Back at the bank in the afternoon, Xiao Zhan was absent-minded. As it got closer to the end of the workday, he finally couldn't hold it in any longer.
He knocked on the manager's door. The office door was open, and the manager looked at him with slight surprise. "What's up?"
Xiao Zhan tried to sound casual. "Manager, I'm just curious, purely curious — can our bank let us overdraft our salary?"
The manager: "..."
He thought for a moment. What if something serious had happened at Xiao Zhan's home? Every year, the bank trained its leaders to care for employees, to avoid any bad news making it to the public. Even though he personally didn't care much, the formalities still had to be done.
Thinking this, the manager's face turned serious and he shook his head. "An overdraft isn't allowed. But out of curiosity — purely curiosity — how much were you thinking?"
Xiao Zhan broke out in a cold sweat. If it's not allowed, what's the point in naming a number? Besides, the amount was too enormous to even hope for. He hadn't expected it to work anyway.
So, Xiao Zhan smiled, his eyes curving. "I was just asking casually, no other reason."
Since he refused to say more, the manager had no way of prying it out of him and could only drop the matter.
Back at his desk, Xiao Zhan's mind was like a hive of bees, buzzing non-stop. He thought of the shocking contents in that booklet, of what Wang Yibo had said about giving him time to think. He looked around — his desk piled with miscellaneous things from over the years, and thought about how he always said working at a bank was a guaranteed iron rice bowl.
Lost in thought, he heard thunder rumbling in the distance.
It was raining again. What a rainy summer this was.
On his way home from work, a speeding car splashed water all over his pants. Xiao Zhan walked through the door, unsurprised to find Jiang Cheng working overtime again. He changed his pants, washed his hands, sat quietly for a moment, then forced himself to get up and make dinner.
When he got to the kitchen, he realized that the pork ribs he and Jiang Cheng had agreed to cook that evening hadn't been taken out to thaw in the morning because they'd both left in a hurry. Usually, he was the one who cooked and handled these details. If he didn't think of it, Jiang Cheng definitely wouldn't.
That realization left Xiao Zhan feeling especially powerless. Resigned, he put the frozen pork ribs into the microwave to defrost.
As he waited, Xiao Zhan looked out the window.
It was raining, everything blurred and indistinct — only the streaks of rain against the glass and his own reflection in the windowpane were clear. Xiao Zhan found himself staring at his own reflection in a daze, his memory drifting to another rainy day... no, even heavier rain than this.
Thunder and lightning filled the sky, the rain poured down in torrents. You couldn't see anything, no matter where you looked.
And that was the first time he met Wang Yibo.
By the roadside beneath the trees, he'd crouched on the muddy ground, soaked through. Even his eyelashes dripped with water. And then, out of nowhere, someone held an umbrella over him. He looked back, drenched and miserable, and saw a large, sturdy, dark green umbrella.
Beneath it stood a fair-skinned, strikingly handsome boy, quietly watching him.
Xiao Zhan blinked, water droplets falling into his eyes, and smiled as he said, "Thank you."
The delicate-looking boy shook his head. "It's what I should do," he said calmly, then shifted the umbrella a little more toward Xiao Zhan.
"You need it more than I do."
He stood in the rain, as steady and graceful as a piece of jade.
Xiao Zhan blinked again. The microwave chimed, signalling that the defrost was done.
***
Jiang Cheng didn't get off work too late. After dinner, he cleared the table and resignedly mopped the floor. The two of them still had time to sit on the sofa and watch some TV.
Jiang Cheng, rare as it was to catch a chance to just sit and watch TV without doing anything else, quickly found an American blockbuster and watched it with relish. But Xiao Zhan couldn't focus at all.
The scenes from that morning at Yunshen Credit still played vividly in his mind. He knew that what Wang Yibo said wasn't wrong. This apartment he shared with Jiang Cheng was in a prime location — if they sold it, they could probably get a good price, enough to pay off a huge chunk of debt. But how was he supposed to bring it up? This was the place they had planned to settle down in, to build a life together. They'd only moved in a few months ago, and now he was going to suggest selling it...
Xiao Zhan hesitated over whether to test the waters a bit, but before he could decide, Jiang Cheng's phone rang.
Jiang Cheng glanced at it and his face darkened. "It's my mom. Bet she's complaining about my dad again. Annoying."
Xiao Zhan knew that eight out of ten times when Jiang's mother called, it was to complain about Jiang's father. But then again, thinking of his own nagging parents, and the mess he'd gotten himself into, he could only offer some consolation.
"Just pick it up. She probably just needs someone to talk to."
Jiang Cheng answered the call.
And for the next half hour, it was non-stop complaints from Jiang's mother — how unreasonable his father was, how stubborn, how he still flirted around outside at his age without cleaning up his act. The first half of the call, Jiang Cheng listened patiently, occasionally offering a word or two of consolation. But somehow, the topic eventually veered to how Jiang's mother deeply regretted not divorcing right after Jiang Cheng's older brother, Jiang Li, died.
Whenever it got to Jiang Li, it always meant Jiang Cheng would be dragged in for relentless comparison and criticism. Jiang Cheng's face grew uglier by the minute, but he couldn't stop his parents from venting. After all, Jiang Li had been their pride and joy — dying so young was a tragedy they never got over. Watching Jiang Cheng struggle several times to cut his mother off but forcing himself to hold back, Xiao Zhan swallowed down all the troubles he had been about to voice.
Now was really not the time to bring up his own problems. Especially such a huge problem, and one that involved selling their home — it would just kill the mood.
After over forty minutes, the call finally ended, leaving Jiang Cheng and Xiao Zhan staring at each other.
The American movie on TV was more than halfway through, but neither of them had paid attention. They stared at each other for half a minute before suddenly both bursting into laughter. It was the first genuine laugh they'd shared in days. Jiang Cheng rubbed his stomach.
"Right now, I'm seriously craving ice cream. Screw worrying about getting fat — I'm too old to care."
Xiao Zhan smacked his stomach. "There's Häagen-Dazs in the fridge. Grab me a spoon."
Jiang Cheng retorted mockingly, "We're sharing one spoon. Objections denied."
When Jiang Cheng came back with the Häagen-Dazs, the two of them ate it together, one bite at a time, while watching the TV. Xiao Zhan casually spoke up.
"Jiang Cheng, I've been thinking about quitting my job lately. I've reached out to a few other companies."
Jiang Cheng gave him a puzzled look. "Didn't you say working at a bank was a guaranteed iron rice bowl? You were the one who insisted on going to the bank — I only helped you get in because you talked me into it."
Xiao Zhan shrugged. "It's just... I've been there too long, it's gotten boring. I want a change of scenery."
Jiang Cheng didn't suspect a thing. He patted Xiao Zhan on the shoulder. "Sure, as long as you're happy, I'll support you."
Xiao Zhan poked Jiang Cheng's belly. "You say that like if you didn't support me, I wouldn't be able to switch jobs. I've actually made up my mind already, just wanted to give you a heads-up so if you piss me off sometime and want to apologize at lunch, you don't show up at the wrong company."
Jiang Cheng tossed the spoon aside, grabbed Xiao Zhan's hand, and leaned over to pin him down on the couch.
"Poking my belly? That's too much."
Xiao Zhan grinned up at him.
Jiang Cheng lifted Xiao Zhan's T-shirt. "I'm gonna poke you back. With something else."
What followed was a heated make-out session. The rain kept falling outside, the air already thick with humidity, and it was as good a chance as any to work up a sweat. Jiang Cheng's job hadn't been going well, his family was always a mess, and Xiao Zhan had his own troubles. Getting lost in heat and pleasure for a while was a way to escape — and escapism was shameful, but effective.
The American blockbuster was still playing, but neither of them had the time to care.
By the time they were both panting, dressed again, the movie was over and the credits were rolling.
Jiang Cheng wiped the sweat from Xiao Zhan's temple and said, "When are you going to take some time off? Let's go abroad and get our marriage certificate. We were supposed to do it before the end of the year, weren't we?"
Xiao Zhan froze very slightly, then wiped at his own sweat. "I'm thinking... maybe after I change jobs. Give it a little time."
Seeing Xiao Zhan still flushed and soaked with sweat, Jiang Cheng felt a wave of joy and simply murmured "Okay" before lowering his head to kiss him again.
***
Dinner was almost finished, and the restaurant was about to close.
Wang Yibo glanced at the small piece of steak left on Mo Ran's plate.
"You ate too little — you've been too busy talking."
Mo Ran put down his knife and fork, pretending to be casual as he waved his hand.
"Can't eat anymore. I had some snacks at the office earlier. First day at work, you know — the colleagues are nice, so I ended up chatting more than usual. Probably give it a few days, once the novelty wears off, you'll mention work stuff and I won't even want to talk about it."
Wang Yibo frowned slightly.
"Really not going to finish it? It's just a small piece."
Mo Ran shook his head.
"Can't. One more bite and I'll be stuffed and fat."
Wang Yibo didn't push, raising his hand to signal the waiter for the check. As he moved, the watch on his wrist was revealed. Mo Ran took one glance, then another, and smiled with satisfaction.
"That watch really suits you. My observation skills are sharp, huh? And my taste's not bad either?"
Wang Yibo handed his card to the waiter, then tugged down his shirt sleeve a little. The restaurant lighting was dim, a little shadowy, and the watch gave off a soft gleam.
"Not bad. You want to keep staring? I can time you."
Mo Ran's face flushed slightly. It wasn't until he noticed the teasing smile at the corner of Wang Yibo's lips that he realized he was being toyed with.
"Oh, you've got some nerve, Wang Yibo — making fun of me, after I went to all that trouble picking out a watch for you."
Wang Yibo spoke gently.
"Not teasing. Since you like it, I'll let you look as much as you want."
Mo Ran scoffed.
"I only like it because it's on your wrist. If anyone else wore it, I wouldn't bother looking."
He pushed his chair back and stood.
"I ate too much — I feel stuffed. Walk with me a bit, help me digest."
The rain had eased, leaving only a fine mist in the air.
The restaurant was right by the river, and Wang Yibo and Mo Ran strolled along the riverside street, their pace neither fast nor slow. This was B City's financial district — brightly lit even at night, a colourful, dazzling skyline that was a pleasure to look at.
Neither of them had been back to the country for quite some time. After walking in silence for a while, Mo Ran sighed.
"When we went abroad, we were still students. Now coming back, we've turned into corporate drones. The company trusts me enough to transfer me back to develop a new department... but I don't know if I can live up to that trust."
Wang Yibo's gaze lingered on the reflection of lights on the water, and after a moment he spoke.
"Your bank's a good one. They're growing fast and have a sharp eye for investments — they won't make big mistakes. Just focus on doing your job well, don't overthink it. And don't burn yourself out either."
Mo Ran gave a small sniff.
"I'm used to burning out. Back in school in the States, it wasn't just you pulling all-nighters."
Wang Yibo smiled faintly, his tone patient.
"We've been out of school for almost two years. And besides — if you hit a wall, instead of burning out, just come find me."
Mo Ran looked at him.
"Really?"
Wang Yibo smiled as well.
"Lying."
Which earned him a warning punch from Mo Ran.
By then, the rain had picked up again, and the two turned, quickening their pace toward where Wang Yibo's car was parked.
Mo Ran complained.
"It's been raining ever since I got back. It's summer — why does it rain so much?"
Wang Yibo glanced sideways at him.
Mo Ran's face was blurred behind the curtain of rain, the details not quite clear, but he could still make out the outline and those long, wet lashes.
Wang Yibo's steps unconsciously slowed for a moment. In his ears was the sound of heavy rain, and it felt like on a distant day long ago, he too had once encountered a bright, rain-soaked boy in a downpour on campus.
Back then, students huddled under the eaves to avoid the rain. Only that boy hadn't sought shelter. Instead, he stepped into the trees.
There, under the branches, was an injured puppy — just a few months old, shivering in the storm.
The boy took off his jacket, crouched down on the muddy ground, and gently scooped up the cold, trembling puppy, wrapping it in his coat and holding it in his arms. He didn't care if his shoes got muddy, didn't care that he was left in just a thin T-shirt, completely exposed to the pouring rain. Before long, he was soaked through. And the puppy's eyes moved, barely conscious.
The boy seemed like he wanted to stand, but didn't dare move too quickly, afraid of hurting the little creature.
Wang Yibo had walked over — no need to keep his footsteps light; the rain was too loud for anyone to hear anything clearly. He stood behind the boy, holding his dark green umbrella, silently shielding him from the rain.
Even now, to this day, Wang Yibo had never forgotten that boy's surprised glance back.
Though the rain blurred everything, Wang Yibo felt as if he could see the light in those eyes. The boy had smiled — a bright, grateful smile — and said, "Thank you."
Raindrops slid into his eyes, mixing with light like scattered stars.
Wang Yibo always remembered those eyes.
And that smile.
That was the first time he met Xiao Zhan.
On a rainy day. Yet so warm.
"Yibo?"
Mo Ran's voice called him back, and Wang Yibo blinked. Mo Ran stood in the rain looking at him, a faint smile on his lips.
Sometimes, when it wasn't so bright — like now — it was easy to mistake one thing for another.
Wang Yibo snapped out of his thoughts, took Mo Ran by the wrist, and the two of them ran back to the car. It wasn't far, but they still got soaked.
Inside the car, Mo Ran fumbled around for tissues to wipe himself dry. Wang Yibo didn't hurry; he quietly handed him the tissue box.
"You dry off first, I'll turn on the heater — warm air will come out."
Mo Ran grabbed Wang Yibo's arm in protest.
"It's summer — are you trying to roast me alive?"
Wang Yibo just smiled.
"If you don't get dry, you'll catch a cold."
Mo Ran exaggeratedly fanned himself.
"Such a hassle in the car. It's so late now I don't feel like going home. Might as well go to your place and warm up."
A brilliant, mischievous smile slowly spread across Mo Ran's face, the corners of his eyes lifting.
"I haven't even been to your place yet since coming back."
The light inside the car was dimmer still. Wang Yibo quietly watched him.
A striking, almost flamboyant face, long, slanted eyeliner, upturned eyes, and a smile that always demanded attention.
Sometimes, when it wasn't so bright.
It was easy to mistake one thing for another.
Wang Yibo looked at him like that for a while, without knowing if it was dazedness or sadness, until he reached out and brushed Mo Ran's ear. His fingers closed around the small ear, lightly rubbing its lobe.
Wang Yibo's voice was low and soft.
"Okay."
He said to Mo Ran.
"Let's go to my place."