His face darkened, and his tone was sharp, as if on the verge of madness: “How should I know?”
“Don’t be angry, okay? There’s a situation now, and I need to make Ning Ning happy.” Li Shengfei cupped his face and rubbed it, trying to soothe his irritable mood. “You don’t look good when you’re angry. Smile more. Are you jealous? That’s quite obvious, true love indeed.”
Li Shengfei’s praise did nothing to improve Cheng Meng’s mood; instead, it made him even more annoyed. He slapped Li Shengfei’s hand away and left without saying anything.
Li Shengfei found Cheng Meng’s behavior inexplicable. In the past, he would have just mocked him, without any significant reaction.
He didn’t bother to chase after him. Instead, he noticed Han Tian in the distance, kicking a pebble on the road in frustration, and laughed. When Han Tian approached, he burst out laughing: “Feeling down?”
Han Tian frowned, looking at him as if he were an idiot. After thinking it over, he realized why Li Shengfei was mocking him and laughed in anger: “What are you so smug about? At least Ning Ning just distanced himself from me. As for you, he treats you like a stranger, ten times worse than me.”
“Ning Ning and I have a good relationship; he’ll forgive me.” Li Shengfei hooked his arm around Han Tian’s neck, feigning closeness, and leaned in. “But you’re always so irritable, trying to be charming while showing a sour face. Tsk, good luck with that.”
Han Tian pushed him away and cursed under his breath.
He had intended to continue arguing with Li Shengfei, but then he thought of something, squinting his eyes: “Ning Ning likes me. What does it matter if he gets along with you? Let’s see who wins him over first.”
He ended with a smug expression.
“Sure.” Li Shengfei nodded.
Both of them were extremely confident in themselves, and as soon as class ended, they blocked the entrance to Cheng Ning’s class, almost getting into a fight to be the first to speak to him through the window, attracting the attention of passersby.
“Ning Ning.” Li Shengfei, who finally stood in front of the window, pushed Han Tian’s face aside and, seeing Cheng Ning holding a cup, snatched it away. “I’ll get you some water. Just wait for me in the classroom.”
Without waiting for Cheng Ning to respond, he ran off.
After he left, Han Tian looked at Cheng Ning and placed a carton of milk on his desk, grinning. “I bought you some milk. Drinking milk is good for your health.”
Not long ago, Han Tian had believed in the theory that if he approached Cheng Ning, Cheng Ning would eventually come back to him. Now, he had completely abandoned that idea.
He believed in himself and his charm, convinced that Cheng Ning still liked him and was just playing hard to get.
Feelings for someone don’t change so quickly.
Cheng Ning stared at Han Tian. “What do you want?”
The wary question left Han Tian momentarily stunned, deeply affected. He explained, “I don’t want anything. I just came to give you some milk. Really… I know I was wrong before. Don’t worry, I won’t bother you. I’ve delivered the milk, and I’ll leave now.”
“Wait.” Cheng Ning called out to him.
Han Tian’s lips curled up wildly. See, he still liked him after all. He would soon win him over.
As long as he stopped the cold war, he would forgive Cheng Ning.
Han Tian turned back, a bright smile on his face, only to see Cheng Ning, expressionless, place the milk outside the window, his attitude cold and firm: “I don’t drink milk. Take it.”
It was as if he’d been slapped hard. Han Tian’s smile froze, standing there like a nailed-down piece of wood.
Then he picked up the milk, thinking about how quickly he’d run to buy it, but now his good intentions were completely rejected. Feeling both angry and embarrassed, he opened the window and threw the milk back onto Cheng Ning’s desk before leaving.
“If I want to give it to you, you have to take it.”
He was convinced that even if he left the milk, Cheng Ning would drink it.
But Cheng Ning didn’t drink it. He put the milk back outside the window and ignored it.
The classroom was noisy, but Cheng Ning heard the sound of pages turning. It was a small, easily overlooked sound, yet he noticed it. He couldn’t help but glance at Xu Wangzhi, who was sitting next to him, reading a book.
When he arrived at the classroom in the morning, class had already started, and he hadn’t exchanged any words with Xu Wangzhi.
The marks on Xu Wangzhi’s face were still very noticeable, and the scab on his lip had already formed. His expression was indifferent, his gaze never leaving the book in his hands, unaffected by any surrounding noise, giving off a sense of aloofness and distance.
It was a strange feeling.
Even though they were sitting together, Cheng Ning felt very far away from Xu Wangzhi.
He stared for a long time until Xu Wangzhi turned his head to look at him, prompting Cheng Ning to hurriedly avert his gaze.
“Why are you staring at me?” Xu Wangzhi put down his book and asked in a calm voice.
“You’re good-looking… Does your face still hurt?” Cheng Ning blurted out instinctively.
Xu Wangzhi replied, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Then he looked at Cheng Ning and asked, “How good-looking?”
Cheng Ning’s face suddenly turned red. He didn’t dare meet Xu Wangzhi’s eyes, forcing himself to ignore the heat on his cheeks as he focused on the pen on his desk. “Very good-looking, extremely good-looking.”
Then he noticed the corners of Xu Wangzhi’s lips seemed to lift slightly.
The window was suddenly pushed open, and Li Shengfei handed Cheng Ning a cup of water he’d fetched. “Ning Ning, here, I just got some warm water.”
He saw Cheng Ning’s flushed cheeks and paused slightly, his gaze falling on Xu Wangzhi, almost consumed by the flames of jealousy.
Cheng Ning had blushed for him!
“Thanks, but next time, don’t bother. I don’t need you to get it for me.” Cheng Ning took the cup and set it aside, his face expressionless, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor.
The disparity was hard for Li Shengfei to accept, and an indescribable bitterness welled up in his heart.
He felt a pang of jealousy towards Xu Wangzhi, remembering how Cheng Ning had been gentle and shy around him for the past ten years, often blushing. It was his own fault for driving Cheng Ning away with his sharp tongue.
He could only blame himself, not others.
“Ning Ning, will you forgive me?” Li Shengfei asked, his regret growing, unable to hold back. “I’m just a bit of a loudmouth. After that night, I realized how much of a jerk I was. Give me a chance to make it up to you. I promise I won’t act like that again. Is that okay?”
Facing his expectant gaze, Cheng Ning pressed his lips together and replied coldly, “No.”
His indifferent attitude made it clear he wouldn’t trust Li Shengfei again.
“Why are you so heartless, Ning Ning?” Li Shengfei murmured, looking at him with a hint of pity.
Cheng Ning truly wanted to know how sincere he was, so he slowly raised his head and looked into his eyes.
Li Shengfei gave him a smile, but internally he thought: ‘I’ve already come to you, humbling myself to make peace, and you’ve agreed. What more do you want? You agree now, but if you regret it later, without me and Han Tian, who else do you have around you?’
Li Shengfei and Han Tian didn’t understand anything. They thought he couldn’t live without the two of them.
Cheng Ning chuckled softly, drawing the curtains, not wanting to see Li Shengfei anymore.
“The heartless one isn’t me, it’s you.”
Li Shengfei knocked on the window, but without a response, he left with a resentful look.
Cheng Ning took out his phone and logged into a rental app, browsing through nearby housing options.
Most were shared rentals, and there weren’t any suitable single rentals, so Cheng Ning frowned and switched to a different area to check.
Xu Wangzhi happened to glance at his screen, pausing slightly, and asked in a low voice, “Looking for a place?”
“Yeah, I want to move out and live on my own.” Cheng Ning thought of something and looked at Xu Wangzhi. “Is there an available apartment in your complex?”
Xu Wangzhi’s eyes were deep, a hint of darkness flickering through them. He replied slowly, “Yes, the apartment next to mine is available.”
Cheng Ning was a bit happy. “Then I’ll go check it out after school and find the landlord’s contact information. If all goes well, we’ll be neighbors.”
He smiled, his fair skin as delicate and flawless as fine porcelain, giving him a gentle and obedient appearance.
The buried emotions in Xu Wangzhi’s heart stirred a bit more, and he responded with a soft “Mm.”
During the break between classes, Han Tian came over again. Even though Cheng Ning ignored him, he stayed by his side until class resumed, reluctantly leaving.
He considered himself deeply affectionate, thinking that if Cheng Ning wanted him to leave him alone, he would, quietly accompanying him, believing that eventually, he would touch Cheng Ning’s heart.
But when he came to find Cheng Ning after school, peering into the classroom, Cheng Ning’s seat was empty; he had already left.
Annoyed, he headed to the cafeteria while dialing Cheng Ning’s phone number.
*
The cafeteria was bustling, most seats already occupied. As Li Shengfei sat down, he saw Cheng Ning in the distance looking for a place to sit and waved, calling out loudly, “Ning Ning, over here, sit next to me.”
He patted the empty seat beside him, eager for Cheng Ning to come over.
But the young man with delicate features merely glanced over indifferently and chose to sit in a corner instead.
Upon closer inspection, he saw that sitting across from him was none other than his deskmate, Xu Wangzhi.
Why did that guy keep haunting him?
Li Shengfei slammed his chopsticks down in frustration, and the next second, someone sat beside him.
Han Tian, who hadn’t gotten through on the phone, stared at Cheng Ning with a dark gaze. Seeing the smile on his face, his anger grew, and he asked Li Shengfei, “Are you still going to keep trying?”
“What?”
“Keep trying to win him over.”
Li Shengfei said nothing.
Han Tian spoke first: “I’ve decided to give up. Why should I try to win him over? He was never likable, and everything I said was the truth. He should be the one to change, not me trying to win him over. It’s laughable.”
Li Shengfei thought he made some sense and noticed his anger. “Then don’t try. I’ll do it.”
Han Tian: “…”
“Go to hell.” He said, “We can’t win him over now. He’s like a stone that won’t warm up. He thinks we’re the ones who wronged him. Ha.”
“If he’s a stone that won’t warm up, then I’m the one who represents it.” Li Shengfei sneered.
Han Tian wanted to smash the plate of food in his face but suddenly noticed the person sitting in front of Cheng Ning, leaning back in his chair with a lazy, relaxed posture.
“Why is that guy appearing around Ning Ning so often? I remember Ning Ning was fine before, but ever since he showed up, things seem to have changed.”
“You mean Xu Wangzhi? I also find him strange.” Li Shengfei agreed. “I even suspect he’s been influencing Ning Ning, the reason Ning Ning is distancing himself from us.”
Cheng Ning was unaware of their thoughts. After finishing his meal, he called his homeroom teacher to excuse himself from evening self-study, planning to go home and pack his things to stay in a hotel for a few days. Once he secured a place, he would move in directly.
After school in the afternoon, Cheng Ning left through the back door of the classroom, avoiding Han Tian, who was waiting at the entrance, and took a car back to the villa.
To his surprise, Mother Cheng was sitting on the sofa, seemingly waiting for him. When she saw him return, she put down her coffee and said warmly, “Ning Ning, come sit.”
Cheng Ning didn’t go over. Instead, he went upstairs, quickly packed his clothes, and when he was about to put the rabbit plushie Xu Wangzhi had given him into his suitcase, he suddenly remembered something and went downstairs to ask Mother Cheng, “Where’s the parrot?”
“I gave it away,” Mother Cheng replied. “Since no one was in your room after you left, it kept making noise, and it was driving me crazy, so I had Aunt Chen take it home. If you really want it, I can have her bring it back.”
Cheng Ning accepted that it was given to Aunt Chen and said nothing more, returning to his room to bring his suitcase down, ready to leave.
Mother Cheng had intended to have a proper conversation with him, but seeing him with a suitcase, she frowned, her coffee forgotten.
“What are you doing? Are you leaving home because I gave away the parrot?”
“Yes, I’m moving out.” Cheng Ning paused in his steps, speaking coldly.
“Stop right there!” Seeing his determination, Mother Cheng stood up and blocked his path, almost too angry to speak. After a few seconds, she stared into his eyes. “What I said to you yesterday was right, but what are you doing now, moving out for what?”
‘You’re really turning against me. Let’s see if you dare to leave today.’
Noticing Mother Cheng’s anger, Cheng Ning didn’t back down. “I’m not as sensible as you think, so if Cheng Meng provokes me, I won’t yield to him. You probably don’t want to see that, so it’s better if I move out.”
Mother Cheng frowned. “I’ve already told you I was wrong. Just ignore Cheng Meng. Are you still going to move out?”
Cheng Ning’s expression changed, which was as good as an admission.
Mother Cheng’s face turned cold, her tone harsh. “Do you really expect me to apologize to you? For a mother to apologize to her son? Is that it?”
“I never thought of that.” Cheng Ning smiled faintly, sidestepping her and heading outside.
“Cheng Ning,” Mother Cheng shouted in desperation, “if you leave now, don’t think about coming back.”
Without even turning his head, the young man left without any hesitation.
Mother Cheng stood at the door in disbelief, her pride preventing her from chasing after him to ask him to stay. Instead, she let him leave.
What a mess.
Mother Cheng turned and collapsed onto the sofa, holding her head in exhaustion.
The area was devoid of taxis, and it would take ten minutes to reach the main road. Cheng Ning, pulling his suitcase, soon broke into a sweat, his cheeks flushed.
Just as he stopped to rest, a black car slowly pulled up in front of him, blocking his path.
A man in a black trench coat got out of the car, picked up Cheng Ning’s suitcase, and placed it in the trunk.
“Brother Zhou? Why are you here?” Cheng Ning was surprised, not expecting Zhou Xundu to appear suddenly.
“I went to your school to find you but couldn’t, so I figured you’d be home packing.” Zhou Xundu opened the passenger door, smiling. “Ning Ning, get in.”
Feeling a warmth in his heart, Cheng Ning got in the car and asked Zhou Xundu to take him to the complex where Xu Wangzhi lived. “Thank you, Brother Zhou.”
Zhou Xundu’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, and he asked casually, “Why are you going there, Ning Ning?”
“To rent a place,” Cheng Ning replied.
“I have a room for you at my place. Why go through the trouble of renting? Is this because of Cheng Meng?”
Cheng Ning had thought he knew the whole story, but hearing this, he briefly explained the situation.
His tone was calm, as if recounting someone else’s story, even when repeating Cheng Meng’s hurtful words, he remained composed, which only made it more heartbreaking.
Zhou Xundu glanced at him and said softly, “Cheng Meng went too far, and Auntie was wrong. Don’t take their words to heart, Ning Ning.”
“Brother Zhou, do you like Cheng Meng?” Cheng Ning suddenly asked.
“Like him? I find him quite annoying.” Zhou Xundu smiled indulgently. “I like anything or anyone that makes Ning Ning happy. I only like Ning Ning.”
He didn’t clarify the meaning of that ‘like,’ and Cheng Ning didn’t press further.
Since he insisted on going to the complex, Zhou Xundu reluctantly took him there. By the time they arrived, it was already eight o’clock, and the sky was completely dark.
Cheng Ning found the landlord’s phone number, called to inquire, and eventually rented a one-bedroom, one-living room, one-bathroom apartment.
About ten minutes later, the landlord arrived with the contract and keys. After signing the contract and receiving the rent, he handed the keys to Cheng Ning with a smile. “I’ve had someone clean it, so it’s very tidy. You can have someone clean it again if you like.”
After speaking, he glanced at the distinguished-looking Zhou Xundu with curiosity and asked, “Are you two brothers? Living together?”
“Yes.” Zhou Xundu smiled at the landlord.
The landlord felt a chill down his spine, sensing that the smile wasn’t as friendly as it seemed, and quickly turned to leave.
The apartment was generally fine, but there was a bit of dust on the surface. Cheng Ning put his suitcase down and began cleaning.
Zhou Xundu took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and joined in.
By the time they finished cleaning, it was already ten o’clock at night, and Cheng Ning’s stomach was growling in protest. He washed his face and asked Zhou Xundu, who was putting on his coat, “Brother Zhou, have you eaten?”
“No,” Zhou Xundu shook his head.
In truth, he had eaten, but he didn’t mind having another meal with Cheng Ning.
Cheng Ning smiled. “Then let me treat you to dinner, Brother Zhou. You’ve helped me a lot.”
Zhou Xundu didn’t refuse.
The restaurant was his choice, and it was only after they finished eating that Cheng Ning realized it was a couple restaurant, surrounded by sweet, loving couples, making him and Zhou Xundu stand out.
People had already started speculating about their relationship, and Cheng Ning couldn’t sit still, quickly getting up and leaving the restaurant.
Zhou Xundu noticed his embarrassment and chuckled, explaining that he hadn’t realized it was a couple restaurant, and drove him back to the complex.
The clouds in the sky had dispersed at some point, revealing a crescent moon, its cool light illuminating the earth.
The handsome man leaned elegantly against the car, smiling at Cheng Ning. “Goodnight, Ning Ning. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
“Brother Zhou, don’t you have work tomorrow?” Cheng Ning was taken aback. “You don’t have to pick me up for school; I can take the bus from the entrance.”
“I’m not busy, and besides, work isn’t as important as Ning Ning. I want to spend more time with you.” Zhou Xundu said.
‘I hope Ning Ning won’t refuse me.’
Hearing the voice in his heart, Cheng Ning held back his refusal, pausing before saying, “Thank you, Brother Zhou.”
He entered the elevator, and even without looking back, he could feel Zhou Xundu’s intense gaze on him.
The corridor was dimly lit. Cheng Ning opened the door to his apartment, remembering he hadn’t returned the clothes he’d borrowed from Zhou Xundu. He picked up the clothes and stood by the corridor window, opening it.
He had intended to call out to Zhou Xundu, but instead, he saw someone unexpected.
Cheng Ning closed his mouth, afraid of being discovered, and moved aside, expressionless, watching the person below.
The moonlight filtered through the trees, and under the tree, Cheng Meng leaned into Zhou Xundu’s embrace, saying happily, “What’s so special about Cheng Ning that makes you treat him well? Brother Zhou, I like you.”
“You like me too, so don’t like Cheng Ning anymore. He’s a bad, selfish person who took everything from me. Someone like him doesn’t deserve Brother Zhou’s affection.”
“Brother Zhou, you should treat me well…”
The coquettish voice was particularly clear in the surrounding silence, making it hard to ignore.
Cheng Ning saw Cheng Meng’s face pressed tightly against Zhou Xundu’s chest, still flushed, and no longer saw the arrogant, mocking figure he usually was.
He remembered Zhou Xundu’s words in the car—like, quite annoying, anything or anyone that makes Ning Ning happy, I like.
Suddenly, he was curious about Zhou Xundu’s reaction.
The gentle, reserved man didn’t push Cheng Meng away, allowing him to hold onto him, nor did he refute his words, as if tacitly agreeing with him, his expression unreadable.
After a moment, he raised a hand to gently stroke Cheng Meng’s head, still saying nothing.
It was definitely an action one would take with someone they liked, intimate and familiar, as if it had been done many times before.
Cheng Ning’s face remained impassive, his eyes numb.
He had previously thought Zhou Xundu was like Han Tian and the others, but now he no longer believed that. In the matter concerning Cheng Meng, the essence of their actions was completely different.
Zhou Xundu’s touch seemed like encouragement and agreement, making Cheng Meng smile instantly.
He clung to Zhou Xundu’s clothes, happily nuzzling into his embrace, his tone soft and coquettish, the kind one would only use with someone they liked: “Brother Zhou, you didn’t reject me. Does that mean I have a chance?”