestly. “My love will only support you, not burden you.”

“I’m not avoiding you.” Mo Ming retorted coldly. “I’m just on a normal vacation.”

“Then why did you stop attending rehearsals at the drama troupe?”

Mo Ming suddenly halted, turning to glare at Han Shao Zhou. “Have you been spying on me?”

Han Shao Zhou shrugged. “It’s something anyone could find out just by asking your colleagues.”

Mo Ming’s lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at Han Shao Zhou’s feigned innocent expression, feeling more irritated than ever. He found it increasingly impossible to associate this man with Zhou Xu, because now, all he felt when he looked at Han Shao Zhou was annoyance.

In every sense of the word, a nuisance.

“Annoying.” Mo Ming said, unable to hold back his frustration. “How can anyone be as annoying as you?”

He wished he could feel something else—anything but this overwhelming sense of irritation.

Han Shao Zhou let his hands drop from behind his head, casually sliding them into his pockets. His smile widened in the golden light of the sunset. “At least it’s not hate.”

“…”

“You’re here alone, right? So am I.” Han Shao Zhou said, scratching the back of his head. “Why don’t we grab a drink together?”

Mo Ming, of course, didn’t go for a drink. He walked along the beach with a cold expression, while the person behind him, like a persistent shadow, followed him at a leisurely pace.

“I’ve learned a new song recently.” Han Shao Zhou said with a hint of suggestion. “How about I play it for you?”

Mo Ming didn’t hesitate to shoot him down. “You’re tone-deaf. Don’t hurt my ears.”

“Then how about I play it on the guitar?”

Mo Ming stopped in his tracks, turning to frown at Han Shao Zhou. “Play?”

Han Shao Zhou smiled, waving at someone in the distance. A man quickly jogged over, handing a guitar to Han Shao Zhou before hurrying away.

Mo Ming was stunned.

“He’s a shop assistant from the music store. I asked him to help out.”

Han Shao Zhou laughed as he slung the guitar strap over his shoulder. Mo Ming was surprised to see how naturally the man held the instrument.

But Mo Ming knew Han Shao Zhou well. Aside from a few haphazard piano lessons as a child, he had no idea how to play the guitar.

“It’s the song on your playlist. I remember you always play this song in your car.” Han Shao Zhou said as he tested the strings, continuing to speak. “I originally wanted to learn ‘On the Little Path,’ but I’ll be honest—I can’t stand Gao Chen, so no matter how good his songs are, I won’t learn them.”

Mo Ming looked out at the ocean, now tinged with the colors of dusk. “You’re not alike.”

“I didn’t think so either.” Han Shao Zhou mused, nodding. “I may not be as talented as he is, but when it comes to looks, he’s got nothing on me.”

“You’re overconfident.”

Han Shao Zhou chuckled. “Then you’re underestimating your own taste. If it weren’t for my face, would you have left the bar with me back then?”

“…”

Mo Ming shut his eyes tightly, refusing to argue further.

The sound of guitar strings being plucked filled the air, and the gentle, melodic intro of “After Yesterday” began to play.

It was a romantic little love song.

Han Shao Zhou started to sing along, his voice carried by the gentle sea breeze under the setting sun, perfectly in sync with the mood.

Mo Ming’s brow furrowed deeper and deeper…

It was obvious that he had just learned the song, as there were several mistakes in the melody. Despite his best efforts, the five-tone deficiency was something that couldn’t be corrected in just a few days.

The shirt flapped in the sea breeze, revealing the man’s muscular physique. With his dark, well-defined eyebrows and the golden glow of the sunset reflecting off his chiseled features, Han Shao Zhou’s profile was undeniably handsome. If only the sound wasn’t so grating, it would have been a paradise for anyone with a fondness for attractive men.

However…

A middle-aged couple walking hand-in-hand strolled by, and the woman glanced at the singing man. As they passed by, she tugged on her husband’s sleeve. “He’s good-looking, but I have no idea what he’s singing…”

The man nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s pretty bad.”

They were close enough that Han Shao Zhou heard their comments.

His singing abruptly stopped, his mouth twitching as he turned to the couple. “What do you mean it’s bad? I’ve been practicing this song for a week.”

When he turned back, he saw the smile that Mo Ming had failed to suppress. Though Mo Ming was doing his best to hold it in, his lips were still twitching.

Han Shao Zhou suddenly felt a pang of hurt. “Was it really that bad?”

Mo Ming nodded. “Annoying.”

“…” Han Shao Zhou stared at the guitar in his hands, contemplating his next move. “It’s the guitar’s fault. I just grabbed this one from the shop, and I didn’t tune it. It didn’t sound like this when I was practicing. Wait a sec, Xiao Gui. Let me play it again for you.”

After a few more wrong notes, Mo Ming couldn’t take it anymore… The man was ruining a perfectly good song.

He frowned and stepped forward, holding out his hand. “Give it to me.”

Han Shao Zhou blinked, somewhat bewildered, as he handed the guitar to Mo Ming.

Mo Ming immediately sat down cross-legged in the sand, his head bent as he expertly tuned the guitar. Han Shao Zhou was surprised to see how skilled Mo Ming’s fingers were, and asked in disbelief, “You can play the guitar?”

Mo Ming didn’t even look up, “Yes.”

Realizing that he had just embarrassed himself in front of an expert, any sense of superiority he had felt earlier vanished. Han Shao Zhou sheepishly sat down beside Mo Ming, a nervous smile on his face. “So, how was I?”

“Terrible.”

Not just bad—he added the word “terrible”.

Han Shao Zhou stared down at the sand, lost in thought… It seemed that the guitar teacher who had praised him as a musical prodigy had been lying, and he regretted paying such a high fee.

The gentle, soothing melody resumed as Mo Ming began playing “After Yesterday” on the guitar, and Han Shao Zhou turned to watch him, his gaze fixated on Mo Ming.

Despite their earlier banter, the song “After Yesterday”, a sentimental ballad, played perfectly in the background. The soft light of the setting sun illuminated Mo Ming’s figure as he strummed the guitar strings with delicate precision.

Mo Ming’s fair skin glowed under the warm hues of the sunset, his delicate features softened by the golden light. His long, dark lashes cast shadows over his cheeks as he lost himself in the music, creating an ethereal image that made Han Shao Zhou’s heart skip a beat.

He leaned in closer, unable to resist the urge to get nearer to Mo Ming. But instead of kissing him, he nuzzled Mo Ming’s rosy earlobe with his nose, whispering softly, “It’s beautiful… really beautiful…”

Without turning his head, Mo Ming lifted two fingers to gently push Han Shao Zhou’s face away, then continued playing the guitar.