Wang Yibo caught sight of Xiao Zhan and Mo Ran.
His expression remained unchanged as he approached Xiao Zhan and handed over the paper bag he carried.
"The pastries I mentioned last time," he said simply.
Then, turning to Mo Ran, his gaze calm and steady, he asked, "What was that you said just now—about a misunderstanding?"
There wasn't the faintest trace of hostility in his voice, not even a ripple of irritation. It was a question as composed as a lake's surface on a windless day. And yet, it unsettled Mo Ran to the core.
This tone—so detached, so impersonal—could be called the courtesy of mere acquaintances, or perhaps, sheer indifference. But hadn't they once called each other friends? Shared meals, collaborated on projects? That young boy had even poured him a glass of watermelon juice, once.
How had everything been so thoroughly reversed?
And the one he had gone out of his way for—the one he had genuinely cared about—had now become someone else's?
Mo Ran found himself at a loss for words. Any answer would paint him as petty, unreasonable.
Xiao Zhan glanced around, a smile playing on his lips.
"Just chatting. Idle nonsense, really."
Wang Yibo likely knew that wasn't the full truth, but chose not to press further. Instead, he took Xiao Zhan's hand in his.
"Come on. Let's go ride bikes."
He nodded briefly at Mo Ran—a farewell, perhaps. Xiao Zhan, too, offered a small, apologetic smile.
Hand in hand, they walked away toward the campus gates, their silhouettes side by side, relaxed, strikingly picturesque. Mo Ran watched them leave, a hollow ache blooming in his chest. He remained rooted to the spot for a long time.
They boarded a city bus heading toward the seaside park. Once seated, Xiao Zhan immediately transformed into a snack-hungry squirrel, ignoring everything else as he focused on devouring the pastries.
Wang Yibo, amused, watched him for a while before reaching over to tousle his hair.
"He didn't bother you, did he?" Wang Yibo asked in a low, languid voice—so soft, so pleasant to the ear.
Xiao Zhan paused, swallowed his bite, and looked up.
"You mean Mo Ran? Why would he bother me?"
Dressed in a white tee and loose-fitting jeans, Wang Yibo leaned back into his seat, his backpack—off-limits to Xiao Zhan—resting on his lap.
"I made things clear to him before. But if he ever approaches you again without cause, I want you to tell me."
Xiao Zhan shoved a pastry into Wang Yibo's mouth and pinched his cheek.
"Your ego might be oversized, but I have to admit—your boyfriend game is strong."
Wang Yibo couldn't tell if that was a compliment. His lips twitched into the beginnings of a smile... but he restrained it.
Now that Xiao Zhan had finally learned to ride a bike, the two rented bicycles at the seaside park and rode together along the ocean path. A gentle summer breeze caressed their skin, waves shimmered with silvery light—an utterly perfect day for wandering.
Eventually, they grew tired and dismounted, pushing their bikes slowly. They stopped by a railing overlooking the sea.
Gazing toward the faraway horizon, Xiao Zhan sighed.
"One day, after I graduate and start making money, I want to travel the world."
Wang Yibo glanced at him, eyes soft.
"I'll go with you."
Xiao Zhan smiled and nodded.
"There's still so much we haven't done—hot pot nights, gaming marathons, all-nighters studying, getting certifications, backpacking trips... It's endless, just thinking about it."
Wang Yibo chuckled. His smile, with that delicately pointed chin, was quietly radiant.
He handed his backpack to Xiao Zhan.
"Here. Open it."
Xiao Zhan blinked, surprised. All day, Wang Yibo had guarded that bag like a national treasure. He had nearly forgotten about it. Now that it was practically in his lap, he hesitated.
"You made such a fuss about it. Now I can touch it?"
"I'm not letting you touch it," Wang Yibo replied calmly. "I'm telling you to open it."
Without suspicion, Xiao Zhan unzipped it.
Inside was a sleek box. And within the box—a brand new DSLR camera.
It was true—camera gear could get outrageously expensive. But Xiao Zhan had grown up receiving lavish gifts from Jiang Cheng regardless of whether he needed them. Over time, he had developed a certain awareness about such things.
This particular camera and lens were mid-range. Not top-tier for professional photography, but more than sufficient for day-to-day shots.
Xiao Zhan was stunned. He and Wang Yibo hadn't been together long. Though Wang Yibo often paid when they went out, Xiao Zhan never took advantage, nor kept score. He wasn't someone to fuss over who footed the bill.
Still, this gift...
He lifted the camera, looked up.
"You know this set isn't exactly cheap, right?"
Wang Yibo didn't deny it.
"I got a scholarship, and I've been working part-time. Interning, too."
Xiao Zhan knew about his internships—reputable firms scouted top students from the business school every year. Wang Yibo had not only the grades, but the recommendation letters to back him up.
And though internships didn't pay a lot, it added up.
Xiao Zhan didn't protest further. He accepted the gift and immediately used it to snap a photo of Wang Yibo by the sea.
A warm breeze rose, sending ripples across the water.
They returned the bikes and wandered along the promenade, strolling at leisure. Other students were out as well—summer break had just begun. Most were girls. Some of them recognized Wang Yibo. Quite a few knew his name.
Xiao Zhan chuckled to himself. Wang Yibo, oblivious, was busy contemplating whether to pick up surfing before graduation.
Then Xiao Zhan let out a sigh.
"What's wrong?" Wang Yibo asked.
Xiao Zhan studied him.
"You do know you're the campus heartthrob, right? The number of girls who have a crush on you? Even us upperclassmen have heard the gossip. Sometimes I wonder... did I turn you gay?"
He gave a half-smile. "Not that there's anything wrong with being gay. I just worry I've kept you from exploring other possibilities."
Wang Yibo was quiet for a moment. He hadn't expected that.
After a pause, he met Xiao Zhan's gaze.
"You want the truth?"
"If you don't tell me the truth, I won't either," Xiao Zhan teased.
Wang Yibo held his gaze.
"Truth is, I don't know. I've never dated anyone before you. This feeling... it's new to me. Whether I'll fall for someone else, boy or girl, in the future—I don't know. But right now, I'm with you."
They reached the park exit, where rows of poplars lined the path. Shadows from the swaying leaves danced across Wang Yibo's face, casting patterns of light and shade.
He hadn't spoken with dramatic flair, but he meant every word. And coming from someone like Wang Yibo, that sincerity carried weight.
Xiao Zhan beamed, his eyes shining.
"Exactly. No one knows what the future holds."
He had recently landed a summer internship at a food company's finance department, set to begin in two weeks. Since the company was close to campus, he'd paid extra to stay in his single dorm room through the summer.
That evening, they bought dinner to go and planned to eat, game a bit, and then prepare for Wang Yibo's own internship.
But as they approached the dorm, they found Jiang Cheng waiting outside.
The moment Jiang Cheng saw Wang Yibo, his expression soured. Xiao Zhan knew exactly what he was thinking.
Wang Yibo didn't yet know about Xiao Zhan and Jiang Cheng's complicated history—and there was no need for him to. But Jiang Cheng's displeasure wasn't hard to read.
Xiao Zhan quickly introduced them. Wang Yibo extended a hand.
"Nice to meet you."
Jiang Cheng stared at it for a beat. One second... two... just when Xiao Zhan was about to force his hand into action, Jiang Cheng finally grasped it.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Jiang Cheng, a friend of Xiao Zhan's."
Xiao Zhan chimed in, "We've known each other since we were kids."
Wang Yibo smiled.
An awkward silence settled.
Jiang Cheng neither greeted Wang Yibo warmly nor explained why he was there. Xiao Zhan knew Jiang Cheng was trying, in his own prickly way. Expecting more would risk an explosion.
Just as Xiao Zhan was about to smooth things over, Wang Yibo spoke first.
He pointed upstairs.
"I'll head up. You two talk."
He gave Jiang Cheng a polite nod. "Let's hang out sometime."
Only after Wang Yibo disappeared into the stairwell did Xiao Zhan exhale.
Jiang Cheng looked a little sulky. "Are you mad at me?"
Xiao Zhan shook his head.
"You shook his hand. From you, that's already a miracle. How could I be mad? So, what's up?"
Jiang Cheng shrugged.
"My dad's birthday. He invited your parents—and you. Said we should all celebrate together."
Xiao Zhan nodded. It was tradition. Every year, both families gathered for this.
He thought about teasing Jiang Cheng for not mentioning this in front of Wang Yibo, but stopped himself. It wasn't fair.
After all, this was the same Jiang Cheng who'd been beaten bloody by his parents for coming out. Xiao Zhan couldn't expect him to grin and bear it.
Just as Xiao Zhan was reflecting, Jiang Cheng misread his silence.
"I'll try to be nicer in the future."
Xiao Zhan blinked. "What?"
Kicking a stone at his feet, Jiang Cheng muttered,
"you said it yourself—we grew up together. I'm not generous or noble. But..."
His voice lowered. "I want to try. For you. I don't want things to be awkward between us."
He hesitated, then added,
"Next time you want to bring him to dinner or whatever, that's fine. I don't want you to be stuck in the middle."
Xiao Zhan stared, mouth agape.
Jiang Cheng scowled, already defensive.
"What are you looking at me like that for?"
Xiao Zhan punched him in the arm.
"Hey! What the hell!"
But Xiao Zhan didn't reply. He was still stunned.
He'd been worrying about how to make his sudden romance and lifelong friendship coexist. And before he could even find a solution, Jiang Cheng had already taken a step back.
And he was right—it would make things far less awkward.
Xiao Zhan looked at him carefully, the same way he had when Jiang Cheng had ended up in the hospital after that brutal beating.
Moments like these always reminded him—Jiang Cheng truly cared. Whether as his best friend, or maybe... something more.