Translated by Eve

Edited by Kara

Although Song Xuanhe already knew that Zhou Rong was going to come looking for him, he hadnt expected him to come so soon. Yesterday, Song Jiani had just warned him to be careful of Zhou Rong. Today, Zhou Rong called that morning.

When his phone rang, Song Xuanhe acted like he hadnt seen the contact name. He picked up the call and spoke into the receiver in the languid tone of someone who had yet to completely wake up. Who is it?

The other person paused for a moment before laughing. Brother, I only left for half a year. You already deleted me as a contact?

Song Xuanhes voice was tinged with impatience. Your name.

The bright voice darkened, but it still held a smile. Its me, Zhou Rong.

Song Xuanhe rubbed his eyes that were teary from his yawn, his face void of expression. His voice was flat. Zhou Rong?

Yeah. Zhou Rongs laugh came through the phone. His voice then lowered slightly. After spending some time outside, I came back to discover that so many things had changed. And Chao erI hadnt expected to be unable to find people I know after coming back. I can only look for you to have a drink with. Are you free tonight? Lets go drinking.

Okay. Song Xuanhe agreed, sounding happy. However, there was no expression on his face as he said this. Pick a place and let me know when.

A good friend. Zhou Rongs laugh was bright. I only have you in the Capital now. Were not going home until were drunk tonight.

Song Xuanhe: Remember to send me the location.

After hanging up, Song Xuanhe yawned again. He then headed downstairs, looking exhausted. He searched his kitchen for a moment and discovered that there were only fruits and a few drinks in his fridge. The drinks had been bought when Xiao Yuanmu had still lived here. Song Xuanhe casually glanced at the interior of his fridge before grabbing an apple. He washed it and then took a bite. He then sat down at the table, slowly waiting for his brain to wake up.

A few minutes later, his mind finally cleared up. However, before he could think about how to deal with Zhou Rong, the image of Xiao Yuanmu sitting in front of him and eating in an unhurried manner appeared in his head.

Xiao Yuanmu ate in the way that you would expect from him, based on his personality. He didnt show any expression and ate at an unhurried pace. Song Xuanhe had never been able to tell whether the other thought something was delicious or not from his face. It was almost like the others chopsticks had a measuring function: every time he picked up food, it was always more-or-less the same amount.

Back then, Song Xuanhe would occasionally think about how he had heard that chefs dont like to eat the food they cooked. That was because they would feel full just from the process of cooking. He had wondered if Xiao Yuanmu was also like this. Otherwise, why would Xiao Yuanmu always eat so little? Furthermore, Xiao Yuanmu always liked to watch him eat when he himself was done eating as if, as the chef, watching the other eat would satisfy him.

But, Song Xuanhe didnt believe that Xiao Yuanmu was the type to be satisfied by just that. After all, from what he knew, Xiao Yuanmu wasnt the type of person to feel accomplished upon seeing other people feel content.

Back then, he had been curious to figure out what differences there were between the book Xiao Yuanmu and his real self. The curiosity had led him to gradually pay attention to each and every one of Xiao Yuanmus actions, from his posture while eating to how he looked while working or reading. As he had observed the other, he slowly and unwittingly discovered many little habits that other people would have had difficulty noticing.

For example, Xiao Yuanmu hated fish. He even hated cooking fish. Every time he cooked fish, he would stand about three centimetres further away from the counter than usual. Furthermore, he never ate the fish dishes he made. However, he really liked to eat vegetables. It didnt matter what vegetable it washe would even eat bitter melon with gusto. He would usually eat a few more bites of vegetables compared to meat.

Another example was that Xiao Yuanmu had a habit of gently rubbing a finger over a books page when he read. The slower the action was, the more interested he was in the book.

His eyes also lit up when he was happy. It would look like his eyes were full of stars. Even if he didnt smile, Song Xuanhe would be able to tell that he was really happy.

Also, for some baffling reason, he was really disliked by small animals. Meanwhile, he really liked them. He had even brought the puppy Song Xuanhe had picked up at the orphanage gate with him to America.

Another example was that his jaw would tense when he was unhappy. When he was angry, his Adams apple would bob slightly. When he was losing his patience, his fingers would tap against something. When he was sad, he would ignore other people. Andhe would go through hell to keep up appearances. Even if he wasnt feeling well to the point of breaking out into a cold sweat, he would not reveal any of it to outsiders.

It was only after Xiao Yuanmu had left that Song Xuanhe had suddenly realized how well he actually understood Xiao Yuanmu.

Youre going to see Zhou Rong!The Systems voice suddenly chimedActually, you dont have to follow the plot for this kind of thing. You can completely avoid it. You can invite him out some other time. As long as you two meet, it will be considered completed.

Song Xuanhe had eaten half of his apple. He raised a brow, surprised. This is the first time Ive heard you try to persuade me to not follow the plot.

Youre my host. Ill obviously think about your safety.The System saidBesides, your mission is almost done. Theres no need to take such a risk.

Zhou Rongs been thinking of me all this time. Itll be dangerous if I dont go. Song Xuanhe finished his apple and tossed the core into the trash. Besides, I want my last days in this world to be carefree. I wont feel assured unless I deal with him first.

The System still felt worriedSince you have finished the main storyline mission, my main consciousness has gone into hibernation. I wont be able to save you.

Dont worry. Song Xuanhe smiled. Ill be fine.

*

It was currently the end of June. July was just around the corner. There were more and more people on the streets now. Girls, who didnt fear the cold, also started to wear shorts and short skirts.

Song Xuanhe walked down the street at a leisurely pace. He paused when he saw someone waving at him at the corner. He then waved back half-heartedly.

You look like you dont want to see me, Guan Zhi said, arms folded, Did you forget that you said that youd take me out to eat? I even finally got to come back to China for school break. Are you planning on going back on your word?

If I was going to go back on my word, would I have come out?

Song Xuanhe had already decided to meet up with Zhou Rong after stopping by his studio. However, he had received a call from Guan Zhi as soon as he headed out the door. At first, when he had heard the other say that he was in China and wanted him to take him to eat at the alleys, he had wanted to hang up. But, Guan Zhi had heard about his studio from somewhere and had come to wait for him at the entrance.

To prevent the Song Family from finding out about his studio before Fashion Week, Song Xuanhe had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

Then, whats with your expression? Guan Zhi snorted. If you dont want to go with me, Ill go with someone else. Theres a lot of people who want to go with me. Do you think that I cant do without you?

Song Xuanhe rubbed the others head. He then pulled him forward. Lets go, shorty.

Guan Zhi was taken aback. Soon after, he leapt forward, wanting to smack Song Xuanhe on the head in a fit of shame and rage. However, the other dodged him. He then said, That granny makes food on the spot. She doesnt have a lot of energy. If were too late, there wont be any left. Hurry up.

Who are you calling short?! Guan Zhi chased after him. Im still growing. It wont even take a year. In a few months, Ill be taller than you.

Song Xuanhe smiled. Mn, still growing at nineteen years old. Youre growing up so fast.

Guan Zhi paused and then pounced onto Song Xuanhe, wanting to hit him.

Song Xuanhe grabbed his fist and smiled. The grannys stand is over there. Theres only a few bowls of her tofu pudding left. Hurry up, or youll be too late.

Guan Zhi looked over and saw that there was indeed still a line there. He threw Song Xuanhe off and quickly headed towards the back of the line.

Song Xuanhe hadnt been lying. The granny made the tofu pudding fresh every day. The sauce and toppings were also limited. By the time they went over, there were only four bowls left. It also just so happened that there were three people in front of Guan Zhi. He would be able to buy the last one.

However, when it came to his turn, the kindly granny said, Young man, Im out of tofu pudding for today. Come back tomorrow. Granny will save you a bowl.

Guan Zhi could smell the thick scent of tofu pudding. He stared at the last bowl on the stand and said, Granny, theres still one bowl there.

That bowl is for my husband, The granny said, Every day, I keep the last bowl for him. It must be your first time here. The regulars all know this.

Guan Zhi turned to look at Song Xuanhe. Song Xuanhe shrugged. I didnt know either.

Okay. Guan Zhi turned around, disappointed. Thank you, Ill come back tomorrow.

The granny smiled and hollered for them to come back. She handed two cups of soy milk to them. Have this soy milk. Granny will make sure to leave a bowl for you tomorrow.

Guan Zhi accepted it and gave her his thanks. The disappointment on his face lessened a lot. As soon as he tasted the rich, fragrant soy milk, he felt happy.

Song Xuanhe laughed upon seeing how quickly his expression had changed. He thought that the other was indeed still a kid. He then looked at his watch and said, I took you to eat tofu pudding as I promised. I have something to do now, so Ill be heading out first.

No way. Guan Zhi tugged on him. When he saw Song Xuanhe turn his head around, he parted his lips. However, no words came out for a long time. In the end, he said, I didnt get to eat the tofu pudding, so it doesnt count. You have to eat with me every day after work instead to fulfill your promise.

Song Xuanhe rolled his eyes and threw off his hold. You know where this place is. You can come by yourself tomorrow.

Its not the same. Guan Zhi followed after him. Besides, theres other stuff too. You said that youd take me to eat everything.

Song Xuanhe paused. He turned to look at the other, a probing gaze in his eyes. You keep pestering me. Do you like me or something?

Guan Zhi froze. His cheeks then flushed, and it looked like steam would soon come out of his ears. He raised his voice: Theres no way Id like you!

Song Xuanhe smiled and nodded. Then, dont follow me. Otherwise, Ill think that you like me.

Guan Zhi gritted his teeth as he watched Song Xuanhe disappear into the crowd. His expression shifted a few times before he ultimately decided to chase after him.

Eve: Xuanhe, you dont just casually know someone THAT well and not feel something for them. Also Guan Zhi is so cute, dont bully him Xuanhe hahaha.

Kara: He bao, my son, you noticed he doesnt like fish, because he stands 3cm further away from the kitchen counter. BUT, YOU REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE FEELINGS FOR HIM??!!?!?! ( `) Every time we have an introspection chapter, it hurts me more than anything else. _:(` ):_