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Join the ServerAfter more than a month, he couldn’t remember most of their names, but he especially remembered one boy named Zhao Heng—he was the one who had scrolled through Xie Yan’s camera and seen the video, which Lin Chuji remembered to this day.
And at this moment, Zhao Heng very predictably spoke up: “Wow, you came all the way from Tieling for Boss Xie’s birthday?
That’s so devoted.”
Lin Chuji’s lips moved.
He felt so weak that his voice wouldn’t even come out.
Xie Yan had lied right alongside him—about scores, about schools, even down to the smallest details.
So why was he the more embarrassed one?
After two seconds of thought, he understood: Xie Yan had only hidden things from him, whereas he had hidden things from everyone.
That’s why he was being hit with a chain reaction of embarrassment, with no end in sight.
But there was no other way.
The moment he heard them shout their school motto, he knew this day would come.
Lin Chuji squeezed out a very pale smile.
“No, the Tieling Excavator Tech thing was a joke.
My real choice was Jing University.”
“You’re at Jing University too?”
Zhao Heng laughed.
“You’re so funny.
Why would you make up a place like Tieling?
And why did you lie to us?
That’s awesome.”
“I like Northeast China, and I dream of driving an excavator, but my family wouldn’t let me,” Lin Chuji said, fully giving up, spouting nonsense.
“So I was forced to study hard and get into a good university.”
Watching from the side, Xie Yan couldn’t bear it.
He knew Lin Chuji was not good at socializing under normal circumstances, let alone now, when lie after lie was being exposed.
His eyes were red with anxiety, looking very pitiful.
Xie Yan pulled Lin Chuji over and sat him down, coming to his rescue: “Aren’t you from ‘Zhongguancun Technical School’ yourself?
What’s the difference from Tieling?
When you’re out and about, you just say whatever comes to mind.
Why are you so serious?”
Everyone laughed, the atmosphere instantly lightening again.
Lin Chuji looked at him gratefully.
This person was top-notch at reading emotions and top-notch at rescuing people.
“Lin Chuji, what are you studying?” someone asked.
“Architecture,” he answered.
Zhao Heng remembered how ambiguous he and Xie Yan had seemed.
He propped his chin on his hand and joked, “Why didn’t you follow Xie Yan into medicine?
An eight-year combined degree—you wouldn’t even need to take more exams.
So good.”
Lin Chuji asked seriously, “Because my dream is architecture.
Why would I follow someone else?”
Zhao Heng, who was not the brightest, asked without thinking, “But weren’t you just saying your dream was to drive an excavator?”
Lin Chuji: “……”
This time, everyone truly lost it, laughing uncontrollably.
Even Xie Yan couldn’t save him from this one.
He just called the waiter directly to interrupt: “Let’s order.
Everyone’s hungry.”
Everyone was excitedly chatting about their summer adventures.
The food soon arrived, and they ate and talked, very lively.
Halfway through the meal, Lin Chuji had barely said a word, just taking a couple of sips when someone clinked glasses.
He could hold his liquor fairly well, but his face flushed easily, soon turning pink, making him look drunk and easily bullied.
Afraid he’d drink too much and make a scene back at the dorm, Xie Yan couldn’t help saying, “Hey, who’s the birthday boy here?
Shouldn’t you be toasting me?”
Shen Yinan mocked him, “Last time at that masquerade party, you said you’d never drink again, remember?”
“Let the past be the past.
Thanks,” Xie Yan said, his gaze sweeping past Lin Chuji, recalling the shameful, blood-rush scene of being tied to the bed.
The alcohol was already getting to him, slightly tipsy.
Lin Chuji also remembered that day.
Aside from the misunderstandings caused by all the information asymmetry in between, it had been a truly wonderful trip.
Since it was Xie Yan’s birthday, whether as an apology or a blessing, he had to do something.
Lin Chuji looked down, found a shop, picked out a gift, and started communicating with the seller.
[User12322]: Today is my friend’s birthday.
Please wrap it as a gift box and include a greeting card.
Thank you.
[Shopkeeper]: There’s a flower shop and a cake shop next to mine.
Do you want those?
[User12322]: You can do that?
Then adjust the price.
I’ll pay you for everything together.
[Shopkeeper]: Okay.
Any requirements for the flower style?
[User12322]: No.
Whatever looks good is fine.
On the card, write: ‘Lin Chuji wishes Xie Yan a happy birthday.
May you be as bright as the morning sun that day, forever radiant. [heart] [heart] [heart]’
[Shopkeeper]: Ok, got it, got it.
Lin Chuji stared blankly at the emoji he sent.
What do you ‘got’?
Whatever, the gift is bought.
It’s the thought that counts.
As he was spacing out, someone tapped him on the shoulder from behind.
Lin Chuji turned around, met the person’s eyes, looked at him for a few seconds, and then said uncertainly, “Brother Qin Yi?
What are you doing here?”
Xie Yan, who had been laughing and chatting with others, turned his head and looked over.
His gaze was indifferent.
He was midsentence when his voice trailed off.
Who is Lin Chuji calling ‘brother’ so familiarly?
I’ve seen this trick before.
“And then?
And then?”
Zhao Heng had only gotten half the gossip and was impatient to hear the rest.
Distracted, listening to the conversation beside him, Xie Yan missed a beat and couldn’t remember.
He said casually, “And then…
I forgot.”
“Damn!
Telling only half a story—you’ll be struck by lightning!”
Zhao Heng complained indignantly.
That person named Qin Yi wore rimless glasses and a shirt, looking quite refined.
He was also smiling slightly, looking down at Lin Chuji as he explained, “I’m studying at Qinghua University.
Don’t you remember?
It’s been so long since we’ve been in touch.
You’ve forgotten me.”
Lin Chuji looked up, unable to hide his joy.
“Of course I haven’t forgotten.
It’s just that my mom…
Anyway, let’s not bring up the past.
I got into Jing University, right next door to your school.”
Xie Yan curled his lip slightly, his expression very dismissive.
Great, Lin Chuji.
You lied to me about Tieling Tech, and now you’re so casually telling him you’re right next door.
So you were just trying to keep your guard up against me the whole time.
What, did you think I’d follow you around at night?
But judging by the hesitant subtext, could this person be the boy Zhan Wanqiu had said she didn’t want Lin Chuji associating with?
The loser to me.
Over there, Qin Yi laughed again, reached out, and ruffled Lin Chuji’s hair.
“Does that mean we can see each other often now?
After you moved, I never saw you again.
I’ve missed you quite often.”
Lin Chuji, happy to see his childhood neighbor, finally relaxed after being tense all day.
His eyes curved in a smile as he said, “Sure.
I’ll add you on WeChat.”
Xie Yan set his chopsticks down on his bowl with a click.
The restaurant was very quiet; most tables ate quite politely.
The moderately loud noise made everyone pause for a moment.
Lin Chuji turned to look at him.
Xie Yan gestured for Shen Yibei to move, his tone gentle and considerate, seeming very thoughtful.
“Looks like this is my roommate’s old friend?
Why don’t you sit down and eat while you chat?
Must be tiring standing.”
“That wouldn’t be appropriate.
You’re having a gathering.
I’m a stranger to everyone,” Qin Yi responded calmly.
“How about this, Xiao Chu—I’ll treat you to coffee tomorrow, and we can catch up slowly.”
Xie Yan stood up, pressed Qin Yi’s shoulder, and sat him down in the empty seat next to him, his posture casual.
“It’s fine.
It’s my birthday, so I get to decide.
Everyone’s pretty much done eating and is chatting amongst themselves anyway.
You can sit here and chat with your Xiao Chu while you eat.
This place closes late.”
Then he turned to the waiter and said, “Excuse me, could we get an extra place setting?”
The Shen brothers exchanged glances, trying desperately not to laugh.
Only Lin Chuji was still oblivious.
He introduced quietly, “This is my roommate, Xie Yan.
He’s a really good person.”
Xie Yan sat back down with a cold expression, looking as arrogant as could be.
Thank you very much.
Another ‘good person’ award from you.
Shen Yibei decided to help with reconnaissance and asked proactively, “So, bro, how do you and Lin Chuji know each other?”
“We grew up together.
I’m three years older, so he calls me Brother Qin Yi.
Today’s birthday boy just turned eighteen?
I think I heard the staff saying so when I came in,” Qin Yi answered every question.
“Don’t worry.
A childhood sweetheart can’t beat fate bringing people together,” Shen Yinan whispered to Xie Yan.
“Scram.”
Xie Yan looked disgusted.
“Can you stop reading Xie Wan’s comics?”
Shen Yinan said with deep regret, “That’s your romance guide!
Whatever.
You wouldn’t understand.”
“You just turned eighteen?”
Lin Chuji turned his head in a daze.
After being thrown from one situation to another all day, he only now slowly realized, “So when you told me you were born in February, you were lying?”
Xie Yan’s expression cracked.
He nodded slightly, giving up.
“Yes, I just turned eighteen today.
I’m younger than you.
Happy now?”
Lin Chuji, however, lit up.
“What?
You’re happy I’m younger?”
Xie Yan’s voice was a bit dull.
“A whole damn year.”
Lin Chuji shook his head, then let the truth out in one breath: “No, I lied to you too.
My birthday is tomorrow.
I turn eighteen tomorrow.”
Everyone at the table complained, “Are you two really that bored?
You lied about that too?
From schools to ages, what’s even real?”
Only Xie Yan’s heart settled back down.
Close call.
One day apart.
I almost became the younger one.
Based on the Shen twins’ situation, even one day, one hour, one minute—wouldn’t he still have to be called ‘gege’?
His expression improved, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
“Fine, we’re very good at lying to each other.
We’re even.”
Lin Chuji also smiled, his eyes curving.
Great.
Now that we’ve cleared up all the misunderstandings at once, there probably won’t be any more socially devastating situations.
Listening to their exchange, Qin Yi said gently, “You must be good friends, lying about your ages like that.
Is being an adult really so great?”
Lin Chuji felt called out and stopped talking, just using his chopsticks to pick at an egg dumpling in his bowl.
But he was so flustered that he picked it up and dropped it back down.
“Hey, big brother, you’re not very good at conversation, are you?”
Xie Yan picked up two meatballs with his chopsticks and put them in Lin Chuji’s bowl, speaking slowly.
“The fun part of this is that us young people like to joke around and say whatever comes to mind.
It’s called being on the same wavelength.
Someone your age probably wouldn’t get it.
That’s normal.”
Qin Yi’s expression didn’t change, but his face did sink slightly.
He pushed up his glasses, hiding his emotions.
“I know Xiao Chu very well.
I was just joking.
He won’t mind.
But Xiao Chu doesn’t like meatballs like this, does he?”
It was the first time Xie Yan had heard this.
He turned to look at Lin Chuji.
Lin Chuji didn’t want to let Xie Yan down.
He forced the meatballs into his mouth, chewing as he said, “I’ve gotten a lot better now.
It’s not… not that bad.”
His cheeks bulged slightly as he struggled to swallow.
His eyes were bright, his eyelashes casting thick shadows under the light.
For a moment, Xie Yan felt his heart melt.
When Lin Chuji wasn’t lying, when he wasn’t being carefree, when he wasn’t acting like other boisterous boys his age, he looked very cute.
Then the next second, Qin Yi patted Lin Chuji on the back and put a napkin to his mouth.
“Don’t force yourself.”
Lin Chuji might actually have a physical aversion.
He frowned, held it in for a moment, but eventually bent his head and spat it out.
He wiped his mouth with a napkin and apologized, “I’m sorry.
I’m not rejecting—”
Xie Yan felt inexplicably irritated.
“It’s fine.
I’ve noted it.
Won’t happen again.”
“Is this a major love triangle?
So damn exciting.”
“I think Boss Xie is losing.
The childhood sweetheart knows him too well.
This fight is unwinnable.
Strategist!
Get online and ask Sister Wan.
Tell her her sister-in-law is about to be lost!”
The Shen brothers whispered to each other.
Lin Chuji was at a loss.
He should have held it in a little longer.
Used a bit more force and swallowed it.
Today was Xie Yan’s birthday, and after the reunion and all the upsetting mix-ups, now he had added another one.
“Don’t be mad,” Lin Chuji said, timidly tugging at Xie Yan’s sleeve.
“I’m not mad,” Xie Yan said quietly.
Qin Yi stood up subtly, acting very understanding.
“Since you and your roommate still have emotions to sort out, I’ll go now.
But you…
Xie Yan, who just turned eighteen… taking care of someone requires knowing their preferences first.
You can’t force what they don’t like.”
Even as straight as he was, Xie Yan sensed a subtle atmosphere.
It felt like a hint, or a provocation, stirring up the vague displeasure that had been simmering since Qin Yi appeared.
But he was right.
This time, Xie Yan truly hadn’t known.
So he said nothing, just put on gloves and started peeling shrimp.
Qin Yi added, “Shrimp is fine, but make sure to clean them properly before giving them to him.
Xiao Chu is a bit picky.”
Xie Yan thought to himself, First time meeting someone so soft-spoken yet so annoying.
Lin Chuji was truly at a loss.
He turned his head and saw a delivery person walking in with a cake and a gift box.
His phone rang—the lifesaving call.
He took a deep breath, answered, pointed at Xie Yan beside him, and waved, “Over here!
The birthday boy is here!”
The gift had arrived.
Even as an apology, Xie Yan should be a bit happier.
“Wait, there’s more.”
The delivery person waited.
Two or three seconds later, another delivery guy came in with a large bouquet of roses.
Lin Chuji hadn’t yet processed how that bizarre bouquet fit into things when he saw them march confidently to the table in the center of the restaurant.
The two of them took a deep breath at Xie Yan and loudly proclaimed, “Lin Chuji wishes Xie Yan a happy birthday.
May you be as bright as the morning sun that day, forever radiant.
Heart!
Heart!
Heart!”
The voices were huge and perfectly synchronized, echoing through the very tasteful, very quiet restaurant.
Lin Chuji: “……”
“Wow, Boss Xie, that’s quite the display.
Flowers and a cake!”
“Heart, heart, heart!
So sweet, you two.
I kind of want to ship you.”
“Boss Xie, what are you staring at?
Take them!”
Everyone was cheering, taking photos, crowding around to see.
Only the two people in question didn’t move.
To be precise, three.
Qin Yi, who had been about to leave, also couldn’t hide his shock.
He spoke slowly.
“Xiao Chu, you’re so introverted, yet you would do something like this for someone else?”
Lin Chuji: “……”
He stood in the middle of everyone’s stares, raised a hand to cover his face, in agony, wishing he could disappear on the spot.
Why did they have to be so loud!
Why a bouquet of roses!
Why did they have to read out the whole thing, including the emoji text!
He was definitely incompatible with Jing University.
There’s no way Xie Yan and the others would stop laughing at him for at least three years.
No, after this meal, I’ll request a room change immediately.
From now on, whenever I see him, I’ll hide.
No more contact.
But then, a smile appeared on Xie Yan’s face.
He stood up slowly, walked over, and as he passed Qin Yi, he accidentally bumped into him.
But he didn’t move.
Because of his height advantage, he could slightly look down, his gaze passing through the rimless lenses to meet Qin Yi’s eyes.
When he spoke, his tone carried a hint of pleasure.
“Excuse me.
Move aside, please.
You’re blocking me from getting the flowers and gift that Lin Chuji gave me.”
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