Qin Mu shut the door and slapped himself hard a few times in front of the mirror.
He told himself: Can you have some damn shame? He saved you, protected you, and did so much for you. How can you have such dirty thoughts? You’re a fvcking homosexual. What right do you have to mess up his normal life? Do you even deserve it?
After a sleepless night, he made up his mind to bury these feelings deep down and focus all his attention on studying. He wanted to get into K University. At first, it was to escape his tormented home life, but now he had a more important reason; he wanted to be somewhere closer to Shen Liu.
The college entrance exam and a secret crush were both the toughest trials in life. And on top of that, he was still battling persistent PTSD. For more than a year, he crawled through that swamp of struggle, fighting with himself, falling countless times, and getting back up just as many. Shen Liu was his endless source of strength, like the morning star shining high in the sky. Just seeing it meant dawn was near and gave him the strength to keep going.
Qin Mu tempered his heart to become ever stronger, slowly revealing a deep, steady, and resilient core.
Finally, his efforts bore fruit in the national college entrance exam. He had estimated his score earlier and felt confident, so he appeared calm. On the contrary, it was Shen Liu who was more excited than when he got into college himself. He ran straight to K University’s admissions office and picked up Qin Mu’s acceptance letter. As soon as he walked in the door, he wrapped Qin Mu in a hug and kissed him loudly on the forehead, praising, “Not bad! Amazing! You really made me proud.” He looked just like a father who had finally seen his son live up to expectations.
With Shen Liu hugging him like that, Qin Mu’s heart was pounding. He subtly moved away and said, “What do you want to eat? I’ll go buy groceries later.”
“Groceries, my ass.” Shen Liu pinched his cheek. “Your big bro’s taking you to eat at restaurant. Today we’re celebrating properly.”
Qin Mu thought the ‘restaurant’ he was referring to was a small, home-style restaurant downstairs. But before he knew it, Shen Liu had dragged him all the way to Guangyue Tower in the city center. Shen Liu boldly reserved the biggest private room and plopped down to start ordering.
Qin Mu glanced at the menu and instantly felt all his hairs stand on end. He whispered, “It’s too expensive. Let’s go somewhere else.”
“It’s a special occasion, so we’re eating well today.” Shen Liu laughed. Normally, he was a very down-to-earth guy. Except for being picky about where he lived, he didn’t care much about food, clothes, or transportation. He had no issue eating at street stalls, wore tank tops out and about, and if there was no car, he would just walk. Because of that, no one around him—not even Qin Mu, who lived with him day in and day out—knew anything about his background. Not that he was deliberately hiding it; he just didn’t see the need to mention it. But today, his rich-boy flair was on full display as he casually ordered an entire lavish feast.
Qin Mu looked at the lobsters swirling through dry ice and couldn’t help laughing and crying at the same time. “You planning to starve next month?”
“No worries. When it’s time to pay, we’ll just run.” Shen Liu suggested.
Qin Mu played along. “Then I’ll bend down to tie my shoes first.”
Guests started arriving one after another, all of whom Qin Mu knew. When Fatty saw the lobster and roast duck, his eyes lit up. “Damn! This spread… Liu boy, you went all in, huh?”
Feiyan looked puzzled. “Did you win the lottery or something?”
Glasses shook his head. “The odds of him winning the lottery are too low. Robbing a bank seems more likely. Fatty, go check if there are any cop cars outside.”
Everyone burst out laughing.
“People feel refreshed when good things happen to them, and even if you spend a thousand gold coins, it will come back again.” Shen Liu dr4p3d an arm lazily over the back of Qin Mu’s chair, showing off his ridiculous literary flair. “Little Wood got into K University. As his big brother, of course I’ve got to throw him a proper celebration.” He patted Qin Mu’s back. “Go pour some drinks for your seniors.”
Qin Mu got up and poured wine for each of them. Feiyan stuffed a large ribbon-tied gift box into his hands. “Take this, or else people will say we shameless upperclassmen just came to freeload.”
Seeing that Qin Mu didn’t want to accept it, she smiled and said, “It’s a little something from all of us. Congratulations on getting into the law department at K University. From now on, you’re my junior. If you ever need anything, come find me. I’ve got your back.” Just as Qin Mu was about to thank her, she leaned in with a mock-serious whisper, “That includes dating too. I know a few great guys.”
His ears immediately turned bright red, and he was beyond embarrassed.
“Woody, get back here after you get your gifts!” Shen Liu shouted. “Don’t let that shady matchmaker lead you astray!”
Qin Mu thanked everyone and opened the gift on the spot under Shen Liu’s urging. It was a brand-new laptop.
Fatty said, “We talked it over and figured it had to be something practical. This computer has a good cost-performance ratio. Though it can’t handle online games, it’s more than enough for browsing and researching stuff. If anything goes wrong, just bring it to me. Ever since my mom teased me for studying computer science but not knowing how to fix a computer, I’ve become the go-to repair guy in our department.”
“If anyone bullies you, come find me,” said the tall guy with the square face. “Our taekwondo club isn’t to be messed with. By the way, are you interested in joining?”
“Don’t go to his place. A gentleman talks, not fights. The literature club welcomes you,” said a pretty girl with a sweet smile.
“Alright, you two quit fighting over him,” Feiyan said. “Classmate xiao Qin Mu is officially under my wing now. I’m taking him to the debate team.”
“… Did I agree to this?” Shen Liu raised an eyebrow.
“Whether you agree or not, he’s part of our law department,” Feiyan teased and gave him a provocative middle finger.
Qin Mu smiled as he watched them bicker. His heart felt like a spring meadow warmed by the sun, soft and cozy. These strangers, unrelated by blood, treated him like a younger brother, giving him love and kindness, supporting, guiding, and accompanying him through tough times. They helped him shed his self-doubt and guard down, keeping a positive outlook on life. More importantly, they gave him something in love he had always lacked, something even more precious than family, which made him deeply grateful.
He took up his cup and stood. Since it was his first time toasting in such a setting, he was a bit nervous, “I toast to everyone with the first cup of wine. It has not been easy for me to come this far. I’ve received a lot of help and care from you all. I will remember your kindness and definitely repay it when I get the chance. This glass… I drink to you all.” With that, he drained the cup.
Fatty whistled, “Qin Mu already finished his drink, what are we waiting for?” Everyone drank along.
“The second toast is to you, Shen Liu ge.” Qin Mu refilled his cup and turned to the man beside him. “Thank you for pulling me out of hell. Thank you for taking me in and giving me a home. And thank you for always encouraging me and helping me get better.” Memories flashed before his eyes, and tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke.
Seeing this, Shen Liu smiled slightly and raised his hand. “Keep going, I think it’s time to properly recognise my great deeds.” He successfully drew a chorus of insults calling him shameless, which eased Qin Mu’s emotional turmoil. Shen Liu gently clinked his glass against Qin Mu’s and said, “I’m proud of you.”
His gaze was gentle and bright, making Qin Mu’s barely settled feelings bubble up again. He quickly tilted his head back and drank. The cold drink warmed him immediately, spreading through his insides and making him a little excited. It was his first time drinking openly. The beer was light, and he didn’t experience any adverse effects, so he continued drinking several more cups without hesitation.
“Young man, don’t be so fierce.” Shen Liu put some black bean sauce ribs on Qin Mu’s plate and tapped the edge of the bowl. “Eat something first.”
“Oh.” Qin Mu put down his cup and started eating.
Fatty waved his lobster claw and rolled his eyes. “Liu boy, you messed up. On a night like this, you’re still acting like an old lady controlling everything.”
Feiyan, already tipsy, wagged her finger. “He’s not an old lady, he’s a man managing his wife, or rather, his child bride.”
Shen Liu laughed, “Drink your own, you shrew.”
Qin Mu blushed and pretended not to hear, quietly eating ribs. Someone came to toast again, and as Qin Mu was about to raise his cup, Shen Liu pressed his finger on the rim.
“Blushing like that and still drinking?” Shen Liu scolded, taking the cup and proudly announcing, “I’ll drink for him.”
Fatty exploded in anger, “Damn it! Last time I nearly got trashed by the team and you didn’t drink for me!”
“You’re wild, he’s domesticated. How can it be the same?” Shen Liu said leisurely.
Qin Mu was startled, almost dropping the food on his chopsticks.
“fvck you Shen Liu, you’re the wild one!” Fatty grabbed the bottle and charged, “You want to drink for him or not? This bottle’s for Qin Mu. You drinking?”
“I’m toasting Qin Mu too.”
“Me too.”
Hearing Shen Liu say he would drink for Qin Mu, the whole table rose up to join in, even Glasses wobbling over to join the fun.
Shen Liu turned to Qin Mu with a smile, “Look at these beasts with human faces.” After finishing his drink, he kicked the chair boldly and shouted, “Bring it on! I’ll crush you all till you’re calling me daddy!”
The boys drank, and the girls cheered; the dining table was like a battlefield filled with smoke and killing intent. In the end, it turned into a combined alliance assault against the Big Boss Shen Liu.
The battle was fierce.
The first squad’s daredevil captain, Fatty, vomited on the spot; Iron Lady Feiyan hugged a coat rack and whispered heartfelt words; the taekwondo club president stuck out his tongue and sang ‘Sunset Glow1A Chinese TV program that focuses on the lives of the elderly. The title refers to the ‘sunset years’—a poetic metaphor for old age, like the warm, glowing light before the sun sets. The second squad was even more drunk and swaying; even the third squad’s logistics and communications officer, Glasses, was knocked out cold.
Shen Liu, the boss who claimed to be able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, was still sober. Sitting backwards in his chair with legs spread, he rested his soft head on the backrest and commanded, “Call three cars to load them up. If it’s too much to handle, call a few more people. These trash…”
With him blocking the front, Qin Mu didn’t drink a drop after all. Now he helped the two sober girls hail three taxis and took turns sending the drunkards home. When they returned, Shen Liu had already swiped his card and paid. Leaning against the cashier counter, he waved to him, “Come here and help your ge.”
Qin Mu put his arm around him. Shen Liu was dizzy and weak in the legs, leaning heavily against him. Qin Mu quickly wrapped his arms around Shen Liu’s waist. They were about the same height, so Shen Liu’s chin rested right on his shoulder, forming a face-to-face embrace.
“Little Wood, was Shen Liu ge awesome just now?”
“…Awesome.” Qin Mu’s heart pounded so fast he thought it might burst. He hurriedly took two deep breaths.
“When did you get this tall?” Shen Liu half-closed his eyes, leaning against Qin Mu’s neck, slowly smiling, “Our Little Wood has grown up.”
“…” Qin Mu felt if they kept hugging, he would lose control. Adjusting his position, he held Shen Liu to his right side and said, “Let’s go home.”
Shen Liu leaned on him as they walked toward the roadside, suddenly saying, “Don’t listen to Yan child.”
“What?” Qin Mu didn’t understand.
“Don’t get to know with those shady guys.”
Qin Mu laughed wryly.
Less than a minute later, Shen Liu seemed to realise something. “Alright, you’ve grown up. It’s fine to meet people, but you have to tell me beforehand. Also, don’t sleep with anyone easily. And if you do, always use protection. Men and women are different—those places get hurt and infected easily…”
The main street was bustling with people passing by. Qin Mu blushed and grit his teeth, “Did you really have to say this on the main road?”
Shen Liu smiled softly. His lashes drooping to cover half his eyes, looking especially gentle, “Silly kid, I’m afraid you’ll get hurt.”
Qin Mu’s heart seemed to skip a beat; he stopped walking for a moment. He pressed his lips together and whispered, “I’m not a kid anymore.”
Shen Liu seemed to both understand and not understand. He looked at him vaguely for a moment, then muttered, “I want to vomit.”
Qin Mu: “…”
He was really drunk. He barely made it home, collapsed on the bed, and fell into a deep sleep. Qin Mu took off his dirty clothes, wiped Shen Liu down with a wet towel, and then sat by the bed watching him.
The timed nightlight automatically went off after half an hour, leaving the room pitch black.
In the darkness, Qin Mu bent down and gently kissed his cheek.
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