The ideal “day for two” was full of promise—but reality often hits hard.
After returning from the bar, Bai Qingzhou followed Nie Xingchao’s advice and casually sent Xia Xinghe a message.
[Bai: Heard you’re signing a contract with Nanfeng Films tomorrow?]
[Bai: I happen to be going that way too. I can give you a ride.]
Nie Xingchao had said that pursuing someone was an art: you have to show concern subtly. Be too obvious, and it comes off greasy; too hidden, and the other person won’t even notice. So Bai Qingzhou thought hard and chose what he felt was the perfect phrasing.
After sending the message, he even practiced in front of the mirror with a blank expression, rehearsing how he’d greet Xia Xinghe the next day. But not long after, a reply came back.
[Little Bamboo: Huh?]
[Little Bamboo: No need, thanks~]
[Little Bamboo: I’ve already made plans with my editor. We’re sharing a cab.]
Xia Xinghe’s tone was light and cheerful, but Bai Qingzhou’s brow immediately furrowed.
He’s going with that editor?
Of course, Bai Qingzhou knew who that was—Xia Xinghe’s editor, a young woman Xia Xinghe once called “super cute.” Even when he was still recovering from his illness, he went out to eat with her.
Are they really that close? Why is she always around?
[Bai: What is she going for?]
[Little Bamboo: What else? Signing the contract, obviously.]
[Little Bamboo: It’s a tripartite contract. The editor represents the platform. I don’t have to be there, but she must attend.]
Alright then. At least it’s for work—it’s a much more legitimate reason than his own.
Bai Qingzhou was speechless.
His brows furrowed even tighter. After a moment, he opened WeChat and found Nie Xingchao in his contacts.
[Bai: Nie-ge?]
[Nie says every day: What’s up?]
Bai Qingzhou lowered his eyes and told him the latest developments. Nie Xingchao replied quickly.
[Nie says every day: Don’t panic, don’t panic. Just a lowly editor—nothing to be afraid of.]
[Nie says every day: Think about it. She and Xiao Xia are only talking because of work, but you and him share feelings and harmony. Even though you can’t drive him there anymore, you can still have dinner together! Isn’t that still a romantic two-person world?]
[Nie says every day: Qingzhou, fighting! Let’s get Xiao Xia back by tomorrow!]
[Bai: Okay.]
The pep talk was loud and clear, but reality still had other plans—it was set on slapping him in the face.
….
The next afternoon, Bai Qingzhou, dressed to the nines in a tailored suit, drove to the building of Nanfeng Films. As he pulled up, he spotted Xia Xinghe and Yanmai getting out of a taxi.
It was the perfect moment to bump into them. Bai Qingzhou deliberately parked his car along their path to the building entrance and got out just as they were walking by, hoping to stage a “chance encounter.”
But the two of them were chatting happily and didn’t even notice the sudden presence of another man nearby. They walked right past him.
Bai Qingzhou: “…”
Watching their affectionate backs, Bai Qingzhou quietly adjusted his blazer and awkwardly followed them into the building.
To the left of the entrance was the elevator lobby. It was only when they reached the smaller space near the elevators that Xia Xinghe finally noticed him.
“Good afternoon,”
Xia Xinghe said.
Bai Qingzhou gave a light cough. “Mm.”
He adjusted his jacket again and was about to say more, but Xia Xinghe had already turned his head away and resumed chatting with Yanmai, completely ignoring Bai Qingzhou’s presence.
Bai Qingzhou: “…”
Xia Xinghe didn’t notice Bai Qingzhou’s subtle moves at all.
After all, Bai Qingzhou had already greeted him the night before. Seeing him again today didn’t feel like anything new—it seemed like a totally normal coincidence, not worth paying attention to.
After greeting Bai Qingzhou, Xia Xinghe turned back to discussing the contract with Yanmai.
The contract had already been confirmed several times before; this visit was just to sign it. But since it was his first film contract, Xia Xinghe was understandably excited and kept pestering Yanmai with questions along the way.
The elevator chimed with a “ding,” and all three of them stepped inside.
In the small elevator, it was just the three of them. With only the hum of the machinery in the background, Xia Xinghe and Yanmai’s soft chatter felt piercingly loud. Standing behind them, Bai Qingzhou watched their intimate interaction and felt as if those few seconds were stretched out forever—every moment was pure torment.
It’s okay.
He tried to comfort himself.
At least there’s still dinner.
Then came another “ding.” Xia Xinghe suddenly remembered something and turned to Yanmai with a smile.
“Oh right, after we sign the contract, want to grab dinner? There’s a new restaurant nearby I’ve been meaning to try.”
Yanmai asked, “What, you’re treating?”
Xia Xinghe nodded enthusiastically. “Of course.”
Just like that, the two easily made dinner plans. Behind them, Bai Qingzhou froze in place.
What had Nie Xingchao said last night?
“A lowly editor is nothing to fear”? Then why was she the one having dinner with Xia Xinghe now?
Bai Qingzhou’s expression turned cold.
He followed them silently, his face dark. Yanmai nudged Xia Xinghe’s arm and leaned in close.
“Hey, Xiao Xia, who’s that handsome guy behind us? Do you know him?”
“Sort of… a friend, I guess.” Xia Xinghe wasn’t sure how to define his relationship with Bai Qingzhou, so he kept it vague. “Don’t worry, he’s here for something else—just happened to be heading the same way.”
Yanmai hesitated. “But… he’s been staring at us the whole time, hasn’t he?”
And that gaze was so cold—like an air conditioner just switched on in the Arctic.
“Has he?”
Xia Xinghe had long become immune to Bai Qingzhou’s cold aura. He only turned to look after Yanmai pointed it out, but by then, Bai Qingzhou had already heard their conversation and coldly turned his back on them, leaving behind only his aloof silhouette.
Xia Xinghe blinked in confusion.
Yanmai turned as well. “Hey, why’d he walk away? He was just staring at you a second ago.”
“…Forget it, let’s go,” Xia Xinghe shook his head. “I have no idea what he’s thinking these days.”
The scolding he got from the flower delivery guy last time still left him confused. Even though the guy had later come to apologize in person, it left a shadow in his heart.
If this had been early on, Xia Xinghe would’ve assumed without hesitation that Bai Qingzhou was trying to get revenge. But after more than half a year of interaction, he felt their relationship had improved quite a bit. Bai Qingzhou probably wouldn’t go out of his way to embarrass him anymore.
But then… what was it all about?
Xia Xinghe couldn’t figure it out—and didn’t dare dig deeper either. He feared he was just overthinking it. After all, he’d never really understood Bai Qingzhou’s thoughts. So like a turtle retreating into its shell, he chalked it up to the idea that geniuses probably just think differently than regular people.
…..
That day, the contract signing went smoothly, but Xia Xinghe and Yanmai’s dinner plans ended up falling through.
Shi Yumin, seeing how awkward Bai Qingzhou looked, became anxious. This was a rare opportunity, and Bai Qingzhou clearly didn’t know how to make use of it. So she suggested they all go out for dinner together.
This was a perfectly reasonable situation, and neither Xia Xinghe nor Yanmai had any objections. So what was originally supposed to be a dinner for two became a dinner for four, and the group happily headed to the restaurant.
Unfortunately, that happiness only lasted until it was time to order.
The restaurant had been recommended by Yanmai. She’d eaten there before, so she naturally took on the job of introducing the dishes. Yanmai was diligent and responsible, enthusiastically explaining the menu items to everyone — but almost every dish she suggested was criticized by Bai Qingzhou.
At first, it was still acceptable. Yanmai ordered garlic scallops, and Bai Qingzhou said, “Don’t you know Xia Xinghe is allergic to seafood?” Yanmai suddenly remembered and quickly apologized to Xia Xinghe.
But it got increasingly excessive.
Yanmai ordered stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, and he said, “Sorry, this has onions. I don’t eat onions.”
She ordered beef with glass noodles — “I don’t eat cilantro.”
“No scallions.”
“No leeks.”
“No…”
Even though he’d clearly eaten all those things before.
Xia Xinghe couldn’t take it anymore. He shoved the menu into Bai Qingzhou’s hands and said, “Order whatever you want yourself.”
Bai Qingzhou lowered his gaze, pushed the menu back out, and said, “Order whatever. I’m not picky.”
Not picky?!
Xia Xinghe was speechless. He asked the others about their dietary restrictions and decisively ordered the food himself. The dishes came quickly, and Bai Qingzhou finally shut up.
But could they relax after ordering? Not even close.
When a new dish arrived and it was a bit far from Xia Xinghe, Yanmai helped by placing some food on his plate. Bai Qingzhou immediately said, “Sharing food like that isn’t advisable. It could cause cross-contamination.”
Yanmai poured a cup of Coke for Xia Xinghe, and he added, “Carbonated drinks are bad for your teeth. Better to avoid them.”
At that point, Xia Xinghe was sure that Bai Qingzhou was targeting Yanmai. Even Shi Yumin furrowed her brows in confusion.
…..
After dinner, Shi Yumin took Yanmai home and said apologetically, “My son isn’t great with words. Please be understanding.” Meanwhile, Xia Xinghe, on the way back in Bai Qingzhou’s car, messaged Yanmai feeling deeply guilty.
[Little Bamboo: I’m so sorry, Maimaimai!]
[Little Bamboo: My friend was probably in a bad mood today — please don’t be upset!]
Xia Xinghe instinctively wanted to explain for Bai Qingzhou, saying he wasn’t usually like this. But then he inwardly cursed himself for being spineless. After how Bai Qingzhou treated Yanmai, he still wanted to defend him?
Thankfully, Yanmai was easygoing and readily accepted Xia Xinghe’s apology. Xia Xinghe breathed a little easier and sent another message: “Thank you.”
[Editor Yanmai: It’s okay, I understand.]
[Editor Yanmai: But…]
[Little Bamboo: Hm?]
[Editor Yanmai: Let me ask — are you two really just regular friends?]
Xia Xinghe froze. And then another message from Yanmai arrived.
[Editor Yanmai: I think he likes you.]
Xia Xinghe froze again.
[Little Bamboo: Impossible, no way!]
[Editor Yanmai: You can tell just from the way he looks at you. His eyes literally light up when he sees you.]
Xia Xinghe was stunned. His finger hovered over the phone screen, not knowing what to reply.
He turned slightly, stealing a glance at Bai Qingzhou, who was driving. Both hands were on the steering wheel, his light-colored eyes focused ahead, and his cold, sharp face showed no emotion.
Could someone this cold really have eyes that shine with affection?
Xia Xinghe didn’t reply, but Yanmai’s messages kept coming in.
[Editor Yanmai: Really, you can’t hide love — his eyes are practically overflowing with it. During dinner, he was subtly looking after you, even shielding you when the soup was served.]
[Editor Yanmai: And the way he acted toward me today — I think he was jealous. Probably thought we were close and misunderstood our relationship.]
[Editor Yanmai: Don’t get mad at me for saying this, but I just think being with someone of the same sex isn’t easy. Maybe you could try to bring it up indirectly, sit down and talk to him properly.]
Yanmai didn’t know the truth about their relationship, and Xia Xinghe didn’t want to explain. His mind was a mess. He replied with a simple, “Thanks, I got it,” then turned off his phone, but ripples were already spreading in his heart.
Bai Qingzhou likes him?
It felt like a ridiculous joke, but Xia Xinghe couldn’t stop himself from imagining it, from trying to find the signs.
Thinking back, Bai Qingzhou had been doing things lately that made no sense. But on closer inspection, maybe they weren’t so senseless after all.
Despite being so busy, Bai Qingzhou still messaged him. He gave him flowers. Said he wanted to give him something. And all those little details Yanmai mentioned — Xia Xinghe hadn’t even noticed them himself — it seemed like in daily life, Bai Qingzhou was especially indulgent with him.
Like how he didn’t mind sharing chopsticks. How he allowed him to stay over at his place. And earlier during dinner— even when he himself forgot about his seafood allergy, Bai Qingzhou remembered.
Once a thought is stirred, it’s like water finding a crack — it rushes in all at once. Xia Xinghe’s thoughts drifted far away, and he didn’t even realize when Bai Qingzhou’s car had entered his apartment complex.
“We’re here.”
The low voice broke through his thoughts. The car had already stopped in front of his building.
Bai Qingzhou said, “Go on up.”
His cold tone carried no emotion at all, and Xia Xinghe, whose heart had just begun to stir, suddenly shrank back into his shell like an ostrich.
“…Okay.”
He got out in silence.
The motion-sensor light in the lobby was broken, and it was dark as he walked. Bai Qingzhou turned on the headlights, and the bright beam cut through the dark like a guiding path, lighting the road ahead for Xia Xinghe.
But light couldn’t turn corners — only a short distance was illuminated. After the corner, it was pitch black again.
Maybe it was the darkness ahead. Or maybe Yanmai’s words had truly left a mark. But after rounding the corner, Xia Xinghe suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Through the gaps in the stairwell, he looked back toward the parked car, wanting to see Bai Qingzhou drive away.
But to his surprise, the car remained quietly parked there, showing no sign of leaving.
One second, two seconds—everything around them fell silent.
Xia Xinghe’s lips moved slightly as he called out Bai Qingzhou’s name.
“Bai Qingzhou.”
The soft voice echoed in the stairwell. A moment later, Bai Qingzhou’s voice came from a distance.
“Mm,” he replied. “What is it?”
Xia Xinghe asked him, “Aren’t you leaving?”
“I’ll go in a bit,” Bai Qingzhou answered, his tone indifferent, but his voice rang out clearly in the night breeze. “Aren’t you afraid of the dark? I’ll stay with you a little longer.”