PTCQT Chapter 24

When they returned to the school to pack their things, the campus was already quite empty. Even the students who had applied to stay over the break, having just finished the intense days of studying around the clock, were now out shopping and relaxing.

Shen Chun and Xie Baiyuan didn’t disturb anyone, they came and went quietly, unnoticed.

The winter weather was somewhat unpredictable. It was still sunny when they left the school, but by the time their car stopped near the mall close to home, snow had already begun to fall in a flurry of drifting flakes.

Surprised voices rose around them; some people stopped to admire the snow, others reached out to catch it. Snow didn’t really cause much trouble for people, but when Shen Chun got out of the car, he still opened an umbrella, shielding the delicate flakes from falling on Xie Baiyuan’s head.

“You don’t really need to block it,” Xie Baiyuan said, a playful glint in his eyes as he reached out to catch the snow. “It’s rare to see snowfall like this in the south.”

“You must’ve been thrilled the first time you saw it, huh?” Shen Chun locked the car and laughed. “Did you build a snowman?”

“I was really excited,” Xie Baiyuan said. He still remembered how he felt the first time he saw heavy snow, it had been an entirely new experience. The snowflakes truly looked like countless goose feathers drifting down. At first, they just dampened the ground, but gradually they began to pile up. After just one night, the snow lay soft and thick underfoot, crunching gently with every step.

There had been snowmen scattered all around the campus. The students had completely let loose, laughing and playing in the snow. Now and then, someone would play a prank, suddenly kicking the trunk of a tree and sending a flurry of snow falling from the branches, which would spark another round of chasing and shouting as one person ran after the other in a flurry of snow-covered joy.

It had been a beautiful scene. But back then, Xie Baiyuan hadn’t had many friends. He’d only brushed his fingers against the snow on a passing shrub. The cold, damp touch lingered on his skin, and in that fleeting moment, it felt like, through the snow, he had somehow shared in everyone else’s happiness.

“You’ve never built a snowman?” Shen Chun asked.

Xie Baiyuan replied with a soft “Mm.” “It was too cold.”

“If it keeps snowing like this all night, we’ll be able to build one tomorrow,” Shen Chun said, watching the increasingly heavy snowfall. “The rooftop terrace on our building is open, how about we go up there with gloves and build one?”

The idea sounded terribly childish, but Xie Baiyuan found it hard to say no. “Alright,” he said.

“Let’s go. It’s so cold today, perfect weather for hot pot. How about we buy a proper copper pot to use at home?” Shen Chun suggested.

Of course, a regular pot would’ve worked just fine, but Xie Baiyuan didn’t argue. “Alright.”

It wasn’t hard to buy everything they needed. Aside from the copper pot that Shen Chun had impulsively brought up, the rest of the items were all affordable and practical for immediate use.

After loading everything into the trunk, Shen Chun stood under his umbrella and went through their purchases. “Five packs of lamb, should be enough to fill the president’s belly,” he said.

The umbrella was black, casting a shadow beneath it. Around them, large, feather-like snowflakes drifted down. Beside him stood the person he loved deeply, shopping together for things they needed at home, even speaking with consideration for his preferences.

Scenes like this had always been part of Xie Baiyuan’s vision for the future, he just hadn’t expected it to arrive so soon. And now that it was really happening, he found himself even more content than he’d imagined.

Shen Chun’s face was flushed from the mall’s heating, a healthy pink warmth spreading across his cheeks. The breath he exhaled from within his scarf drifted faintly into the air, light and hazy, yet so unmistakably real.

Noticing the constant glances from the person beside him, Shen Chun instinctively turned his head, only to meet Xie Baiyuan’s warm, soft lips.

The tilted umbrella shielded them, turning their little corner into a world of its own. Inside it, there was only tenderness in the air, as if even the swirling snow all around could melt away in the warmth.

They parted slightly. Shen Chun gave a small smile, then wrapped his arms tightly around Xie Baiyuan’s waist and leaned in once more. “President,” he murmured, “this is how you kiss.”

Maybe it was because the kiss had lasted a bit too long, or maybe the tilt of the umbrella had shifted a little, by the time they finally pulled apart, both of their heads were dusted with a fair amount of snow.

Shen Chun gently brushed the snowflakes off Xie Baiyuan’s hair and laughed. “President, does this count as our own version of growing old together?”

Xie Baiyuan’s hand, which had been about to help, paused midair. “Then… should we leave it there?”

“No way. If it melts, you’ll catch a cold,” Shen Chun said casually as he gave his own hair a quick shake. “We’ll have our own way of growing old together, no need to cling to something this symbolic.”

A quiet warmth spread through Xie Baiyuan’s chest. “Alright,” he replied.

After closing the trunk, the two got into the car and drove away. In the vast whiteness of the snow, it seemed no one had noticed what had just happened. But behind one of the mall’s pillars, Xu Ze, having finally snapped out of his daze, was frantically picking up the new books he’d dropped. His mind was a complete mess, and both the tip of his nose and the corners of his eyes stung with a dull ache.

Tears splashed onto the pages. Xu Ze wiped at them, and as he gathered the books into a bag, he realized the handle had already snapped.

Xie Baiyuan and Shen Chun; they were close, yes, but it wasn’t just that. They were a couple. They were lovers. They were the precious, rare few that Shen Chun had once spoken of.

Otherwise, why would Shen Chun say he was in a relationship, yet no one had ever seen the other person after all this time?

The reason no one had noticed… was because it was hidden in plain sight. No one would have ever guessed that when Shen Chun openly mentioned his relationship, the person he was talking about was Xie Baiyuan.

Xu Ze liked Xie Baiyuan. He admired his drive, his strength, his sense of responsibility. Coming from nearly the same background, that person had still managed to be more hardworking and far more outstanding than he was. To like someone so exceptional, it made it all too easy to reject anyone who got close to him, even if that person had never belonged to him in the first place.

But among all those who had gotten close to Xie Baiyuan, Shen Chun was the exception. Xu Ze envied him, yet at the same time, it felt as if only someone like that truly belonged at Xie Baiyuan’s side.

Still, there was a dull ache in his chest, the kind that stung quietly, and at the lightest brush of a snowflake, tears began to fall.

Xu Ze wandered aimlessly, until he eventually found himself standing in front of a residential complex. Staring at the entrance, only accessible with a keycard, he silently sat down just outside the gate.

The weather was freezing, yet he almost couldn’t feel the cold. It felt as if he had lost something, though maybe, in some way, he’d also let go of something. But in the end, all he was left with was sadness.

The tears that fell onto the steps froze into ice. Snowflakes settled on his hair and shoulders. Maybe… maybe he’d freeze to death here today.

Hugging his books, Xu Ze sobbed quietly. He could still hear the sound of snowflakes landing softly on the pages,  Until, all of a sudden, that sound came to an abrupt stop. Only a faint thump remained, something falling against fabric.

Xu Ze looked up. Beneath the umbrella, in the midst of the swirling snow, he saw Shen Chun’s face; calm, even a little cold. That expression bore a surprising resemblance to Xie Baiyuan’s.

Shen Chun was known for his easy smile. No matter who he was with, he always seemed good-tempered, approachable. Few had ever seen him without that smile, but now, just that quiet, indifferent gaze was enough to make Xu Ze’s nerves tighten.

“It’s you… Why are you here?” Xu Ze tried to stand, only to realize his limbs had grown stiff from the cold.

“Stay seated,” Shen Chun said, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. “That’s really my line, what are you doing here? Following us?”

“No!” Xu Ze instinctively denied it.

“Alright then,” Shen Chun said, lowering his gaze to look at him. “You saw what happened today. Don’t tell anyone.”

He was, of course, referring to the kiss. The passersby earlier hadn’t paid much attention, except for Xu Ze, who just happened to be there buying a reference book.

Fate could be powerful enough to make people cross paths, yet cruel enough to let them collide with a moment of intimacy.

“You and the President…” Xu Ze’s voice was thick with bitterness. “Are you… together?”

“Yes.” Shen Chun’s reply shattered the last sliver of hope in Xu Ze’s heart.

“I won’t tell anyone,” Xu Ze said softly, lowering his head.

“Then let’s get you home,” Shen Chun said, glancing toward the nearby shop. “Boss, I’ll take an umbrella.”

“Twenty a piece,” the shopkeeper replied lazily.

“That’s too expensive,” Shen Chun said with a smile. “Every time it rains or snows, I end up buying another one. The umbrellas at home are practically piling up.”

His tone was warm, and his features were striking. Once the bored shopkeeper got a clear look at the face beneath the umbrella, his attitude shifted noticeably. “We’ve got some non-folding ones, ten bucks each, sturdy too.”

“I’ll take that one. Thanks, boss,” Shen Chun said with a smile.

The umbrella was a bit old-fashioned, but it looked sturdy and reliable. When he handed the handle to Xu Ze, Xu Ze softly murmured, “Thanks… I’ll transfer you the money when I get home.”

“Mm,” Shen Chun responded, without refusing.

But Xu Ze simply stood there holding the umbrella, making no move to leave. Shen Chun glanced at the nearby adult store and thought to himself that he really needed to get this “Buddha” moving, if the President found out about this, he might just die from embarrassment.

“Xu Ze,” Shen Chun said, “do you remember the question I asked you back then?”

“What?” Xu Ze looked up, puzzled.

“I asked you why you were so determined to get into University A,” Shen Chun said mildly. “You were sitting under a streetlamp and told me, you wanted to break free from the hardships of your life, to live a different kind of life. And now… what are you doing?”

The first mission target Shen Chun encountered wasn’t Xie Baiyuan, it was Xu Ze.

When Shen Chun had first arrived in this world, there was still nearly a year before Xu Ze would enter university. If he wanted to sever the red thread between the two of them, the most fundamental solution was to prevent them from ever meeting. It was the cleanest, most straightforward method Shen Chun could think of when first faced with this kind of mission.

So, as soon as he was well enough to get out of bed, he made up an excuse to travel to City C, thousands of miles away, and then headed straight to the school Xu Ze was attending.

They were nearly the same age, so sneaking into the school to observe the mission target wasn’t all that difficult.

In the original timeline, Xu Ze’s background was documented, but there was very little information about his life before university. Just a few brief lines, enough to hint at hardship, but nothing compared to seeing it with one’s own eyes.

The prestigious high school in City C gathered the brightest students from the region. The clear voices reciting lessons during class, the boisterous noise and laughter after, every moment brimmed with youthful vitality.

But Xu Ze alone lived in the shadows.

He was quiet and diligent, rarely speaking to anyone. Even when others tried to walk or talk with him, there was always a faint sense of disconnect, as if he didn’t quite belong.

His clothes were somewhat worn, some even ill-fitting. His shoes were coming apart at the seams but he kept wearing them. His hair had grown too long, covering part of his face, he cut it himself with scissors over a trash can when the classroom was empty.

No one deliberately bullied him, but it was as if everyone instinctively avoided him. When he was spoken of at all, it was often behind his back, about his sexuality. They called him effeminate, said he liked men, said he was a pervert.

He seemed to hear those words, yet also seemed not to. The only small mercy was that, thanks to his excellent academic performance, there were teachers at the school who paid attention to him. Their concern kept him from being openly bullied, but it couldn’t force other students to befriend him.

Shen Chun observed for a while and asked around, gradually coming to understand that Xu Ze’s deep-rooted sense of inferiority likely stemmed from this very environment. Poverty and sexual orientation, two things beyond his control, had shaped his world. Yet even growing up under such circumstances, he still held onto a quiet resilience. He was, without question, trying his hardest.

The phrase “shut out the world and devote oneself to the classics” seemed to be an accurate portrayal of Xu Ze.

He listened attentively in class and read diligently after. Even during evening self-study hours, when other students were packing up, strolling through supermarkets, walking around the track, or playing games in their dorms, he would still be sitting beneath a streetlamp beside the dormitory, studying.

Everyone avoided him, but in doing so, they left him a rare pocket of peace. Sitting on a piece of paper, he wrote steadily, the pen gliding over the pages with a soft rustling. All the noise and distractions of the world seemed unable to reach him there.

His final grades just barely met the cut-off for A University, but they were more than enough to get into top schools across the country.

It was also on the night before he left that Shen Chun, standing in the shadow of a nearby pine tree, asked Xu Ze about his aspirations.

Because of Shen Chun’s question, time seemed to rewind, to that seemingly ordinary evening that Xu Ze would never forget for the rest of his life.

To encourage students to stay motivated, the school poured out a lot of “chicken soup for the soul.” Famous quotes lined the walls, motivational slogans hung on banners, and teachers’ well-meaning speeches, all of it left a deep impression during those still-uncertain high school years.

What Xu Ze remembered most clearly was: “Everything in life may let you down, but effort never will.”

His goal had already been set. If he wanted to change his fate, he had to get into his dream university through the college entrance exam.

Only by getting into that university could he possibly escape his current fate, only then might the ridicule stop, the isolation end, and his life begin to change.

There was no other path for him. All he could do was work hard.

And it was on such an ordinary, quiet night, after evening self-study, as students poured out of the classrooms and school staff urged them to turn off the lights, that Xu Ze, clutching his books, made his way to the familiar spot where he always studied.

Beside the dormitory building, a bright overhead lamp hung high, illuminating the path for students returning to their rooms, and giving Xu Ze a quiet place to study.

Passersby might whisper something in low voices as they walked past, but they always moved on quickly. The imagined scenes, someone taking his spot or tearing his books, had never happened. But neither had anyone ever approached him. He remained alone, quietly facing the world on his own.

That loneliness could be forgotten when he was reading. Xu Ze had been reading for a long while. Most students had already returned to their dorms, and the campus was echoing with announcements urging lights to be turned off and doors to be locked. Just as he was about to pack up and head in, he heard a voice from beneath the shadow of a nearby tree.

The autumn night breeze carried a slight chill, rustling the evergreen pines and cypresses, bringing with it a faintly bitter yet refreshing scent. The voice came from beneath a pine tree, deep in the shadows, where not even a silhouette could be seen. One could only tell, by the sound, that it was a young man’s voice: low, rich, and pleasant to the ear. It was almost as if the tree itself had come alive and spoken.

“You’re working so hard, what university are you aiming for?” the voice asked.

Aside from teachers, Xu Ze hadn’t heard a peer speak to him in such a calm and even tone in a long time. There was no trace of curiosity, no condescension, just a simple, equal exchange. And for once, it made him want to respond.

“University A,” Xu Ze replied.

C City’s key high school was considered the best in the area. Every year, many students made it into top-tier universities, but it had been years since anyone had gotten into a university like University A. To many, Xu Ze’s ambition sounded like a fool’s dream, but he truly wanted to try.

“It’s hard to get into University A from C High,” the voice murmured thoughtfully. “Why didn’t you go to the district’s top school? With your grades, you should’ve been able to.”

“…C High waives tuition,” Xu Ze answered after a brief hesitation. “And they offer meal subsidies.”

He could have attended the district’s top-ranking high school, one with stronger faculty and a solid track record of sending students to A University every year. But the tuition and living expenses were out of reach. His family had even preferred he drop out and start working. It was only because C High extended him an offer, waiving tuition and providing financial aid, that he could continue his studies.

These were things Xu Ze had always been ashamed to talk about. Yet as he spoke, he instinctively felt that the person under the tree wouldn’t laugh at him.

Sure enough, the other person merely paused briefly before asking in a quiet voice, “Does it have to be University A? Other top schools wouldn’t be as difficult for you.”

At the time, Xu Ze didn’t understand why this stranger would place such trust and certainty in him, but that quiet affirmation, in that moment, was like a shot of strength straight to the heart. It gave him the courage to speak his truth: “I guess… I just want to break free from the life I was born into. I want something different. I’ve always worked hard with University A as my goal.”

If he was going to give it his all, then he wanted to aim for the very best.

The person under the tree fell silent for a long while, so long that Xu Ze thought he might’ve already left. But then, a soft chuckle came from the shadows. “Then keep going. Give it your all.”

From beginning to end, Xu Ze had never seen the person’s face. Even when he left the spot that night, he’d secretly gone over to the pine tree to take a look, only to find the ground covered in fallen pine needles. The conversation beneath the tree felt more like a dream than something real.

But that same voice had now resurfaced, thousands of miles away from home, in this unfamiliar yet somehow familiar city, in a place blanketed by heavy snow, asking him once again what he was doing with his life.

“It was you?!” Xu Ze stared at Shen Chun, unable to hide the surge of emotion in his voice. “You were the one at the school back then? What were you doing there?”

“I was traveling in C City,” Shen Chun replied lightly, “just wandered into the campus to take a look.”

Xu Ze’s heart sank a little. He struggled to his feet, brushed the dust off his clothes, and looked at Shen Chun, but for a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

Back then, he hadn’t seen the person, only heard the voice. But even just that voice had been enough to plant a seed in his heart. Xu Ze had even wondered if it was someone from the school, and had subconsciously tried to match the voice to the noisy chatter around him. But there was nothing. No trace. Just like a dream, one that could never cross into reality.

In the end, even he gave up on finding the truth. He arrived at University A, met people more brilliant than he’d imagined. His hard work hadn’t been in vain. The joy of reaching his goal slowly faded the weight of the past, and that voice, weathered by time, had grown faint in his memory.

But now that it was confirmed, Xu Ze finally understood where that fleeting sense of familiarity in Shen Chun’s voice had come from, it was the dream he had once chased but could never reach. And to this person, it had been nothing more than a passing moment… or perhaps, it had mattered after all.

“Did you remember me all this time?” Xu Ze asked, a hint of hope in his voice.

“I’ve rarely seen anyone so determined and hardworking,” Shen Chun replied. “It left a strong impression.”

“I… I see.” Xu Ze forced a small smile.

“Since you worked so hard to get here,” Shen Chun said, looking at him, “don’t waste your health, or all the effort you’ve put in.”

Changing his chosen path might’ve left Xu Ze with a lifelong regret, so Shen Chun had given up on that plan. Whether or not he could truly make it into University A had been left to fate.

The encounter was destined and couldn’t be avoided, but the red thread of fate could still be cut, just through other means. But once feelings are involved, isn’t heartache inevitable?

“I’m sorry,” Xu Ze said, clutching the umbrella tightly, trying his best to suppress the ache in his chest.

He couldn’t help but feel a little self-deprecating, because he had fallen for two people at once. His feelings for Xie Baiyuan had been love at first sight, while his feelings for Shen Chun had grown gradually, subtly, planted long ago like a seed that, once catalyzed, had blossomed into a towering tree.

He suddenly thought of his earlier tears and couldn’t tell whether he had been envying Shen Chun… or envying Xie Baiyuan.

“Go back,” Shen Chun said. “People are meant to keep moving forward. Some things, once it’s time to let go, you have to let them go.”

He didn’t want to feed anyone motivational clichés on such a freezing day, but from Xu Ze’s past determination and how he behaved in the original timeline, it was clear, this was someone who could be a little too persistent and tenacious at times.

When applied to serious matters, that kind of tenacity was admirable. But in love, sometimes it meant crossing a line.

In the original timeline, Xie Baiyuan’s moment of wavering came in Xu Ze’s sophomore year, when Xu Ze gifted him a handmade accessory, an engraved brass piece he had spent a long time learning to craft. After more than a year of pursuit, Xie Baiyuan still chose to reject him, pretending to toss the trinket into the lake and saying, “If you can fish it out, I’ll agree to be with you.”

Xie Baiyuan had assumed that Xu Ze would give up after that, but to his surprise, Xu Ze spent the entire night in the lake searching. The water wasn’t deep, barely a meter, but the night wind was bitterly cold. When Xu Ze finally climbed out, he was burning with fever and had to be hospitalized.

That kind of persistence moved Xie Baiyuan enough to fulfill his earlier promise. Unfortunately, things weren’t as compatible as they had imagined. Their relationship failed to withstand the necessary compromises, and it ultimately led to an irreversible tragedy.

The regret of the person involved might even trigger the formation of a mission, so they were never meant to be together.

“I understand,” Xu Ze said with a deep breath and a faint smile. “I hope you two will be happy.”

He meant it, he truly wished them well, even though the pain in his chest was so heavy it felt like he could hardly breathe.

“Thank you,” Shen Chun replied with a smile.

Xu Ze took one last look at that smile before opening his umbrella and slowly walking away. Shen Chun watched as his figure gradually disappeared into the wind and snow, and he knew, the red thread between them… had finally been severed.

From now on, Xie Baiyuan and Xu Ze would have no further ties.

…

“Do you think the president will like this?” Shen Chun asked as he stood alone in the store, picking things out.

[He probably will…] 521 replied hesitantly, watching the host stuff more and more items into the pockets of his overcoat, clearly unsure, and for some reason, the system suddenly recalled a phrase it had once come across in this world: “An old virgin finally getting some action, like a starving wolf.”

The host wasn’t just a few tens of thousands of years old. As for the president… he seemed in real danger. But it didn’t dare say that out loud.

Shen Chun was only picking out the basic models, things that might come in handy. But to a sheltered little cutie like the system, it was already a shockingly stimulating experience.

Shen Chun hadn’t meant to corrupt this wide-eyed newbie so quickly, but adult products weren’t within the scope of censorship in the Origin World. Or rather, the items he chose didn’t fall under that restriction at all.

[How do you even use this?!] 521 couldn’t help but ask in amazement, eyes wide as it spotted something particularly bewildering.

[Are you sure you want to know?] Shen Chun asked with a chuckle.

521 immediately cut itself off: [Nope. Nope, I don’t.]

Haven’t you never used these either? How are you so skilled? 521 thought with a mix of confusion and awe. Human learning ability really is terrifying.

All the items were tucked into Shen Chun’s coat pockets, leaving nothing visible from the outside. As he stepped out under his umbrella, his phone rang, it was Xie Baiyuan. “Hello, President? Were you getting worried?”

“You’ve been gone for a while,” Xie Baiyuan said, looking out at the heavy snowfall. “The roads are slippery. If you can’t find it, it’s fine.”

Earlier, the hotpot base they’d bought looked like it would be super spicy, but once melted, it turned out to have barely any kick. Xie Baiyuan didn’t really mind, but Shen Chun had still insisted on going out to buy a better one. That gesture, so simple yet so considerate, made Xie Baiyuan feel genuinely touched.

“Alright, I’ll be back soon,” Shen Chun replied with a soft chuckle.

When he returned home, a trace of the cold air still clung to him. Xie Baiyuan reached out and touched his cheek. “It’s freezing out there. Why did you have to run off? What were you trying to prove?”

Shen Chun didn’t respond, he simply smiled and took off his coat. Xie Baiyuan reached out to help hang it up, but just as he was about to, a small box slipped out of the pocket and fell to the floor.

Xie Baiyuan instinctively bent down to pick it up, but the moment he caught sight of the image on the box, his hand froze mid-air. For a second, he hesitated. But by then, Shen Chun had already scooped up the box and casually stuffed it back into his coat pocket, as if nothing had happened. “President, let’s eat first,” he said with an unbothered tone.

Let’s eat first? Why the first?

It was that kind of thing—yet this man acted like he’d just dropped a pencil case. Calm, composed, like it was no big deal. How could he be so unfazed?

When Xie Baiyuan had gone to the mall, he had, of course, seen those things too. But with so many people around, having the cashier scan that kind of item had felt far too shameless. He hadn’t been without a little regret, but he never expected Shen Chun would just go and buy them without a second thought!

Now that everything was prepared, it was clear as day what was going to happen tonight.

“President, you’re spacing out,” Shen Chun said, flicking Xie Baiyuan’s forehead with a curled finger. As soon as Xie Baiyuan snapped back to himself, Shen Chun wrapped his arms around him. “You’re so warm… I really froze out there.”

“If you knew it was freezing, you shouldn’t have gone. Serves you right,” Xie Baiyuan said as he embraced him back.

“President, if you’re not willing, I won’t do anything to you,” Shen Chun murmured softly by his ear. “These things are just for preparation, let’s just let things happen naturally, okay?”

He wasn’t nearly as eager as he seemed. Intimacy between lovers was something that should unfold naturally. Forcing it meant nothing. To Shen Chun, it wasn’t a necessity, just a pleasant element of romance, one that was fully within his control.

But as a man who truly loved someone, how could he not seem a little eager? Showing no desire, no interest at all, would only leave the other feeling insecure. Yet coming on too strong would cheapen the impression in the other’s heart. The balance between the two… had to be struck just right.

“Alright,” Xie Baiyuan replied with a smile, his heart softening into a complete mess.

Outside, snow floated gently from the sky, while inside, a hotpot was already set up. Charcoal had been added, the flames licking and flickering beneath the bubbling broth. Steam rose into the room and drifted out through the small crack in the window, melting the snowflakes that occasionally slipped inside.

Shen Chun had brought back an extra spicy base, but Xie Baiyuan tucked it into the fridge. “We still have to finish the one we started,” he said. “Since it suits your taste, I’ll just slowly eat the spicy one myself later.”

The broth bubbled vigorously, and the rolls of beef and lamb cooked in just a few seconds. The snowy scenery outside paired perfectly with the traditional copper hotpot, it was a picture of cozy harmony.

But while it was pleasant to eat, the aftermath was a bit troublesome. First, the charcoal had to be completely extinguished and doused with water to prevent any lingering embers. Then there were all the plates and utensils to clean up.

Once everything was tidied, the living room windows were left open to air out the lingering smell. Shen Chun, carrying a change of clothes, headed into the bathroom.

Hotpot was one of those things that tasted amazing while eating, but the lingering smell it left on your body wasn’t exactly pleasant, especially when it mixed with the scent of freshly laundered clothes. Even Shen Chun himself couldn’t stand it, let alone Xie Baiyuan.

The two of them took turns showering and left the living room windows open to let the breeze in, keeping only the bedroom sealed in its pocket of warmth.

“Next time, let’s just have hotpot at a restaurant,” Shen Chun said.

“Too much trouble?” Xie Baiyuan asked as he came out of the bathroom, towel in hand, drying his hair.

“Not really that,” Shen Chun replied, tapping away at his keyboard. “Didn’t you say you don’t like the place smelling like food?”

Xie Baiyuan’s fingers froze mid-motion. He’d always assumed Shen Chun had the same preference, but it turned out Shen Chun had simply been accommodating him. “If it’s you,” he said softly, “I don’t mind.”

He truly did dislike the smell of food lingering in the place he lived, especially hotpot, which tended to stay for ages. But when Shen Chun suggested having hotpot at home, the first thing that came to Xie Baiyuan’s mind was how fitting it felt for the moment.

That warmth, that shared comfort, it was enough to shift old habits. As long as they cleaned up properly afterward, he felt no resistance to it at all.

“My president’s OCD doesn’t apply to me?” Shen Chun glanced sideways and smiled.

“Mm, immune,” Xie Baiyuan replied as he towel-dried his hair until it was half-dry, then sat down on the edge of the bed beside the computer desk. “What are you looking at?”

“Checking grades. The first batch just came out,” Shen Chun said, clicking the mouse and frowning as he clicked his tongue.

“You didn’t do well?” Xie Baiyuan’s heart tensed as he leaned over, only to see a full row of perfect and near-perfect scores. He froze for a second, then turned his head to meet Shen Chun’s eyes—eyes brimming with suppressed laughter. “You did that on purpose.”

That was a statement. Shen Chun saw the mildly exasperated look on Xie Baiyuan’s face and leaned over with a smile to kiss him. “The president gets flustered when he’s worried. Don’t be mad, I’ll make it up to you.”

Xie Baiyuan wasn’t angry at all. On the contrary, a warm sweetness welled up in his chest, catching him off guard, yet not unwelcome. He even found himself enjoying it. “How are you going to make it up to me?”

“I’ll dry your hair for you,” Shen Chun said, tossing aside the keyboard and turning to grab the hairdryer. “Top-tier service, guaranteed. Five-star rating kind of deal.”

“Then let’s see how it goes,” Xie Baiyuan replied.

The hairdryer hummed to life, its warm air cascading gently over his hair. Shen Chun’s fingers wove through the still-damp strands, combing them with a tenderness that brought no discomfort at all. A mere five-star rating couldn’t begin to describe how this felt.

Xie Baiyuan’s fingers shifted back slightly, lightly tugging on the corner of Shen Chun’s shirt. The anxiety and uncertainty in his heart seemed to settle all at once.

If only life could stay like this forever. He didn’t ask for much, only this one person to love.

Xie Baiyuan’s subtle tug at the corner of Shen Chun’s shirt was so light, so well hidden, and yet Shen Chun still felt it. His gaze swept quietly over those fingers without a word. His own fingers continued combing through the still-soft hair, and as he reached the area near the ear, he noticed a tiny vermillion mole just behind the earlobe, easily missed, yet made all the more striking and endearing as the skin around it flushed a delicate red.

The hair was nearly dry. Shen Chun set the dryer aside and leaned in, wrapping his arms around the slightly dazed, wistful man from behind. As he lowered his head, his nose gently brushed against that vividly red little mark. The body in his arms tensed for a split second, then gradually relaxed again.

Shen Chun let out a soft laugh and kissed that spot. Xie Baiyuan’s palm, resting on the back of his hand, was slightly damp with sweat. He loved this closeness more than anything, but there were some things he couldn’t leave unsaid.

“You still have to go home tonight.”

Spending the night away before meeting the parents could easily leave a bad impression.

“I already messaged them,” Shen Chun said as he held him tighter. “Told them I was pulling an all-nighter gaming with friends.”

Xie Baiyuan’s figure was well-proportioned. Though he frequented the gym, his build wasn’t the kind bulked up solely for muscle, it was balanced and fitting, making him incredibly comfortable to hold, even through layers of clothing.

“Gaming?” Xie Baiyuan murmured.

“President, that’s the wrong takeaway.” Shen Chun lowered his head and cupped his chin, his words trailing off between their lips. “The point is… all night.”

The curtains that could have framed a view of the snowfall had been drawn shut. Cold wind gusted in from the open living room window, fierce and unrelenting, yet when it slammed against the heat behind that closed bedroom door, it could only retreat in defeat.

Shen Chun was true to his word, he said all night, and he meant it. Though they didn’t go all the way, choosing tenderness over intensity, it wasn’t until morning that Xie Baiyuan finally drifted into deep sleep.

In winter, the most comforting place is the warmth beneath the covers. When Xie Baiyuan woke, he checked the time: 1 p.m.

The curtains were still drawn, leaving the room in near-total darkness. Only the faint glow from his phone cast a dim light around him. The space beside him, where someone should have been sleeping, was now empty. Maybe he went home, Xie Baiyuan thought. After all, being out all night, his parents were probably worried.

When Xie Baiyuan sat up, he paused slightly, not because of any soreness in his back. He had always been diligent about working out, so there was no risk of lumbar strain from overexertion.

Shen Chun had been very considerate. Though not particularly experienced, he was attentive, just like now. The bed was clean and dry, with no trace of sweat, and still warm all around.

Getting up and getting dressed, Xie Baiyuan sat on the edge of the bed and lightly touched the pillow on Shen Chun’s side. It had sunk slightly and was cold to the touch. He could understand it—really, he could—but waking up alone after their first night of true intimacy still stirred an uncontrollable sense of disappointment.

That feeling didn’t last long. Xie Baiyuan had long since learned how to manage his emotions, especially the negative ones. He stood up and opened the door, but the moment he stepped out, he was greeted by the warm aroma of food. The shift from pitch darkness to bright light was almost disorienting. From the kitchen came the sounds of cooking, and all the emotions he had just forced down started bubbling up again.

The kitchen door opened from the inside, and Shen Chun peeked out. When he saw him, his eyes lit up with a smile. “President, you’re awake. Go freshen up, breakfast will be ready soon.”

He was dressed in casual home clothes, with a newly bought apron hanging around his neck, faint floral prints scattered across it. Xie Baiyuan remembered they had only picked that one because they couldn’t find a proper men’s design and had gone with the simplest option, thinking it would at least be decent for kitchen use. He had assumed it would look terrible. But on Shen Chun, it didn’t look awkward at all. In fact, it seemed to soften that usual trace of aloofness about him, bringing a surprising sense of closeness. For a brief moment, Xie Baiyuan felt so moved he almost teared up.

“I’ll help you,” Xie Baiyuan offered.

“No need, it’s really almost done,” Shen Chun said with a smile. “Besides, President, you’re still an injured man. You should be resting.”

Xie Baiyuan: “…”

Shen Chun retreated into the kitchen and shut the door behind him. Left with no choice, Xie Baiyuan went to freshen up. After wiping his face and returning to the living room, he was about to grab a tissue from the coffee table when something outside the window caught his eye.

He walked over in a few steps. Though the room was warm, a trace of chill still lingered near the window. But Xie Baiyuan wasn’t paying attention to the temperature, his gaze was fixed on the row of tiny snowmen outside on the windowsill.

The balcony was barely a dozen centimeters wide, and each snowman was only about the size of a fist. They weren’t packed too tightly, but they were small, delicate, and undeniably adorable. Their eyes and noses were made from sliced carrots, and when lined up, each one had a slightly different expression. It instantly reminded Xie Baiyuan of the snowman pictures people back in his hometown used to send during winter.

Xie Baiyuan was watching intently. He had meant to take a photo of the scene with his phone, but before he could turn around, a pair of arms wrapped around his waist from behind. The warmth of the embrace dispelled whatever chill had unknowingly crept onto him, and even the faintest trace of disappointment and gloom vanished without a trace.

“You’re out on the balcony and didn’t even think to throw on a jacket,” Shen Chun said, arms snug around his waist.

“I forgot,” Xie Baiyuan replied, lacing his fingers with Shen Chun’s. After the intimacy they’d shared the night before, so many gestures now felt natural, unrestrained. “When did you make all these?”

“When I woke up and saw all that fresh snow, I suddenly got the urge,” Shen Chun said with a soft laugh, lowering his head.

“I see,” Xie Baiyuan said, holding onto his hand. “You did a great job.”

“Mhm. I wanted you to see them the moment you woke up, so I put a little extra thought into it,” Shen Chun replied.

Xie Baiyuan’s fingers curled slightly, a wave of emotion rising in his chest, something he could only describe as joy. It was hard to put the feeling into words, but the fact that this person kept even the smallest promise to him was deeply moving. “It must’ve been freezing when you made them.”

“The snow wasn’t that cold. I warmed up pretty quickly,” Shen Chun said, placing a hand on Xie Baiyuan’s forehead. “But if you keep standing out here like this, you might end up with a fever. Come on, let’s eat first.”

Although Shen Chun had already been as careful as he could, men weren’t naturally built to endure such things, and if things weren’t handled properly, it was easy to run a slight fever, especially in the freezing weather. While just imagining the president getting sick and acting clingy was admittedly a little cute, Shen Chun wasn’t so thoughtless as to actually wish for that.

“Alright,” Xie Baiyuan agreed, though he didn’t hold much hope for his lover’s cooking skills.

It was clear Shen Chun had grown up in a wealthy family. Xie Baiyuan didn’t know all the details, but he could guess that Shen Chun probably hadn’t had to deal with anything in the kitchen growing up. The fact that he had helped tidy up yesterday—and hadn’t even broken a bowl—had already come as quite a surprise to Xie Baiyuan.

If only he could always be here, that was enough. As for the food, as long as the lotus root didn’t come out looking like a lump of coal, Xie Baiyuan figured he could manage to eat it. But when the food was finally served, Xie Baiyuan realized he might have underestimated this man once again.

It was a simple meal: congee and light side dishes. The porridge was a mix of white and millet rice, cooked to a rich, creamy consistency with a hint of milky aroma. The side dishes were refreshing and light—no heavy meats—and included pickled bamboo shoots. For someone just waking up, it was exactly the kind of food that could rouse the appetite. At the very least, the presentation looked wonderful.

“President, have a taste. I promise it’s not poisoned,” Shen Chun said with a grin, cracking open a boiled egg and peeling it as he spoke.

Xie Baiyuan realized his expression might have given something away, so he cleared his throat lightly and took a bite. Though the flavor was on the lighter side, the overall taste was surprisingly good, clean and refreshing, the kind that whets your appetite.

“How is it?” Shen Chun asked, placing the peeled egg into the small dish in front of him.

“It’s really good. I didn’t expect you to know how to cook,” Xie Baiyuan said after a moment’s thought. “Is it something you’re interested in?”

“Just thought it wouldn’t hurt to learn a few skills, might come in handy when I get married someday,” Shen Chun replied with a smile. “Looks like that decision’s paying off.”

“Smooth talker,” Xie Baiyuan murmured, his gaze softening.

Someone like Shen Chun—just based on his looks and family background—would rarely face rejection from anyone he set his sights on. But the longer Xie Baiyuan was with him, the more he realized that Shen Chun’s excellence wasn’t only skin-deep. He never carried himself with arrogance just because of his privileged upbringing or attractive appearance. He never looked down on others, let alone bullied them. Even if he enjoyed the finer things in life, he never indulged to excess. Most importantly, he was kind and considerate, always sensitive to others’ emotions, never touching their sore spots, and quick to offer help when he saw injustice.

To possess all these admirable traits and still remain grounded, willing to learn and improve, such a partner only made Xie Baiyuan fall deeper in love.

Yet, at times, that love also brought with it a subtle sense of unease. If this person could draw him in so easily, he could just as easily attract someone else. And if he himself couldn’t remain exceptional in Shen Chun’s eyes…

“It seems like I really do need to hide a treasure in your bowl next time,” Shen Chun’s voice broke through Xie Baiyuan’s thoughts.

The spoon in his hand paused mid-stir, momentarily confused by the comment. But when Shen Chun gave him a look, his gaze dropped to the porridge he had been absentmindedly stirring for quite a while, his face flushed with embarrassment.

“Sorry,” Xie Baiyuan said. “I got distracted.”

“What were you thinking about that had you so lost?” Shen Chun asked.

Xie Baiyuan averted his gaze slightly. “Nothing much.”

“President Xie,” Shen Chun said, looking straight at him, “we agreed to be honest with each other.”

Xie Baiyuan froze slightly. He had promised Shen Chun to be open and honest. Failing to communicate was a surefire way to harm a relationship, but some thoughts just felt so embarrassing to say aloud. Still, they had to be said. When he finally opened his mouth, even the tips of his ears and the back of his neck had turned red.

“I was just thinking… you’re so outstanding. In the future, there’ll be a lot of people better than me who’ll like you. I’ll need to work harder to keep up.”

“President Xie, effort is good, but don’t push yourself too hard,” Shen Chun chuckled softly and took the hand Xie Baiyuan had rested on the table, looking him straight in the eyes. “I told you, I don’t go around flirting with other people, and I meant it. Besides, I’m not as amazing as you think. If you put me on too high a pedestal, I’m afraid one day the illusion will shatter, and you’ll just turn around and leave.”

Not to mention his own flaws, just the original body’s past was enough to guarantee it couldn’t stay hidden forever. While he hadn’t been involved in prostitution or gambling, his indulgence in food and drink alone had already earned him a reputation as one of A City’s most notorious trust-fund brats.

What had happened had happened. Shen Chun had taken over this body, and some things simply had to be owned.

He wasn’t afraid of taking responsibility, what he feared was that the president, so pure and upright, likely someone who had never even set foot in a bar, might not be able to accept it. And if that really turned out to be the case, there might be no path left but to go their separate ways.

“How could I?” Xie Baiyuan instinctively denied it. How could he possibly bear to leave the person in front of him? “I won’t leave.”

“Really?” Shen Chun asked, watching him closely.

Xie Baiyuan nodded without hesitation. “Of course.”

“Then… let’s pinky swear.” Shen Chun held out his little finger.

“Ah?” Xie Baiyuan’s pupils dilated slightly in surprise. This kind of thing was something only children did, or so he thought. But Shen Chun didn’t move his hand, so Xie Baiyuan could only hook his pinky around his.

“Pinky swear, hang it high, no changes for a hundred years. Whoever breaks it is a rotten egg,” Shen Chun said with a playful smile. After they hooked fingers, he gently pressed down Xie Baiyuan’s thumb. “Seal the deal, no changes for a hundred years.”

The warmth of their fingers spread through him, and the way Shen Chun pressed their thumbs together resembled a tiny heart shape. It was a childish yet tender vow, and in that moment, Xie Baiyuan could hear the strong, steady thud of his own heartbeat.

It seemed to be saying—It’s him.

…

Xie Baiyuan had taken two days off to recover, and now that he was feeling much better, returning to work was inevitable.

Even as an intern, working at a large corporation required formal attire. Xie Baiyuan had an excellent build, and the custom-tailored suit he wore fit him perfectly. With the top button fastened, his ascetic aura was brought out to the fullest, when he wasn’t smiling, he looked particularly distant and hard to approach, almost misleadingly so.

Shen Chun helped adjust his tie, but as he pushed it up, his thumb lingered, brushing gently against Xie Baiyuan’s Adam’s apple. Xie Baiyuan had already been watching him, and at the touch, his entire body jolted. He immediately grabbed Shen Chun’s hand and said, “Don’t mess around.”

“You look so tempting in that suit, President. I almost can’t bear to let you out the door for others to see,” Shen Chun said with a laugh. “If you end up attracting a few love rivals for me, that would be troublesome.”

“That won’t happen,” Xie Baiyuan replied, curling his fingers slightly around Shen Chun’s hand. “I’m already wearing the ring.”

“President…” Shen Chun’s gaze darkened slightly. His fingers brushed lightly along the collar of Xie Baiyuan’s shirt, but his lips moved close to his ear as he whispered, “Actually, the first time I saw you in a suit, I already wanted to see what it would be like to tear it off.”

Desire, once awakened, was rarely one-sided. Xie Baiyuan swallowed, taking a deep breath, his self-control teetering on the edge.

But just as he was about to lose it, the very person who’d been teasing him pulled back. Shen Chun withdrew his hand and took a step away, pushing lightly on Xie Baiyuan’s shoulder with the look of a perfect gentleman. “President, you’re all dressed up. It’s almost time for work, stay focused, alright?”

“You—!” Xie Baiyuan stared at his innocent face, completely unable to muster any anger. He was just about to suppress his thoughts and head for the door to put on his shoes when, suddenly, he was pulled back by the tie. The tug tightened around his neck, and before he could react, Shen Chun’s lips were already on his.

Having gone through the trials of the student council and even served as its president, Xie Baiyuan was far more adept than most at navigating social dynamics and reading people’s intentions.

He could clearly tell who was genuinely welcoming him, and who was harboring a hint of discontent.

As soon as Xie Baiyuan greeted everyone and got down to work, a wave of hushed discussions about him had already quietly begun to ripple through the office.

“The new team leader is so handsome!”

“Seriously, he’s gorgeous. Definitely over 180 cm, and those shoes? No height boosters at all.”

“He hasn’t even officially started yet. Might not end up being our direct supervisor anyway. Zhuoran’s got skills, he’s way more capable than some fresh grad who hasn’t even left school.”

“What do you know? Don’t you recognize Xie Baiyuan? That’s the former student council president of University A. His investment earnings during college alone outpaced Zhuoran’s performance over the past few years.”

“Then if he’s that amazing, why’d he even join our company? Wouldn’t starting his own business be way better?”

“How should I know?”

“In this industry, connections matter a lot. Xie Baiyuan probably won’t stay here long. If he’s really that capable, the higher-ups will fast-track him in no time.”

The office was abuzz with whispers, but none of it reached Xie Baiyuan’s ears. With the previous team leader transferred, the handover work alone was enough to occupy all his time. It wasn’t until lunchtime that he finally managed to pull away from it. He had been planning to send Shen Chun a quick message when someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Xie Baiyuan said, setting his phone down.

“Xiao Xie, let’s grab lunch together. I have a few things to go over with you,” Wang Zecheng said as he stepped inside.

“Sure, Manager. Just a moment.” Xie Baiyuan gave his desk a quick tidy and got up to meet him.

The two of them walked together, but Xie Baiyuan stayed half a step behind, fully assuming the posture of a respectful junior.

At first, Wang Zecheng focused on work, discussing only the essentials. But once business was done, he glanced at Xie Baiyuan’s hand and asked, “Xiao Xie, do you have a girlfriend?”

“Yes,” Xie Baiyuan replied, slightly startled.

Wang Zecheng adjusted his glasses. He was quite handsome, though his frame was a bit on the slender side, his demeanor more than made up for the lack of physical presence. Altogether, he gave off a refined and gentle air.

“Is that so?” he said with a warm smile. “I really like you as a promising junior. How about grabbing a drink after work?”

If he wasn’t mistaken, Xie Baiyuan was probably into men.

 

 

 

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Ah yes, this was an extreeemely long chapter, and i just checked the next chapters are also this long, and i don’t want to divide the chapters into two, so im sorry but ur stuck with these extra extra long chapters all throughout the novel :>