UD: C47 [end]

Chapter: 47 | Regarding Damai

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Regarding Damai

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This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.}
Having braved the rain on his way home, Qiao Damai returned to an apartment that silent, where not a peep was heard, which did not surprise him since Du Zhuo had by swamped by company matters for the past couple days, or so. He was now the only person at their house, and honestly, he had grown accustomed to it being two. Suddenly, him being the only one staying at their house for so long was something he was truly not used to, he even had no interest in cooking. Graduation was approaching, and Du Zhuo got busier and busier while he had turned the house into a small restaurant. There was no rush for him to find a job, in fact, there was no need to find one.

At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.

_{When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.}Working busily, Xiao Huaisu glanced up at Li Tian, recalling how Du Zhuo had taken a flight back from France yesterday afternoon, then withdrew his gaze. Focused on the work in front of him, he added: "Maybe he's planning a surprise."

When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.

_{But as soon as he heard Du Zhuo hadn't eaten, Damai sprung up and rolled up his sleeves, planning to go make Du Zhuo a meal, but Du Zhuo tugged him back into his seat and said: "It's fine if I eat just cake. I had a late lunch, so I'm not hungry."}
Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online. Just the thought of it made Qiao Damai quite sad.

But as soon as he heard Du Zhuo hadn't eaten, Damai sprung up and rolled up his sleeves, planning to go make Du Zhuo a meal, but Du Zhuo tugged him back into his seat and said: "It's fine if I eat just cake. I had a late lunch, so I'm not hungry."

_◈◇◈
Closing the door, he changed out of his shoes, picking up the gift that was recently delivered resting on the cabinet.

◈◇◈

_{Looking at Li Tian, Xiao Huasu suddenly wondered: Does Li Tian know about the relationship between Du Zhuo and Qiao Damai, and was just playing dumb all along?}
Today was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"

Looking at Li Tian, Xiao Huasu suddenly wondered: Does Li Tian know about the relationship between Du Zhuo and Qiao Damai, and was just playing dumb all along?

_{{I've lost my mind.}}Sitting back down, Damai slapped his thigh and shouted: "That right, I did miss you! I missed you to death! Food doesn't taste good at all when eating alone! Now I'm all skin and bones!" As he spoke, Du Zhuo smiled from beside him.

I've lost my mind.

_{Du Zhuo walked over to the table n the living room, bent down, picked up a candle, then waved Damai over and motioned him to open the box with the cake. Still caught up in Du Zhuo's surprised appearance, Damai rubbed his hands, grinning widely as he opened the box and asked: "Has it been long since you got back?"}"Did you just get back from having dinner?"

Du Zhuo walked over to the table n the living room, bent down, picked up a candle, then waved Damai over and motioned him to open the box with the cake. Still caught up in Du Zhuo's surprised appearance, Damai rubbed his hands, grinning widely as he opened the box and asked: "Has it been long since you got back?"

_{Du Zhuo slowly lit the candle and stuck it into the cake while replying: "You spent the entire day today out, right?"}
Not long after, Li Tian returned a voice note to him: "You actually got it today. Looks like our country's express delivery service is still reliable. Anyhow, happy birthday, ya bastard."

Du Zhuo slowly lit the candle and stuck it into the cake while replying: "You spent the entire day today out, right?"

_{"When did you get back?"}When Damai returned it had just gotten a bit dark and there were no light turned on, so he didn't notice there was a power outage. "Oh, no wonder they're all white... I thought... I thought you had a special hobby using white candles to celebrate someone's birthday..."

"When did you get back?"

_{{If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?}}Suspicious, Damai then asked Li Tian: "Why are you so calm about this? Aren't you even a little bit surprised?"

If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

_{Du Zhuo walked over to the table n the living room, bent down, picked up a candle, then waved Damai over and motioned him to open the box with the cake. Still caught up in Du Zhuo's surprised appearance, Damai rubbed his hands, grinning widely as he opened the box and asked: "Has it been long since you got back?"}
"It's, like, really late, so hurry up and go put your kids to bed, alright? It's pouring outside and I gotta go close the windows." Qiao Damai was currently so touched by the gesture that he feared the start of a conversation between the two would lead to a nausea inducing exchange of sweet words between them, the kind of words that would require them taking a half years worth of no contact for the nausea to subside and their revolutionary friendship to be restored.

Du Zhuo walked over to the table n the living room, bent down, picked up a candle, then waved Damai over and motioned him to open the box with the cake. Still caught up in Du Zhuo's surprised appearance, Damai rubbed his hands, grinning widely as he opened the box and asked: "Has it been long since you got back?"

_{When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.}
On the other end of the line, Li Tian rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, neither telling him it was actually sunny where he was, nor that it was actually daytime. After putting down his phone, a little ball of chub flung himself into Li Tian's arms, who got tickled for long time. Handling some business from beside him, Xiao Huaisu then asked: "Did Damai say Du Zhuo isn't at home? Today is his birthday, so could it be that Du Zhuo didn't know?" The relationship between those two (Damai and Du Zhuo) was already close, really close, they were as thick as thieves. So there was no way Li Tian could believe that it was Damai's birthday and Du Zhuo wouldn't know.

When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.

_{Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: {How do you know that? Why?}}And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.

Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: How do you know that? Why?

_{"It's, like, really late, so hurry up and go put your kids to bed, alright? It's pouring outside and I gotta go close the windows." Qiao Damai was currently so touched by the gesture that he feared the start of a conversation between the two would lead to a nausea inducing exchange of sweet words between them, the kind of words that would require them taking a half years worth of no contact for the nausea to subside and their revolutionary friendship to be restored.}
Working busily, Xiao Huaisu glanced up at Li Tian, recalling how Du Zhuo had taken a flight back from France yesterday afternoon, then withdrew his gaze. Focused on the work in front of him, he added: "Maybe he's planning a surprise."

"It's, like, really late, so hurry up and go put your kids to bed, alright? It's pouring outside and I gotta go close the windows." Qiao Damai was currently so touched by the gesture that he feared the start of a conversation between the two would lead to a nausea inducing exchange of sweet words between them, the kind of words that would require them taking a half years worth of no contact for the nausea to subside and their revolutionary friendship to be restored.

_{Damai hummed a yeah and looked at Du Zhuo, his eyes questioning.}
Li Tian nodded knowingly. "With how protective Du Zhuo is of Damai, anybody who didn't know, would think he was his man. He's definitely planning a surprise for him, and Damai is the only fool who doesn't have a clue. Hahaha."

Damai hummed a yeah and looked at Du Zhuo, his eyes questioning.

_{Closing the door, he changed out of his shoes, picking up the gift that was recently delivered resting on the cabinet.}Feeling as though as the rain was falling directly on his body itself, Damai's slightly muddled and chaotic mind were finally able to calm.

Closing the door, he changed out of his shoes, picking up the gift that was recently delivered resting on the cabinet.

_{Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold.}Regarding Damai

Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold. But when he thought about what Li Tian had asked him, he lowered his head and thought: It's okay, I'm going to graduate soon anyhow, so might as well go all or nothing. Worse case scenario, I'll just leave college and never be seen again. That way, neither of us would suffer by dragging everything out.

_{The level of nervousness coursing through Damai's veins was on par to what he felt when checking his score during his college entrance exams; he was nervous, expectant, and a bit afraid. Looking at Du Zhuo, he said: "Just now, you weren't kidding, right!" With how he had stated this question clearly, if Du Zhuo really was only joking, it meant Damai would be embarrassed to death.}
Looking at Li Tian, Xiao Huasu suddenly wondered: Does Li Tian know about the relationship between Du Zhuo and Qiao Damai, and was just playing dumb all along?

The level of nervousness coursing through Damai's veins was on par to what he felt when checking his score during his college entrance exams; he was nervous, expectant, and a bit afraid. Looking at Du Zhuo, he said: "Just now, you weren't kidding, right!" With how he had stated this question clearly, if Du Zhuo really was only joking, it meant Damai would be embarrassed to death.

_{Regarding Damai}The rain still poured down outside, and the water heater suddenly clicked, the power had come back.

Regarding Damai

_{Of scene of him and Du Zhuo being together flashed replayed within his mind like a silent film... {Fυck... I really do like him!}}Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" We have to stay in contact! After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."

Of scene of him and Du Zhuo being together flashed replayed within his mind like a silent film... Fυck... I really do like him!

◈◇◈

_{I've definitely lost my mind.}
At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.

I've definitely lost my mind.

_{Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold.}Suspicious, Damai then asked Li Tian: "Why are you so calm about this? Aren't you even a little bit surprised?"

Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold. But when he thought about what Li Tian had asked him, he lowered his head and thought: It's okay, I'm going to graduate soon anyhow, so might as well go all or nothing. Worse case scenario, I'll just leave college and never be seen again. That way, neither of us would suffer by dragging everything out.

_{"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"}
After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire. With a stupefied look on his face, Damai stared at the living room on the second floor. The cabinets, tables, floor—every corner were covered with lit candles, then from inside the study, the man he didn't know had returned was standing in front the door looking at him.

"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"

_{Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."}Right then, Du Zhuo put down his cake, and looked at Damai directly.

Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."

_{Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online.}The rain still poured down outside, and the water heater suddenly clicked, the power had come back.

Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online. Just the thought of it made Qiao Damai quite sad.

_{To which Xiao Huaisu replied: It'll probably have something to do with Du Zhuo.}
Damai muttered to himself: These candles hadn't been lit for long, so did I actually not notice them at all when I walked in from downstairs? It must've been because the wind and rain outside was too loud, that made it hard for me to hear. Or perhaps it was to Du Zhuo, himself, deliberately walking with light steps.

To which Xiao Huaisu replied: It'll probably have something to do with Du Zhuo.

_{But Du Zhuo only shook his head before saying to Damai solemnly: "There's something I need to tell you."}Upon picking up the phone, the first sentence out Li Tian's mouth was: "Wow, an overseas phone call from Qiao Damai, you must really be missing me! Was the voice message I sent not enough? Tsk, tsk"

But Du Zhuo only shook his head before saying to Damai solemnly: "There's something I need to tell you."

_{At that moment, Damai was hit with sudden realisation he did not want to hear that person's name, so with a laugh he refused, saying: "You shouldn't agitate a single guy like me, you know? But you really are capable, aren't you? You spend every single day together with me, yet I never noticed anything strange. No, that's not true, after you started working at the company we didn't spent time together as often.}Thinking about Du Zhuo returning early without telling him in advance, Damai looked at him a bit resentfully as he asked: "Why didn't you say anything to me when you got back?"

At that moment, Damai was hit with sudden realisation he did not want to hear that person's name, so with a laugh he refused, saying: "You shouldn't agitate a single guy like me, you know? But you really are capable, aren't you? You spend every single day together with me, yet I never noticed anything strange. No, that's not true, after you started working at the company we didn't spent time together as often. So could they be someone from your company?" All of a sudden, Damai noticed that this person who normally looked very slim, felt as though he weighed a a thousand pounds while straddling him. With his wrists held down above his head making him unable to use any strength, Damai felt that his current situation was a bit dangerous. "Can you get off me? You're heavy."

_{Seeing him so serious, Damai grinned as he asked: "Why are you acting so serious? You didn't do something bad, right? If that's it, can you just tell me tomorrow, then? Today's my birthday, you know." Unconsciously, he didn't want to face such a serious looking Du Zhuo. Even though the usual Du Zhuo was rather stern, Damai got the feeling the current Du Zhuo before him was very different.}
"When did you get back?"

Seeing him so serious, Damai grinned as he asked: "Why are you acting so serious? You didn't do something bad, right? If that's it, can you just tell me tomorrow, then? Today's my birthday, you know." Unconsciously, he didn't want to face such a serious looking Du Zhuo. Even though the usual Du Zhuo was rather stern, Damai got the feeling the current Du Zhuo before him was very different.

_{But then Li Tian asked: "So do you like him?"}Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold. But when he thought about what Li Tian had asked him, he lowered his head and thought: It's okay, I'm going to graduate soon anyhow, so might as well go all or nothing. Worse case scenario, I'll just leave college and never be seen again. That way, neither of us would suffer by dragging everything out.

But then Li Tian asked: "So do you like him?"

_{Feeling confused by being stared at so intently, Damai wiped his face and asked: "Is there cake on my face?"}"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.

Feeling confused by being stared at so intently, Damai wiped his face and asked: "Is there cake on my face?"

_{Not long following this exchange, Damai really did call him.}
Du Zhuo walked over to the table n the living room, bent down, picked up a candle, then waved Damai over and motioned him to open the box with the cake. Still caught up in Du Zhuo's surprised appearance, Damai rubbed his hands, grinning widely as he opened the box and asked: "Has it been long since you got back?"

Not long following this exchange, Damai really did call him.

_{Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" We have to stay in contact! After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."}
Du Zhuo slowly lit the candle and stuck it into the cake while replying: "You spent the entire day today out, right?"

Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" We have to stay in contact! After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."

_{The wriggling Damai immediately froze, turning his head to look at Du Zhuo while being in utter disbelief.}Today was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"

The wriggling Damai immediately froze, turning his head to look at Du Zhuo while being in utter disbelief.

_{"But, I don't care if you were joking, because I like you. So if you don't actually like me back, just tell me." Damai's tone was blunt, but he also seemed a bit angry. What the hell kind of attitude is that though? If he was actually joking, I'm going to kick his αss! Is something like that even funny?}
"Yeah. I went back to my folk's place this morning, took a nap until noon, then went to my class directly from there. I never thought you would come back. I got got bored being at home by myself so I hung out with some friends for a while."

"But, I don't care if you were joking, because I like you. So if you don't actually like me back, just tell me." Damai's tone was blunt, but he also seemed a bit angry. What the hell kind of attitude is that though? If he was actually joking, I'm going to kick his αss! Is something like that even funny?

_{{If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?}}Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: How do you know that? Why?

If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

_{When Damai returned it had just gotten a bit dark and there were no light turned on, so he didn't notice there was a power outage. "Oh, no wonder they're all white... I thought... I thought you had a special hobby using white candles to celebrate someone's birthday..."}At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.

When Damai returned it had just gotten a bit dark and there were no light turned on, so he didn't notice there was a power outage. "Oh, no wonder they're all white... I thought... I thought you had a special hobby using white candles to celebrate someone's birthday..."

_{Feeling as though as the rain was falling directly on his body itself, Damai's slightly muddled and chaotic mind were finally able to calm.}
"Did you just get back from having dinner?"

Feeling as though as the rain was falling directly on his body itself, Damai's slightly muddled and chaotic mind were finally able to calm.

_{"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.}When he was done grumbling and finally raised his head, he saw the guy who was far away from him had already closed the distance between them. Feeling Du Zhuo's hand snaked around to rest on the small of his back, because both of their bodies were close in stature, when Damai lifted his head slightly, Du Zhuo's lips naturally fell onto his in a kiss. It was as though Damai had lifted his head to all Du Zhuo to kiss him easily.

"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.

_{"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"}Swallowing hard, Damai took a few steps inside, and as he had, the door to the bathroom opened. Gulp. Wearing a towel covering his lower half, Du Zhuo walked out while drying his hair, after a few steps, he lifted his head, then upon catching sight of Damai, he stopped in his tracks.

"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"

_{Today was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"}
"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"

Today was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"

_{Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."}But then Li Tian asked: "So do you like him?"

Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."

_{"Didn't you ask me who the person I liked was? So I'll tell you..."}
Du Zhuo hummed lightly in return, not caring much.

"Didn't you ask me who the person I liked was? So I'll tell you..."

_{But Du Zhuo only replied simply: "Because I wanted to surprise you?" Then after pausing he added: "Why, did you miss me?"}Feeling as though as the rain was falling directly on his body itself, Damai's slightly muddled and chaotic mind were finally able to calm.

But Du Zhuo only replied simply: "Because I wanted to surprise you?" Then after pausing he added: "Why, did you miss me?"

_{At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.}"When did you get back?"

At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.

_{The rain still poured down outside, and the water heater suddenly clicked, the power had come back.}
But as soon as he heard Du Zhuo hadn't eaten, Damai sprung up and rolled up his sleeves, planning to go make Du Zhuo a meal, but Du Zhuo tugged him back into his seat and said: "It's fine if I eat just cake. I had a late lunch, so I'm not hungry."

The rain still poured down outside, and the water heater suddenly clicked, the power had come back.

_{By Li Tian's words, Damai suddenly felt alright. It was just Du Zhuo who confessed to him, wasn't it? So why should he feel so nervous?}"Did you just get back from having dinner?"

By Li Tian's words, Damai suddenly felt alright. It was just Du Zhuo who confessed to him, wasn't it? So why should he feel so nervous?

_{"Yeah. I went back to my folk's place this morning, took a nap until noon, then went to my class directly from there. I never thought you would come back. I got got bored being at home by myself so I hung out with some friends for a while."}
Thinking about Du Zhuo returning early without telling him in advance, Damai looked at him a bit resentfully as he asked: "Why didn't you say anything to me when you got back?"

"Yeah. I went back to my folk's place this morning, took a nap until noon, then went to my class directly from there. I never thought you would come back. I got got bored being at home by myself so I hung out with some friends for a while."

_{The wriggling Damai immediately froze, turning his head to look at Du Zhuo while being in utter disbelief.}
But Du Zhuo only replied simply: "Because I wanted to surprise you?" Then after pausing he added: "Why, did you miss me?"

The wriggling Damai immediately froze, turning his head to look at Du Zhuo while being in utter disbelief.

_{On the other end of the line, Li Tian rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, neither telling him it was actually sunny where he was, nor that it was actually daytime. After putting down his phone, a little ball of chub flung himself into Li Tian's arms, who got tickled for long time.}"Did you not notice the power was out? I couldn't let you eat cake wth your nose, so I got some candles."

On the other end of the line, Li Tian rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, neither telling him it was actually sunny where he was, nor that it was actually daytime. After putting down his phone, a little ball of chub flung himself into Li Tian's arms, who got tickled for long time. Handling some business from beside him, Xiao Huaisu then asked: "Did Damai say Du Zhuo isn't at home? Today is his birthday, so could it be that Du Zhuo didn't know?" The relationship between those two (Damai and Du Zhuo) was already close, really close, they were as thick as thieves. So there was no way Li Tian could believe that it was Damai's birthday and Du Zhuo wouldn't know.

_{Suspicious, Damai then asked Li Tian: "Why are you so calm about this? Aren't you even a little bit surprised?"}
Sitting back down, Damai slapped his thigh and shouted: "That right, I did miss you! I missed you to death! Food doesn't taste good at all when eating alone! Now I'm all skin and bones!" As he spoke, Du Zhuo smiled from beside him.

Suspicious, Damai then asked Li Tian: "Why are you so calm about this? Aren't you even a little bit surprised?"

_{But Li Tian replied flatly: "It's not like Du Zhuo likes me, so why wouldn't I be calm?" Actually, he was calm because after Damai had messaged him on WeChat, when Xiao Huaisu had taken Xiao Yan, he had told him: {Damai is going to call you later.}}Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo. Under the light of the candles, Du Zhuo's features appeared even more handsome when illuminated by the twinkling lights, the frostiness that was usually seen within them seeming to have been diluted. Just like those glimmers of light, Damai's heart flickered and skipped a beat. Holding his own portion of cake and spoon within his hands, he said plainly to Du Zhuo: "I just noticed how handsome you are again."

But Li Tian replied flatly: "It's not like Du Zhuo likes me, so why wouldn't I be calm?" Actually, he was calm because after Damai had messaged him on WeChat, when Xiao Huaisu had taken Xiao Yan, he had told him: Damai is going to call you later.

_{Upon picking up the phone, the first sentence out Li Tian's mouth was: "Wow, an overseas phone call from Qiao Damai, you must really be missing me! Was the voice message I sent not enough? Tsk, tsk"}
When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.

Upon picking up the phone, the first sentence out Li Tian's mouth was: "Wow, an overseas phone call from Qiao Damai, you must really be missing me! Was the voice message I sent not enough? Tsk, tsk"

_{Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" {We have to stay in contact!} After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."}But Du Zhuo only replied simply: "Because I wanted to surprise you?" Then after pausing he added: "Why, did you miss me?"

Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" We have to stay in contact! After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."

_{Opening the door to the bathroom with a swish, Damai sprinted up the stairs towards Du Zhuo's bedroom door. When he turned the handle, it actually opened, and inside the room was nothing but quiet, but the bathroom light was on.}Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"

Opening the door to the bathroom with a swish, Damai sprinted up the stairs towards Du Zhuo's bedroom door. When he turned the handle, it actually opened, and inside the room was nothing but quiet, but the bathroom light was on.

_{Right then, Du Zhuo put down his cake, and looked at Damai directly.}
Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo. Under the light of the candles, Du Zhuo's features appeared even more handsome when illuminated by the twinkling lights, the frostiness that was usually seen within them seeming to have been diluted. Just like those glimmers of light, Damai's heart flickered and skipped a beat. Holding his own portion of cake and spoon within his hands, he said plainly to Du Zhuo: "I just noticed how handsome you are again."

Right then, Du Zhuo put down his cake, and looked at Damai directly.

_{"Did you just get back from having dinner?"}
Du Zhuo smiled in response, and this smile only fuelled the quickening pace of Damai's heart. He felt that something was off about that day, but then Du Zhuo looked to him and asked: "Where are you planning to go for your graduation trip?"

"Did you just get back from having dinner?"

_{Regarding Damai}Today was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"

Regarding Damai

_{"There's someone I like." Du Zhuo stated with every word pronounced.}To which Xiao Huaisu replied: It'll probably have something to do with Du Zhuo.

"There's someone I like." Du Zhuo stated with every word pronounced.

_{If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?}
Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times. He suspected whether that Li Tian guy must've infected him. How could you say a man can just bend? Being around him is going to make even me start acting weird... He was a bit worried, so after thinking about it, he added: "But if you're busy at work or something, just forget it. It's not that important, anyhow."

If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

_{{I've lost my mind.}}Feeling confused by being stared at so intently, Damai wiped his face and asked: "Is there cake on my face?"

I've lost my mind.

_{"Did you not notice the power was out? I couldn't let you eat cake wth your nose, so I got some candles."}
Du Zhuo nodded slightly. "Qiao Damai."

"Did you not notice the power was out? I couldn't let you eat cake wth your nose, so I got some candles."

_{"I..." The words rolled around in his mouth and retreated, and he suddenly found himself too shy to speak. But sensing his hesitation, Li Tian spoke up saying, "If you don't tell me, I'll hang up. I still have to go put the kids to bed, you know?"}
Damai hummed a yeah and looked at Du Zhuo, his eyes questioning.

"I..." The words rolled around in his mouth and retreated, and he suddenly found himself too shy to speak. But sensing his hesitation, Li Tian spoke up saying, "If you don't tell me, I'll hang up. I still have to go put the kids to bed, you know?"

_{Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."}
"After graduation, let's stay in contact."

Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."

_{At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.}"After graduation, let's stay in contact."

At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.

_{Not long after, Li Tian returned a voice note to him: "You actually got it today. Looks like our country's express delivery service is still reliable. Anyhow, happy birthday, ya bastard."}When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.

Not long after, Li Tian returned a voice note to him: "You actually got it today. Looks like our country's express delivery service is still reliable. Anyhow, happy birthday, ya bastard."

_{Of scene of him and Du Zhuo being together flashed replayed within his mind like a silent film... Fυck... I really do like him!}
Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" We have to stay in contact! After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."

Of scene of him and Du Zhuo being together flashed replayed within his mind like a silent film... Fυck... I really do like him!

_{Opening the door to the bathroom with a swish, Damai sprinted up the stairs towards Du Zhuo's bedroom door. When he turned the handle, it actually opened, and inside the room was nothing but quiet, but the bathroom light was on.}
"Did you not notice the power was out? I couldn't let you eat cake wth your nose, so I got some candles."

Opening the door to the bathroom with a swish, Damai sprinted up the stairs towards Du Zhuo's bedroom door. When he turned the handle, it actually opened, and inside the room was nothing but quiet, but the bathroom light was on.

_{iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more.}Having braved the rain on his way home, Qiao Damai returned to an apartment that silent, where not a peep was heard, which did not surprise him since Du Zhuo had by swamped by company matters for the past couple days, or so. He was now the only person at their house, and honestly, he had grown accustomed to it being two. Suddenly, him being the only one staying at their house for so long was something he was truly not used to, he even had no interest in cooking. Graduation was approaching, and Du Zhuo got busier and busier while he had turned the house into a small restaurant. There was no rush for him to find a job, in fact, there was no need to find one.

iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more. There's, like, no more. But, on the positive side, I got a slot for another story freed up, silver lining and all that jazz~ இ௰இ [][]Okay, I took myself a minute... or five... anyhow, the new pickup is called Childhood Chronicles, it's from the same author of The Long Road Ahead, and the first chapter is up with this release. My final note for this story will be that it is one that will always be dear to my heart, it was the bright spot on some seriously shіtty days, and my forehead got many a slap on account of Li Tian's shenanigans. I hope it was a bright spot for you guys too. Catch you all on the next one

_{Du Zhuo then reached out to pull Damai's hand, but the tug caught Damai off guard, and he was pulled into the seat where Du Zhuo was sitting before being firmly held down on the sofa from above. Damai wanted to lift his leg in an attempt to flip Du Zhuo off, but thinking about the other man's health, he decided against it in the end.}
When Damai returned it had just gotten a bit dark and there were no light turned on, so he didn't notice there was a power outage. "Oh, no wonder they're all white... I thought... I thought you had a special hobby using white candles to celebrate someone's birthday..."

Du Zhuo then reached out to pull Damai's hand, but the tug caught Damai off guard, and he was pulled into the seat where Du Zhuo was sitting before being firmly held down on the sofa from above. Damai wanted to lift his leg in an attempt to flip Du Zhuo off, but thinking about the other man's health, he decided against it in the end. Gritting his teeth, he then asked: "What's wrong? Is the person who's your partner that precious? Can't say anything?"

_{So despite the one who lifting their head only doing so because he wanted to scream: Were you actually kidding, you fυcker?!}
Right then, Du Zhuo put down his cake, and looked at Damai directly.

So despite the one who lifting their head only doing so because he wanted to scream: Were you actually kidding, you fυcker?!

_{Du Zhuo hummed lightly in return, not caring much.}
Feeling confused by being stared at so intently, Damai wiped his face and asked: "Is there cake on my face?"

Du Zhuo hummed lightly in return, not caring much.

_{Du Zhuo slowly lit the candle and stuck it into the cake while replying: "You spent the entire day today out, right?"}And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.

Du Zhuo slowly lit the candle and stuck it into the cake while replying: "You spent the entire day today out, right?"

_{Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.}On the other end of the line, Li Tian rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, neither telling him it was actually sunny where he was, nor that it was actually daytime. After putting down his phone, a little ball of chub flung himself into Li Tian's arms, who got tickled for long time. Handling some business from beside him, Xiao Huaisu then asked: "Did Damai say Du Zhuo isn't at home? Today is his birthday, so could it be that Du Zhuo didn't know?" The relationship between those two (Damai and Du Zhuo) was already close, really close, they were as thick as thieves. So there was no way Li Tian could believe that it was Damai's birthday and Du Zhuo wouldn't know.

Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.

_{And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.}
But Du Zhuo only shook his head before saying to Damai solemnly: "There's something I need to tell you."

And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.

_{After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire.}
Seeing him so serious, Damai grinned as he asked: "Why are you acting so serious? You didn't do something bad, right? If that's it, can you just tell me tomorrow, then? Today's my birthday, you know." Unconsciously, he didn't want to face such a serious looking Du Zhuo. Even though the usual Du Zhuo was rather stern, Damai got the feeling the current Du Zhuo before him was very different.

After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire. With a stupefied look on his face, Damai stared at the living room on the second floor. The cabinets, tables, floor—every corner were covered with lit candles, then from inside the study, the man he didn't know had returned was standing in front the door looking at him.

_{Seeing the meaning in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, Li Tian suddenly felt as though he had guessed something... incredible!}Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"

Seeing the meaning in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, Li Tian suddenly felt as though he had guessed something... incredible!

_{Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."}Damai was stunned stiff, but then he stood up dramatically and shouted: "You! You've forsakenT/N: This word here can also mean "betrayed." our friendship! Who is it? Who is that person!"

Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."

_{Working busily, Xiao Huaisu glanced up at Li Tian, recalling how Du Zhuo had taken a flight back from France yesterday afternoon, then withdrew his gaze. Focused on the work in front of him, he added: "Maybe he's planning a surprise."}
"There's someone I like." Du Zhuo stated with every word pronounced.

Working busily, Xiao Huaisu glanced up at Li Tian, recalling how Du Zhuo had taken a flight back from France yesterday afternoon, then withdrew his gaze. Focused on the work in front of him, he added: "Maybe he's planning a surprise."

_{"Did you not notice the power was out? I couldn't let you eat cake wth your nose, so I got some candles."}But as soon as he heard Du Zhuo hadn't eaten, Damai sprung up and rolled up his sleeves, planning to go make Du Zhuo a meal, but Du Zhuo tugged him back into his seat and said: "It's fine if I eat just cake. I had a late lunch, so I'm not hungry."

"Did you not notice the power was out? I couldn't let you eat cake wth your nose, so I got some candles."

_{Regarding Damai}When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.

Regarding Damai

_{Thinking about Du Zhuo returning early without telling him in advance, Damai looked at him a bit resentfully as he asked: "Why didn't you say anything to me when you got back?"}
Damai was stunned stiff, but then he stood up dramatically and shouted: "You! You've forsakenT/N: This word here can also mean "betrayed." our friendship! Who is it? Who is that person!"

Thinking about Du Zhuo returning early without telling him in advance, Damai looked at him a bit resentfully as he asked: "Why didn't you say anything to me when you got back?"

_{Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo.}And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.

Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo. Under the light of the candles, Du Zhuo's features appeared even more handsome when illuminated by the twinkling lights, the frostiness that was usually seen within them seeming to have been diluted. Just like those glimmers of light, Damai's heart flickered and skipped a beat. Holding his own portion of cake and spoon within his hands, he said plainly to Du Zhuo: "I just noticed how handsome you are again."

_{Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.}"So do you like him?"

Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.

_{Having braved the rain on his way home, Qiao Damai returned to an apartment that silent, where not a peep was heard, which did not surprise him since Du Zhuo had by swamped by company matters for the past couple days, or so. He was now the only person at their house, and honestly, he had grown accustomed to it being two.}
Du Zhuo then reached out to pull Damai's hand, but the tug caught Damai off guard, and he was pulled into the seat where Du Zhuo was sitting before being firmly held down on the sofa from above. Damai wanted to lift his leg in an attempt to flip Du Zhuo off, but thinking about the other man's health, he decided against it in the end. Gritting his teeth, he then asked: "What's wrong? Is the person who's your partner that precious? Can't say anything?"

Having braved the rain on his way home, Qiao Damai returned to an apartment that silent, where not a peep was heard, which did not surprise him since Du Zhuo had by swamped by company matters for the past couple days, or so. He was now the only person at their house, and honestly, he had grown accustomed to it being two. Suddenly, him being the only one staying at their house for so long was something he was truly not used to, he even had no interest in cooking. Graduation was approaching, and Du Zhuo got busier and busier while he had turned the house into a small restaurant. There was no rush for him to find a job, in fact, there was no need to find one.

_{Upon picking up the phone, the first sentence out Li Tian's mouth was: "Wow, an overseas phone call from Qiao Damai, you must really be missing me! Was the voice message I sent not enough? Tsk, tsk"}Du Zhuo hummed lightly in return, not caring much.

Upon picking up the phone, the first sentence out Li Tian's mouth was: "Wow, an overseas phone call from Qiao Damai, you must really be missing me! Was the voice message I sent not enough? Tsk, tsk"

_{But Li Tian replied flatly: "It's not like Du Zhuo likes me, so why wouldn't I be calm?" Actually, he was calm because after Damai had messaged him on WeChat, when Xiao Huaisu had taken Xiao Yan, he had told him: Damai is going to call you later.}
"Didn't you ask me who the person I liked was? So I'll tell you..."

But Li Tian replied flatly: "It's not like Du Zhuo likes me, so why wouldn't I be calm?" Actually, he was calm because after Damai had messaged him on WeChat, when Xiao Huaisu had taken Xiao Yan, he had told him: Damai is going to call you later.

_{iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more.}But Du Zhuo only shook his head before saying to Damai solemnly: "There's something I need to tell you."

iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more. There's, like, no more. But, on the positive side, I got a slot for another story freed up, silver lining and all that jazz~ இ௰இ [][]Okay, I took myself a minute... or five... anyhow, the new pickup is called Childhood Chronicles, it's from the same author of The Long Road Ahead, and the first chapter is up with this release. My final note for this story will be that it is one that will always be dear to my heart, it was the bright spot on some seriously shіtty days, and my forehead got many a slap on account of Li Tian's shenanigans. I hope it was a bright spot for you guys too. Catch you all on the next one

_{Closing the door, he changed out of his shoes, picking up the gift that was recently delivered resting on the cabinet.}Du Zhuo then reached out to pull Damai's hand, but the tug caught Damai off guard, and he was pulled into the seat where Du Zhuo was sitting before being firmly held down on the sofa from above. Damai wanted to lift his leg in an attempt to flip Du Zhuo off, but thinking about the other man's health, he decided against it in the end. Gritting his teeth, he then asked: "What's wrong? Is the person who's your partner that precious? Can't say anything?"

Closing the door, he changed out of his shoes, picking up the gift that was recently delivered resting on the cabinet.

_{"Nope, I didn't notice a thing. It was your Professor Xiao who saw it." Li Tian gave this reply quite humbly.}
At that moment, Damai was hit with sudden realisation he did not want to hear that person's name, so with a laugh he refused, saying: "You shouldn't agitate a single guy like me, you know? But you really are capable, aren't you? You spend every single day together with me, yet I never noticed anything strange. No, that's not true, after you started working at the company we didn't spent time together as often. So could they be someone from your company?" All of a sudden, Damai noticed that this person who normally looked very slim, felt as though he weighed a a thousand pounds while straddling him. With his wrists held down above his head making him unable to use any strength, Damai felt that his current situation was a bit dangerous. "Can you get off me? You're heavy."

"Nope, I didn't notice a thing. It was your Professor Xiao who saw it." Li Tian gave this reply quite humbly.

_{"When did you get back?"}
But Du Zhuo only kept his eyes fixed on him, not getting up despite hearing his words, and moved his face closer to Damai's instead, until he reached his ears and whispered: "His name is Qiao Damai."

"When did you get back?"

_{Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold.}Upon picking up the phone, the first sentence out Li Tian's mouth was: "Wow, an overseas phone call from Qiao Damai, you must really be missing me! Was the voice message I sent not enough? Tsk, tsk"

Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold. But when he thought about what Li Tian had asked him, he lowered his head and thought: It's okay, I'm going to graduate soon anyhow, so might as well go all or nothing. Worse case scenario, I'll just leave college and never be seen again. That way, neither of us would suffer by dragging everything out.

_{Thinking about Du Zhuo returning early without telling him in advance, Damai looked at him a bit resentfully as he asked: "Why didn't you say anything to me when you got back?"}But as soon as he heard Du Zhuo hadn't eaten, Damai sprung up and rolled up his sleeves, planning to go make Du Zhuo a meal, but Du Zhuo tugged him back into his seat and said: "It's fine if I eat just cake. I had a late lunch, so I'm not hungry."

Thinking about Du Zhuo returning early without telling him in advance, Damai looked at him a bit resentfully as he asked: "Why didn't you say anything to me when you got back?"

_{"There's someone I like." Du Zhuo stated with every word pronounced.}
The wriggling Damai immediately froze, turning his head to look at Du Zhuo while being in utter disbelief.

"There's someone I like." Du Zhuo stated with every word pronounced.

_{Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.}Suspicious, Damai then asked Li Tian: "Why are you so calm about this? Aren't you even a little bit surprised?"

Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.

_{Sitting up himself, while the sounds from the rain and wind swept against the windows, Damai stared at Du Zhuo's retreating figure, disappearing down the hall and into his room. Then feeling as if every ounce of strength had been sucked from his body, Damai fell back onto the sofa.}
"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.

Sitting up himself, while the sounds from the rain and wind swept against the windows, Damai stared at Du Zhuo's retreating figure, disappearing down the hall and into his room. Then feeling as if every ounce of strength had been sucked from his body, Damai fell back onto the sofa.

_{After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire.}But... after that guy said that, I actually almost spat out: I fυcking like you too!

After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire. With a stupefied look on his face, Damai stared at the living room on the second floor. The cabinets, tables, floor—every corner were covered with lit candles, then from inside the study, the man he didn't know had returned was standing in front the door looking at him.

_{Regarding Damai}
Du Zhuo then revealed a grin, and just as Damai thought the man above would kiss him, Du Zhuo released his hands, sat up, then said: "I'm going to bed."

Regarding Damai

_{Du Zhuo smiled in response, and this smile only fuelled the quickening pace of Damai's heart. He felt that something was off about that day, but then Du Zhuo looked to him and asked: "Where are you planning to go for your graduation trip?"}Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times. He suspected whether that Li Tian guy must've infected him. How could you say a man can just bend? Being around him is going to make even me start acting weird... He was a bit worried, so after thinking about it, he added: "But if you're busy at work or something, just forget it. It's not that important, anyhow."

Du Zhuo smiled in response, and this smile only fuelled the quickening pace of Damai's heart. He felt that something was off about that day, but then Du Zhuo looked to him and asked: "Where are you planning to go for your graduation trip?"

_{{If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?}}Opening the door to the bathroom with a swish, Damai sprinted up the stairs towards Du Zhuo's bedroom door. When he turned the handle, it actually opened, and inside the room was nothing but quiet, but the bathroom light was on.

If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

_{Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.}
Sitting up himself, while the sounds from the rain and wind swept against the windows, Damai stared at Du Zhuo's retreating figure, disappearing down the hall and into his room. Then feeling as if every ounce of strength had been sucked from his body, Damai fell back onto the sofa.

Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.

_{And thinking about everything Du Zhuo had done for Damai over the past few years, and thinking about Damai, Li Tian thought it was possible he could do something for them.}Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.

And thinking about everything Du Zhuo had done for Damai over the past few years, and thinking about Damai, Li Tian thought it was possible he could do something for them.

_N/AToday was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"

N/A

_{But Du Zhuo only kept his eyes fixed on him, not getting up despite hearing his words, and moved his face closer to Damai's instead, until he reached his ears and whispered: "His name is Qiao Damai."}
Covering his chest with his hand, he could still feel his heart pounding wildly.

But Du Zhuo only kept his eyes fixed on him, not getting up despite hearing his words, and moved his face closer to Damai's instead, until he reached his ears and whispered: "His name is Qiao Damai."

_{Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: {How do you know that? Why?}}Du Zhuo then reached out to pull Damai's hand, but the tug caught Damai off guard, and he was pulled into the seat where Du Zhuo was sitting before being firmly held down on the sofa from above. Damai wanted to lift his leg in an attempt to flip Du Zhuo off, but thinking about the other man's health, he decided against it in the end. Gritting his teeth, he then asked: "What's wrong? Is the person who's your partner that precious? Can't say anything?"

Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: How do you know that? Why?

_"Spill."Swallowing hard, Damai took a few steps inside, and as he had, the door to the bathroom opened. Gulp. Wearing a towel covering his lower half, Du Zhuo walked out while drying his hair, after a few steps, he lifted his head, then upon catching sight of Damai, he stopped in his tracks.

"Spill."

_{Swallowing hard, Damai took a few steps inside, and as he had, the door to the bathroom opened. Gulp. Wearing a towel covering his lower half, Du Zhuo walked out while drying his hair, after a few steps, he lifted his head, then upon catching sight of Damai, he stopped in his tracks.}
Fυck! Even when he's gone it's still pounding like crazy.

Swallowing hard, Damai took a few steps inside, and as he had, the door to the bathroom opened. Gulp. Wearing a towel covering his lower half, Du Zhuo walked out while drying his hair, after a few steps, he lifted his head, then upon catching sight of Damai, he stopped in his tracks.

_{Seeing the meaning in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, Li Tian suddenly felt as though he had guessed something... incredible!}Regarding Damai

Seeing the meaning in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, Li Tian suddenly felt as though he had guessed something... incredible!

_{Regarding Damai}◈◇◈

Regarding Damai

_{But Du Zhuo only shook his head before saying to Damai solemnly: "There's something I need to tell you."}
But... after that guy said that, I actually almost spat out: I fυcking like you too!

But Du Zhuo only shook his head before saying to Damai solemnly: "There's something I need to tell you."

_{And thinking about everything Du Zhuo had done for Damai over the past few years, and thinking about Damai, Li Tian thought it was possible he could do something for them.}
I've lost my mind.

And thinking about everything Du Zhuo had done for Damai over the past few years, and thinking about Damai, Li Tian thought it was possible he could do something for them.

_{But as soon as he heard Du Zhuo hadn't eaten, Damai sprung up and rolled up his sleeves, planning to go make Du Zhuo a meal, but Du Zhuo tugged him back into his seat and said: "It's fine if I eat just cake. I had a late lunch, so I'm not hungry."}Damai muttered to himself: These candles hadn't been lit for long, so did I actually not notice them at all when I walked in from downstairs? It must've been because the wind and rain outside was too loud, that made it hard for me to hear. Or perhaps it was to Du Zhuo, himself, deliberately walking with light steps.

But as soon as he heard Du Zhuo hadn't eaten, Damai sprung up and rolled up his sleeves, planning to go make Du Zhuo a meal, but Du Zhuo tugged him back into his seat and said: "It's fine if I eat just cake. I had a late lunch, so I'm not hungry."

_{And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.}Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online. Just the thought of it made Qiao Damai quite sad.

And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.

_{"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.}
I've definitely lost my mind.

"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.

_{Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"}Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"

Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"

_{Du Zhuo nodded slightly. "Qiao Damai."}
Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.

Du Zhuo nodded slightly. "Qiao Damai."

_{Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times.}Li Tian nodded knowingly. "With how protective Du Zhuo is of Damai, anybody who didn't know, would think he was his man. He's definitely planning a surprise for him, and Damai is the only fool who doesn't have a clue. Hahaha."

Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times. He suspected whether that Li Tian guy must've infected him. How could you say a man can just bend? Being around him is going to make even me start acting weird... He was a bit worried, so after thinking about it, he added: "But if you're busy at work or something, just forget it. It's not that important, anyhow."

_{On the other end of the line, Li Tian rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, neither telling him it was actually sunny where he was, nor that it was actually daytime. After putting down his phone, a little ball of chub flung himself into Li Tian's arms, who got tickled for long time.}
Upon picking up the phone, the first sentence out Li Tian's mouth was: "Wow, an overseas phone call from Qiao Damai, you must really be missing me! Was the voice message I sent not enough? Tsk, tsk"

On the other end of the line, Li Tian rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, neither telling him it was actually sunny where he was, nor that it was actually daytime. After putting down his phone, a little ball of chub flung himself into Li Tian's arms, who got tickled for long time. Handling some business from beside him, Xiao Huaisu then asked: "Did Damai say Du Zhuo isn't at home? Today is his birthday, so could it be that Du Zhuo didn't know?" The relationship between those two (Damai and Du Zhuo) was already close, really close, they were as thick as thieves. So there was no way Li Tian could believe that it was Damai's birthday and Du Zhuo wouldn't know.

_{Today was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"}"It's, like, really late, so hurry up and go put your kids to bed, alright? It's pouring outside and I gotta go close the windows." Qiao Damai was currently so touched by the gesture that he feared the start of a conversation between the two would lead to a nausea inducing exchange of sweet words between them, the kind of words that would require them taking a half years worth of no contact for the nausea to subside and their revolutionary friendship to be restored.

Today was Damai's birthday, and in his arms was the birthday gift Li Tian had sent him from France. On WeChat, Qiao Damai thanked Li Tian by messaging: "Thanks, ya bastard!"

_{At that moment, Damai was hit with sudden realisation he did not want to hear that person's name, so with a laugh he refused, saying: "You shouldn't agitate a single guy like me, you know? But you really are capable, aren't you? You spend every single day together with me, yet I never noticed anything strange. No, that's not true, after you started working at the company we didn't spent time together as often.}On the other end of the line, Li Tian rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, neither telling him it was actually sunny where he was, nor that it was actually daytime. After putting down his phone, a little ball of chub flung himself into Li Tian's arms, who got tickled for long time. Handling some business from beside him, Xiao Huaisu then asked: "Did Damai say Du Zhuo isn't at home? Today is his birthday, so could it be that Du Zhuo didn't know?" The relationship between those two (Damai and Du Zhuo) was already close, really close, they were as thick as thieves. So there was no way Li Tian could believe that it was Damai's birthday and Du Zhuo wouldn't know.

At that moment, Damai was hit with sudden realisation he did not want to hear that person's name, so with a laugh he refused, saying: "You shouldn't agitate a single guy like me, you know? But you really are capable, aren't you? You spend every single day together with me, yet I never noticed anything strange. No, that's not true, after you started working at the company we didn't spent time together as often. So could they be someone from your company?" All of a sudden, Damai noticed that this person who normally looked very slim, felt as though he weighed a a thousand pounds while straddling him. With his wrists held down above his head making him unable to use any strength, Damai felt that his current situation was a bit dangerous. "Can you get off me? You're heavy."

_{Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold.}
Opening the door and peeking outside, Damai then closed it and said to Li Tian: "Cut the crap, this is something serious!"

Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold. But when he thought about what Li Tian had asked him, he lowered his head and thought: It's okay, I'm going to graduate soon anyhow, so might as well go all or nothing. Worse case scenario, I'll just leave college and never be seen again. That way, neither of us would suffer by dragging everything out.

_{At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.}I've definitely lost my mind.

At that moment, Du Zhuo's appearance really did leave Damai shocked.

_{Do I like him?}
"Spill."

Do I like him?

_{But then Li Tian asked: "So do you like him?"}
"I..." The words rolled around in his mouth and retreated, and he suddenly found himself too shy to speak. But sensing his hesitation, Li Tian spoke up saying, "If you don't tell me, I'll hang up. I still have to go put the kids to bed, you know?"

But then Li Tian asked: "So do you like him?"

_{iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more.}Du Zhuo slowly lit the candle and stuck it into the cake while replying: "You spent the entire day today out, right?"

iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more. There's, like, no more. But, on the positive side, I got a slot for another story freed up, silver lining and all that jazz~ இ௰இ [][]Okay, I took myself a minute... or five... anyhow, the new pickup is called Childhood Chronicles, it's from the same author of The Long Road Ahead, and the first chapter is up with this release. My final note for this story will be that it is one that will always be dear to my heart, it was the bright spot on some seriously shіtty days, and my forehead got many a slap on account of Li Tian's shenanigans. I hope it was a bright spot for you guys too. Catch you all on the next one

_{Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online.}
Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.

Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online. Just the thought of it made Qiao Damai quite sad.

_{"There's someone I like." Du Zhuo stated with every word pronounced.}N/A

"There's someone I like." Du Zhuo stated with every word pronounced.

_{Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"}
"Cough, cough, cough, cough! Geez, I almost choked to death over here! He just likes you, so what's the big deal? If you like him back, just accept his confession, and if you don't, just tell him clearly. Don't string along a good guy like Du Zhuo."

Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"

_{"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"}"Didn't you ask me who the person I liked was? So I'll tell you..."

"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"

_{When he was done grumbling and finally raised his head, he saw the guy who was far away from him had already closed the distance between them. Feeling Du Zhuo's hand snaked around to rest on the small of his back, because both of their bodies were close in stature, when Damai lifted his head slightly, Du Zhuo's lips naturally fell onto his in a kiss.}But Du Zhuo only shook his head before saying to Damai solemnly: "There's something I need to tell you."

When he was done grumbling and finally raised his head, he saw the guy who was far away from him had already closed the distance between them. Feeling Du Zhuo's hand snaked around to rest on the small of his back, because both of their bodies were close in stature, when Damai lifted his head slightly, Du Zhuo's lips naturally fell onto his in a kiss. It was as though Damai had lifted his head to all Du Zhuo to kiss him easily.

_{When he was done grumbling and finally raised his head, he saw the guy who was far away from him had already closed the distance between them. Feeling Du Zhuo's hand snaked around to rest on the small of his back, because both of their bodies were close in stature, when Damai lifted his head slightly, Du Zhuo's lips naturally fell onto his in a kiss.}
By Li Tian's words, Damai suddenly felt alright. It was just Du Zhuo who confessed to him, wasn't it? So why should he feel so nervous?

When he was done grumbling and finally raised his head, he saw the guy who was far away from him had already closed the distance between them. Feeling Du Zhuo's hand snaked around to rest on the small of his back, because both of their bodies were close in stature, when Damai lifted his head slightly, Du Zhuo's lips naturally fell onto his in a kiss. It was as though Damai had lifted his head to all Du Zhuo to kiss him easily.

_{Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" {We have to stay in contact!} After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."}"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.

Qiao Damai rolled his eyes. "Why wouldn't we?" We have to stay in contact! After, he scanned around the room and added: "All this is so romantic, it's nothing like your usual style at all..."

_{"So do you like him?"}
But then Li Tian asked: "So do you like him?"

"So do you like him?"

_{Swallowing hard, Damai took a few steps inside, and as he had, the door to the bathroom opened. {Gulp.} Wearing a towel covering his lower half, Du Zhuo walked out while drying his hair, after a few steps, he lifted his head, then upon catching sight of Damai, he stopped in his tracks.}After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire. With a stupefied look on his face, Damai stared at the living room on the second floor. The cabinets, tables, floor—every corner were covered with lit candles, then from inside the study, the man he didn't know had returned was standing in front the door looking at him.

Swallowing hard, Damai took a few steps inside, and as he had, the door to the bathroom opened. Gulp. Wearing a towel covering his lower half, Du Zhuo walked out while drying his hair, after a few steps, he lifted his head, then upon catching sight of Damai, he stopped in his tracks.

_{But Du Zhuo only replied simply: "Because I wanted to surprise you?" Then after pausing he added: "Why, did you miss me?"}
Do I like him?

But Du Zhuo only replied simply: "Because I wanted to surprise you?" Then after pausing he added: "Why, did you miss me?"

_{Covering his chest with his hand, he could still feel his heart pounding wildly.}Suspicious, Damai then asked Li Tian: "Why are you so calm about this? Aren't you even a little bit surprised?"

Covering his chest with his hand, he could still feel his heart pounding wildly.

_{Damai was stunned stiff, but then he stood up dramatically and shouted: "You! You've forsakenT/N: This word here can also mean "betrayed." our friendship! Who is it? Who is that person!"}
Suspicious, Damai then asked Li Tian: "Why are you so calm about this? Aren't you even a little bit surprised?"

Damai was stunned stiff, but then he stood up dramatically and shouted: "You! You've forsakenT/N: This word here can also mean "betrayed." our friendship! Who is it? Who is that person!"

_{Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo.}
But Li Tian replied flatly: "It's not like Du Zhuo likes me, so why wouldn't I be calm?" Actually, he was calm because after Damai had messaged him on WeChat, when Xiao Huaisu had taken Xiao Yan, he had told him: Damai is going to call you later.

Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo. Under the light of the candles, Du Zhuo's features appeared even more handsome when illuminated by the twinkling lights, the frostiness that was usually seen within them seeming to have been diluted. Just like those glimmers of light, Damai's heart flickered and skipped a beat. Holding his own portion of cake and spoon within his hands, he said plainly to Du Zhuo: "I just noticed how handsome you are again."

_{Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.}Seeing him so serious, Damai grinned as he asked: "Why are you acting so serious? You didn't do something bad, right? If that's it, can you just tell me tomorrow, then? Today's my birthday, you know." Unconsciously, he didn't want to face such a serious looking Du Zhuo. Even though the usual Du Zhuo was rather stern, Damai got the feeling the current Du Zhuo before him was very different.

Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.

_{When Damai returned it had just gotten a bit dark and there were no light turned on, so he didn't notice there was a power outage. "Oh, no wonder they're all white... I thought... I thought you had a special hobby using white candles to celebrate someone's birthday..."}
Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: How do you know that? Why?

When Damai returned it had just gotten a bit dark and there were no light turned on, so he didn't notice there was a power outage. "Oh, no wonder they're all white... I thought... I thought you had a special hobby using white candles to celebrate someone's birthday..."

_N/A
To which Xiao Huaisu replied: It'll probably have something to do with Du Zhuo.

N/A

_{"When did you get back?"}Of scene of him and Du Zhuo being together flashed replayed within his mind like a silent film... Fυck... I really do like him!

"When did you get back?"

_{"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"}By Li Tian's words, Damai suddenly felt alright. It was just Du Zhuo who confessed to him, wasn't it? So why should he feel so nervous?

"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"

_{Li Tian nodded knowingly. "With how protective Du Zhuo is of Damai, anybody who didn't know, would think he was his man. He's definitely planning a surprise for him, and Damai is the only fool who doesn't have a clue. Hahaha."}
Seeing the meaning in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, Li Tian suddenly felt as though he had guessed something... incredible!

Li Tian nodded knowingly. "With how protective Du Zhuo is of Damai, anybody who didn't know, would think he was his man. He's definitely planning a surprise for him, and Damai is the only fool who doesn't have a clue. Hahaha."

_{After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire.}Du Zhuo walked over to the table n the living room, bent down, picked up a candle, then waved Damai over and motioned him to open the box with the cake. Still caught up in Du Zhuo's surprised appearance, Damai rubbed his hands, grinning widely as he opened the box and asked: "Has it been long since you got back?"

After closing the window, Damai was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open. While holding the railing to drag himself up to the second floor, spotting what seemed like a flicker of light, those tired eyes of Damai's opened wide, thinking it was a fire. With a stupefied look on his face, Damai stared at the living room on the second floor. The cabinets, tables, floor—every corner were covered with lit candles, then from inside the study, the man he didn't know had returned was standing in front the door looking at him.

_{Regarding Damai}Du Zhuo slowly lit the candle and stuck it into the cake while replying: "You spent the entire day today out, right?"

Regarding Damai

_{Seeing the meaning in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, Li Tian suddenly felt as though he had guessed something... incredible!}
Not long following this exchange, Damai really did call him.

Seeing the meaning in Xiao Huaisu's eyes, Li Tian suddenly felt as though he had guessed something... incredible!

_{"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.}Du Zhuo walked over to the table n the living room, bent down, picked up a candle, then waved Damai over and motioned him to open the box with the cake. Still caught up in Du Zhuo's surprised appearance, Damai rubbed his hands, grinning widely as he opened the box and asked: "Has it been long since you got back?"

"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.

_{Fυck! Even when he's gone it's still pounding like crazy.}
And thinking about everything Du Zhuo had done for Damai over the past few years, and thinking about Damai, Li Tian thought it was possible he could do something for them.

Fυck! Even when he's gone it's still pounding like crazy.

_{Du Zhuo hummed lightly in return, not caring much.}Opening the door to the bathroom with a swish, Damai sprinted up the stairs towards Du Zhuo's bedroom door. When he turned the handle, it actually opened, and inside the room was nothing but quiet, but the bathroom light was on.

Du Zhuo hummed lightly in return, not caring much.

_{{But... after that guy said that, I actually almost spat out: I fυcking like you too!}}Du Zhuo smiled in response, and this smile only fuelled the quickening pace of Damai's heart. He felt that something was off about that day, but then Du Zhuo looked to him and asked: "Where are you planning to go for your graduation trip?"

But... after that guy said that, I actually almost spat out: I fυcking like you too!

_{Damai muttered to himself: These candles hadn't been lit for long, so did I actually not notice them at all when I walked in from downstairs? It must've been because the wind and rain outside was too loud, that made it hard for me to hear. Or perhaps it was to Du Zhuo, himself, deliberately walking with light steps.}
Damai sighed, saying: "Did you notice a long time ago?"

Damai muttered to himself: These candles hadn't been lit for long, so did I actually not notice them at all when I walked in from downstairs? It must've been because the wind and rain outside was too loud, that made it hard for me to hear. Or perhaps it was to Du Zhuo, himself, deliberately walking with light steps.

_{"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"}But then Li Tian asked: "So do you like him?"

"Mhm." After humming in reply, having a stroke of genius brought on by his blissful state, Damai asked, "Have you not eaten as yet?"

_{{If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?}}N/A

If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

_{At that moment, Damai was hit with sudden realisation he did not want to hear that person's name, so with a laugh he refused, saying: "You shouldn't agitate a single guy like me, you know? But you really are capable, aren't you? You spend every single day together with me, yet I never noticed anything strange. No, that's not true, after you started working at the company we didn't spent time together as often.}
"Nope, I didn't notice a thing. It was your Professor Xiao who saw it." Li Tian gave this reply quite humbly.

At that moment, Damai was hit with sudden realisation he did not want to hear that person's name, so with a laugh he refused, saying: "You shouldn't agitate a single guy like me, you know? But you really are capable, aren't you? You spend every single day together with me, yet I never noticed anything strange. No, that's not true, after you started working at the company we didn't spent time together as often. So could they be someone from your company?" All of a sudden, Damai noticed that this person who normally looked very slim, felt as though he weighed a a thousand pounds while straddling him. With his wrists held down above his head making him unable to use any strength, Damai felt that his current situation was a bit dangerous. "Can you get off me? You're heavy."

_{Damai muttered to himself: {These candles hadn't been lit for long, so did I actually not notice them at all when I walked in from downstairs? It must've been because the wind and rain outside was too loud, that made it hard for me to hear. Or perhaps it was to Du Zhuo, himself, deliberately walking with light steps.}}Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo. Under the light of the candles, Du Zhuo's features appeared even more handsome when illuminated by the twinkling lights, the frostiness that was usually seen within them seeming to have been diluted. Just like those glimmers of light, Damai's heart flickered and skipped a beat. Holding his own portion of cake and spoon within his hands, he said plainly to Du Zhuo: "I just noticed how handsome you are again."

Damai muttered to himself: These candles hadn't been lit for long, so did I actually not notice them at all when I walked in from downstairs? It must've been because the wind and rain outside was too loud, that made it hard for me to hear. Or perhaps it was to Du Zhuo, himself, deliberately walking with light steps.

_{But... after that guy said that, I actually almost spat out: I fυcking like you too!}
And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.

But... after that guy said that, I actually almost spat out: I fυcking like you too!

_{Working busily, Xiao Huaisu glanced up at Li Tian, recalling how Du Zhuo had taken a flight back from France yesterday afternoon, then withdrew his gaze. Focused on the work in front of him, he added: "Maybe he's planning a surprise."}Gritting his teeth, Damain then stammered: "Du Zhuo just said he likes me!" After saying this, he heard Li Tian's choking coughs erupting from the other end.

Working busily, Xiao Huaisu glanced up at Li Tian, recalling how Du Zhuo had taken a flight back from France yesterday afternoon, then withdrew his gaze. Focused on the work in front of him, he added: "Maybe he's planning a surprise."

_{Covering his chest with his hand, he could still feel his heart pounding wildly.}
The rain still poured down outside, and the water heater suddenly clicked, the power had come back.

Covering his chest with his hand, he could still feel his heart pounding wildly.

_{Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online.}"I..." The words rolled around in his mouth and retreated, and he suddenly found himself too shy to speak. But sensing his hesitation, Li Tian spoke up saying, "If you don't tell me, I'll hang up. I still have to go put the kids to bed, you know?"

Ever since he had gotten to know Du Zhuo, Damai had learned there are different classes of people, who have different goals, and he and Du Zhuo were not the same. Yes, they had a good relationship with each other at present, but after their graduation, and when they both get busy at their respective jobs, the distance between them would probably grow even wider, and their former relationship over time would slowly turn into one where they only send greetings to one another online. Just the thought of it made Qiao Damai quite sad.

_{When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.}Li Tian nodded knowingly. "With how protective Du Zhuo is of Damai, anybody who didn't know, would think he was his man. He's definitely planning a surprise for him, and Damai is the only fool who doesn't have a clue. Hahaha."

When Damai cut the cake, Du Zhuo went to the study. He returned carrying a beautifully wrapped present he laid down on coffee table before pushing it towards Damai.

_{Not long after, Li Tian returned a voice note to him: "You actually got it today. Looks like our country's express delivery service is still reliable. Anyhow, happy birthday, ya bastard."}
Feeling as though as the rain was falling directly on his body itself, Damai's slightly muddled and chaotic mind were finally able to calm.

Not long after, Li Tian returned a voice note to him: "You actually got it today. Looks like our country's express delivery service is still reliable. Anyhow, happy birthday, ya bastard."

_{Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times.}"If this is a joke... you've gone too far." As he said those words, Damai felt his heart pulsate like a drum.

Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times. He suspected whether that Li Tian guy must've infected him. How could you say a man can just bend? Being around him is going to make even me start acting weird... He was a bit worried, so after thinking about it, he added: "But if you're busy at work or something, just forget it. It's not that important, anyhow."

_{Feeling confused by being stared at so intently, Damai wiped his face and asked: "Is there cake on my face?"}
"So do you like him?"

Feeling confused by being stared at so intently, Damai wiped his face and asked: "Is there cake on my face?"

_{{"So do you like him?"}}"Nope, I didn't notice a thing. It was your Professor Xiao who saw it." Li Tian gave this reply quite humbly.

"So do you like him?"

_{"It's, like, really late, so hurry up and go put your kids to bed, alright? It's pouring outside and I gotta go close the windows." Qiao Damai was currently so touched by the gesture that he feared the start of a conversation between the two would lead to a nausea inducing exchange of sweet words between them, the kind of words that would require them taking a half years worth of no contact for the nausea to subside and their revolutionary friendship to be restored.}And so, with a blush flooding his face, Damai hung up the pone with a slap.

"It's, like, really late, so hurry up and go put your kids to bed, alright? It's pouring outside and I gotta go close the windows." Qiao Damai was currently so touched by the gesture that he feared the start of a conversation between the two would lead to a nausea inducing exchange of sweet words between them, the kind of words that would require them taking a half years worth of no contact for the nausea to subside and their revolutionary friendship to be restored.

_{iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more.}
Of scene of him and Du Zhuo being together flashed replayed within his mind like a silent film... Fυck... I really do like him!

iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more. There's, like, no more. But, on the positive side, I got a slot for another story freed up, silver lining and all that jazz~ இ௰இ [][]Okay, I took myself a minute... or five... anyhow, the new pickup is called Childhood Chronicles, it's from the same author of The Long Road Ahead, and the first chapter is up with this release. My final note for this story will be that it is one that will always be dear to my heart, it was the bright spot on some seriously shіtty days, and my forehead got many a slap on account of Li Tian's shenanigans. I hope it was a bright spot for you guys too. Catch you all on the next one ✌💖

_{{If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?}}"So do you like him?"

If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

_"Spill."
If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

"Spill."

_{Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times.}
Opening the door to the bathroom with a swish, Damai sprinted up the stairs towards Du Zhuo's bedroom door. When he turned the handle, it actually opened, and inside the room was nothing but quiet, but the bathroom light was on.

Scooping a spoon of cake into his mouth, Damai replied: "Didn't I tell you before? Where you go, I go." This kind of situation where merely looking at Du Zhuo caused his heart to skip a beat from time to time had already happened a few times. He suspected whether that Li Tian guy must've infected him. How could you say a man can just bend? Being around him is going to make even me start acting weird... He was a bit worried, so after thinking about it, he added: "But if you're busy at work or something, just forget it. It's not that important, anyhow."

_{{If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?}}Damai hummed a yeah and looked at Du Zhuo, his eyes questioning.

If I didn't, why would I always find him so handsome, and find myself blushing so much, and my heart would end up pounding so madly I thought I was heaving a heart attack?

_{Obviously, there was no need for him to ask that question any longer.}
Swallowing hard, Damai took a few steps inside, and as he had, the door to the bathroom opened. Gulp. Wearing a towel covering his lower half, Du Zhuo walked out while drying his hair, after a few steps, he lifted his head, then upon catching sight of Damai, he stopped in his tracks.

Obviously, there was no need for him to ask that question any longer.

_{Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold.}"Yeah. I went back to my folk's place this morning, took a nap until noon, then went to my class directly from there. I never thought you would come back. I got got bored being at home by myself so I hung out with some friends for a while."

Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold. But when he thought about what Li Tian had asked him, he lowered his head and thought: It's okay, I'm going to graduate soon anyhow, so might as well go all or nothing. Worse case scenario, I'll just leave college and never be seen again. That way, neither of us would suffer by dragging everything out.

_{Sitting up himself, while the sounds from the rain and wind swept against the windows, Damai stared at Du Zhuo's retreating figure, disappearing down the hall and into his room. Then feeling as if every ounce of strength had been sucked from his body, Damai fell back onto the sofa.}Feeling as though as the rain was falling directly on his body itself, Damai's slightly muddled and chaotic mind were finally able to calm.

Sitting up himself, while the sounds from the rain and wind swept against the windows, Damai stared at Du Zhuo's retreating figure, disappearing down the hall and into his room. Then feeling as if every ounce of strength had been sucked from his body, Damai fell back onto the sofa.

_{Du Zhuo smiled in response, and this smile only fuelled the quickening pace of Damai's heart. He felt that something was off about that day, but then Du Zhuo looked to him and asked: "Where are you planning to go for your graduation trip?"}
The level of nervousness coursing through Damai's veins was on par to what he felt when checking his score during his college entrance exams; he was nervous, expectant, and a bit afraid. Looking at Du Zhuo, he said: "Just now, you weren't kidding, right!" With how he had stated this question clearly, if Du Zhuo really was only joking, it meant Damai would be embarrassed to death.

Du Zhuo smiled in response, and this smile only fuelled the quickening pace of Damai's heart. He felt that something was off about that day, but then Du Zhuo looked to him and asked: "Where are you planning to go for your graduation trip?"

_{Obviously, there was no need for him to ask that question any longer.}"Spill."

Obviously, there was no need for him to ask that question any longer.

_{Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.}
"Are you asking me if I had confessed to you?"

Then, hiding in the bathroom on the first floor, Damai gave that guy, Li Tian, a call.

_{The rain still poured down outside, and the water heater suddenly clicked, the power had come back.}iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more. There's, like, no more. But, on the positive side, I got a slot for another story freed up, silver lining and all that jazz~ இ௰இ [][]Okay, I took myself a minute... or five... anyhow, the new pickup is called Childhood Chronicles, it's from the same author of The Long Road Ahead, and the first chapter is up with this release. My final note for this story will be that it is one that will always be dear to my heart, it was the bright spot on some seriously shіtty days, and my forehead got many a slap on account of Li Tian's shenanigans. I hope it was a bright spot for you guys too. Catch you all on the next one

The rain still poured down outside, and the water heater suddenly clicked, the power had come back.

_{Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: {How do you know that? Why?}}Feeling confused by being stared at so intently, Damai wiped his face and asked: "Is there cake on my face?"

Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: How do you know that? Why?

_{Sitting back down, Damai slapped his thigh and shouted: "That right, I did miss you! I missed you to death! Food doesn't taste good at all when eating alone! Now I'm all skin and bones!" As he spoke, Du Zhuo smiled from beside him.}
Du Zhuo's expression was calm—too calm. So Damai had begun to think that the other man really had been joking, and it felt as though his blood had run cold. But when he thought about what Li Tian had asked him, he lowered his head and thought: It's okay, I'm going to graduate soon anyhow, so might as well go all or nothing. Worse case scenario, I'll just leave college and never be seen again. That way, neither of us would suffer by dragging everything out.

Sitting back down, Damai slapped his thigh and shouted: "That right, I did miss you! I missed you to death! Food doesn't taste good at all when eating alone! Now I'm all skin and bones!" As he spoke, Du Zhuo smiled from beside him.

_{Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: How do you know that? Why?}
"But, I don't care if you were joking, because I like you. So if you don't actually like me back, just tell me." Damai's tone was blunt, but he also seemed a bit angry. What the hell kind of attitude is that though? If he was actually joking, I'm going to kick his αss! Is something like that even funny?

Li Tian then asked Xiao Huaisu: How do you know that? Why?

_{By Li Tian's words, Damai suddenly felt alright. It was just Du Zhuo who confessed to him, wasn't it? So why should he feel so nervous?}
When he was done grumbling and finally raised his head, he saw the guy who was far away from him had already closed the distance between them. Feeling Du Zhuo's hand snaked around to rest on the small of his back, because both of their bodies were close in stature, when Damai lifted his head slightly, Du Zhuo's lips naturally fell onto his in a kiss. It was as though Damai had lifted his head to all Du Zhuo to kiss him easily.

By Li Tian's words, Damai suddenly felt alright. It was just Du Zhuo who confessed to him, wasn't it? So why should he feel so nervous?

_{Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo.}Do I like him?

Letting out a chuckle, Damai was in no rush to open the gift. Instead, he took the biggest piece of the cake he cut and gave it to Du Zhuo. Under the light of the candles, Du Zhuo's features appeared even more handsome when illuminated by the twinkling lights, the frostiness that was usually seen within them seeming to have been diluted. Just like those glimmers of light, Damai's heart flickered and skipped a beat. Holding his own portion of cake and spoon within his hands, he said plainly to Du Zhuo: "I just noticed how handsome you are again."

_{Closing the door, he changed out of his shoes, picking up the gift that was recently delivered resting on the cabinet.}
So despite the one who lifting their head only doing so because he wanted to scream: Were you actually kidding, you fυcker?!

Closing the door, he changed out of his shoes, picking up the gift that was recently delivered resting on the cabinet.

_{"Cough, cough, cough, cough! Geez, I almost choked to death over here! He just likes you, so what's the big deal? If you like him back, just accept his confession, and if you don't, just tell him clearly. Don't string along a good guy like Du Zhuo."}
Obviously, there was no need for him to ask that question any longer.

"Cough, cough, cough, cough! Geez, I almost choked to death over here! He just likes you, so what's the big deal? If you like him back, just accept his confession, and if you don't, just tell him clearly. Don't string along a good guy like Du Zhuo."

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: That's it folks. Sorry it took so long, but we got here (even if I was dragged kicking and screaming) we got here! As I'm typing this I'm starting sad that I won't be working on this any more. There's, like, no more. But, on the positive side, I got a slot for another story freed up, silver lining and all that jazz~ இ௰இ



Okay, I took myself a minute... or five... anyhow, the new pickup is called Childhood Chronicles, it's from the same author of The Long Road Ahead, and the first chapter is up with this release. My final note for this story will be that it is one that will always be dear to my heart, it was the bright spot on some seriously shіtty days, and my forehead got many a slap on account of Li Tian's shenanigans. I hope it was a bright spot for you guys too. Catch you all on the next one ✌💖

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