The voice of a woman not yet past her fifties filled the bedroom.
She was shaking the young man lying on the large bed, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest.
"Are you alright? Open your eyes... Yibo! Yibo, wake up! What's wrong with you?"
With a sudden gasp, he shot upright.
His chest rose and fell heavily as his eyes darted around the room in confusion. It took him a few seconds to recognize where he was. Finally, his gaze landed on his mother, who was staring at him in deep worry.
He closed his eyes briefly and called out in a hoarse whisper.
"Mother..."
She immediately grabbed his hand. "What's wrong, Yibo? Tell me. Are you feeling unwell?"
He opened his eyes and looked at her quietly. His voice was low.
"I don't know... I just can't find peace of mind. It feels like something is wrong."
His words trailed off. Unshed tears gathered in his eyes.
"I'm your mother," she said firmly. "If there's anyone in this world you can speak to, it's me. Tell me what's troubling you."
He wiped the sweat from his forehead and slowly rested his head on her shoulder.
"Just... wish me well, Mum."
She lifted his chin gently. "So you won't tell me?"
Silence.
He looked at her with those large, restless eyes before closing them again.
"I'll handle it. It's nothing worth worrying about."
She hesitated, then stood and walked toward the door. Before she left, his voice stopped her softly.
"Mum... just...pray for me."
But she didn't respond. She stepped out quietly.
Yibo glanced at the clock.
2:00 AM.
With a weary sigh, he rose and headed to the bathroom.
Five Years Later
Morning sunlight spilled across the apartment.
He moved quickly around his flat, rinsing a cup and spoon before stepping out of the kitchen. He switched off the television in the living room, grabbed his bag from the chair, and slung it over his shoulder while checking his wristwatch.
He was dressed simply.... a long sea-green casual coat over fitted black trousers, paired with flat shoes. He disliked anything too flashy. His style was understated but elegant.
He didn't wear much .... no accessories beyond a watch. His lips naturally carried a soft pink tint and a mole under the left side lower lip that many people noticed, though he never paid attention to it.
He clicked his tongue lightly, locked his apartment door, and turned....Only to see a tall young man standing near the neighboring apartment.
It was clear he had just stepped out as well, locking his own door.
He was strikingly tall.... the kind of presence people instinctively noticed. His complexion was fair, his features sharp and refined. Dark sunglasses framed his face, emphasizing the height of his nose and the cold composure he carried.
His expression was unreadable. Almost distant.
He instinctively stepped aside to give him space.
The man finished locking his door and walked past without sparing him a glance, heading toward the parking area.
He frowned slightly.
Was it arrogance? Or simply indifference?
This must be the new tenant who moved in after his kind neighbor, Nancy, had relocated.
He hadn't even known someone new had taken the apartment. He had been away for three weeks on a research trip, only returning yesterday evening.
Suppressing his thoughts, he locked his door and left to catch a taxi.
He was heading to Cambridge University.
Classes ended at a quarter past two.
He walked out of the campus gates with his close friend, Vanessa. They had been classmates since their first year, and now they were approaching their final year together.
Vanessa waited until he got into a taxi.
"See you tomorrow, pretty boy," she teased.
He rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. "Drive safe."
The taxi pulled away.
Even after arriving home, his mind remained elsewhere, drifting in restless thoughts until the driver's voice pulled him back to reality.
He paid, stepped out, and returned to his apartment.
There was no sign of the new neighbor's car.
After showering, He headed to the kitchen to cook, only to discover he had nothing left except instant noodles.
With a sigh, he boiled water.
While waiting, he took out the trash and stepped into the small backyard area.
That was when he noticed it...Gym equipment scattered messily near the neighboring unit.
He had barely returned home and already felt irritated.
Clicking his tongue again, he grabbed a broom and swept the entire area...even the space near the other man's door...before disposing of the trash and returning inside.
After eating, he checked the time.
2:55 PM.
He placed his phone down and lay on the bed, closing his eyes.
He woke up at 4:15 PM.
Without wasting time, he freshened up and began reviewing his study materials until evening.
โดโดโด
Yibo sat at the dining table, eyes fixed on the football match playing on his laptop.
When he saw his mother descending the staircase, he quickly slid the untouched plate of food beneath the table. He grabbed a glass of juice and drank half of it before wiping his mouth as if he had just finished eating.
His mother stopped near the dining area.
"Where's your food?"
He looked up casually. "I've eaten."
"The plate?"
"I washed it."
She studied him for a moment before shaking her head and returning to the living room.
Only then did Yibo glance at the plate hidden under the table.
He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
More than ten minutes passed before he heard a cheerful voice.
"Yibo-ge."
He opened his eyes.
A beautiful young woman stood in front of him, smiling brightly.
"Hanna," he greeted calmly.
Her smile faded as she noticed the plate beneath the table. "You hid your food again?"
He quickly glanced toward the living room to ensure his mother wasn't nearby before pulling the plate out.
"I'm not hungry. You can have it."
She frowned. The carefully prepared meal....rice, vegetables, chicken, remained untouched.
"Why won't you eat?"
He leaned back again.
"I said I'm not hungry. If you don't want it, give it to the guards."
She hesitated before taking the plate and walking away.
Yibo immediately shut his laptop and went upstairs. He didn't want her returning and finding him there.
:
:
Uk
He stood in the kitchen, boiling water for tea before bed.
Suddenly, he found himself missing Nancy.
At this hour, she would usually be outside on her resting chair, sipping coffee and chatting.
Though he wasn't fond of sitting outdoors, he would often join her just to keep her company.
Tonight, the yard felt empty.
He lifted his head...
And froze...
Through the kitchen window, he locked eyes with the new neighbor.
The man stood outside wearing only a sleeveless shirt and loose trousers, phone pressed to his ear. A bottle hung loosely from his other hand.
His heart dropped.
He instinctively glanced at his kitchen door to make sure it was locked.
When he looked back, the man had stopped talking on the phone.
He was staring directly at him.
The intensity of that gaze was impossible to interpret.
Slowly, he reached out and turned off the stove.
Then he switched off the kitchen light completely.
Without another glance, he left for the living room.
The tea could wait.
****
He had been awake since dawn and never went back to sleep.
After finishing the small chores he had for the morning, he began preparing for school. Once he was fully dressed, he sat quietly in the living room for a while.
After a moment, he picked up his phone and dialed a number. He lifted it slowly to his ear.
It rang.
And rang.
No answer.
He lowered the phone and stood up, carrying the empty cake plate he had used earlier into the kitchen.
At exactly 7:30 a.m., he stepped out of his apartment, dressed in a black flowing outer coat that made his already fair skin stand out even more.
He was locking his door when the neighboring apartment door suddenly opened.
That man stepped out.
Just like yesterday, he didn't even glance in his direction. Seeing that he was about to lock his door, he stepped aside to give him space.... though the man didn't acknowledge his presence at all.
Today again, he wore simple clothes....a deep blue polo shirt with some faint lettering across the chest and black jeans.
And again...
The trousers were slightly sagging.
He stared at him in disbelief.
What kind of habit was that?
Without realizing it, he let out a long, irritated hiss.
Suddenly...
The man turned.
As if he had been waiting for it.
His heart dropped violently.
The man removed his sunglasses, revealing large brown eyes.... sharp, piercing, unsettling.
He stood frozen, blinking, heart pounding wildly in his chest. For a brief moment, he studied his face closely. The sharp features, the intensity...
He looked Chinese.
Before he could react, the man began walking toward him.
His legs felt weak.
The man stopped right in front of him and looked down slightly, his voice slow and deliberate.
"Did... you... just... hissed?"
He forced himself to steady his expression even though his heartbeat refused to calm.
"Do I even know you?"
The man scanned him from head to toe.
"Did you skip English classes in school?"
He swallowed hard but still shot him a glare.
"That's none of your..."
He gasped.
The man had suddenly grabbed his wrist tightly.
The grip was firm. Overpowering.
He could feel his breath.... close enough to send fear rushing through him. His body trembled involuntarily, and tears began gathering in his eyes.
"Let go of me. Right now."
The man studied him for several seconds before finally releasing him with a slight shove.
"We still live in the same environment."
With that, he turned and walked away.
He quickly locked his door behind him before leaving the compound, tears of frustration burning in his eyes.
Throughout the entire day at school, he was restless.
He couldn't focus. Couldn't sit still.
How on earth was he supposed to live in the same building as that man?
Vanessa noticed immediately.
"Pretty, what's wrong with you? You've looked dull all day. Mood swing?"
He forced a small smile, took a sip of lemonade in the cafeteria, and shook his head.
"Don't worry. I'll fix it."
"Good," she replied, though she still looked unconvinced.
He returned home later that afternoon.
The neighbor's car wasn't there, but he still locked his door carefully.
He was about to lie down when he remembered.... there was nothing left in the house except noodles.
He groaned softly.
He didn't want to go out.
After nearly ten minutes of debating with himself, he gave in.
He draped a large coat over his short-sleeved outfit, grabbed a small bag, and headed to the nearest shopping complex by taxi.
He finished shopping and returned home.
The taxi driver helped him unload the groceries.
He paid him and carried some of the bags inside.
And then....
His heart dropped again.
The man was standing at his parking space, talking on the phone.
He looked at him once.
And immediately looked away.
He placed the bags down and went back out for more. His movements became clumsy, his mind clouded by the man's presence.
On his third trip, he accidentally lifted his head...
Their eyes met.
He looked away too quickly.
And didn't notice the stack of bags in front of him.
He stumbled forward and fell hard.
The shopping bags burst open. Chocolates and biscuits scattered across the ground.
The man was still watching.
And still said nothing.
He stood up quickly, brushing himself off, refusing to look toward him even though tears had filled his eyes.
Silently, he knelt and began gathering the scattered items.
Trip after trip, he carried everything inside.
Before closing the door, he stole one last glance.
The man was still staring.
He clicked his tongue in annoyance and slammed the door shut.
He lay on his bed afterward but couldn't relax. He kept turning from side to side.
Was he really going to live under the same roof as that man?
"Impossible," he muttered.
Later that evening, he sat up and dialed a familiar number.
After a few rings, it was answered.
"Uncle, we miss you!"
A small smile touched his lips.
"Really?"
"Yes! Good evening!"
He softened. "Good evening. How was school?"
"Fine!"
"Where's your brother?"
"He's busy right now."
"And Mommy?"
"She's in the living room."
"And the nanny?"
"She's washing our uniforms."
"Alright, I'll call again later."
He ended the call and went to the kitchen, feeling slightly hungry.
While peeling potatoes, he heard a voice outside.
He glanced toward the kitchen window.
The man was sitting outside in his section, phone pressed to his ear.
Expression unreadable.
He stroked his beard slightly.
"I missed you more..."
His eyes widened slightly.
"Oh? When will that be?"
He stood up, plucked a small flower absentmindedly from a nearby plant.
"Sure. I'll be looking forward to it, baby. Just let me know when you're coming."
He turned...
And their eyes locked again.
The yard was brightly lit. The kitchen lights were on.
There was no way he hadn't seen him.
He immediately stepped away from the window, heart unsettled.
He finished cooking without enthusiasm and left the kitchen without cleaning up properly.
Thursday.
No lectures.
He stayed home all day studying and resting in between.
By 8:00 a.m., he noticed the man had left.
Around 4:30 p.m., his doorbell rang.
He froze.
He wasn't expecting anyone.
Vanessa hadn't said she was coming.
His chest suddenly tightened.... sharp, painful, like something piercing through him. He gripped his shirt, breathing uneven.
The bell rang again.
He stayed still until the pain slowly eased.
Finally, he forced himself up and walked toward the door.
In a quiet voice, he asked...
"Who's there?"
He heard a woman's voice outside his door.
"Sorry for intruding, Mr..."
He froze for a moment before walking to the door and opening it.
A foreign woman stood there.
"Good evening," she greeted politely.
He nodded once. "Good evening."
"I'm Clara Edward."
"Xiao Zhan," he replied briefly.
Clara extended a stack of textbooks toward him.
"Could you please help keep these for your neighbor? I mean, Dr. Leo."
Zhan's eyes widened slightly. He shook his head quickly.
"No. You should wait for him. That would be better."
Clara smiled softly. "He said I could hand them over to you. I just spoke to him."
His heart dropped.
"I'm traveling tonight," she added. "And I can't carry his materials with me."
Reluctantly, Zhan accepted the books. Clara thanked him and left.
He closed his door and placed the textbooks on a chair in the living room.
Around 8 p.m., just after he stepped out of the shower, his doorbell rang.
He stood still.
Who could it be?
The bell rang again.
He quickly pulled on a loose bathrobe and stepped into the living room.
"Who is it?"
Silence.
His heartbeat began rising.
The bell rang again.
"Who's there?"
A familiar voice answered briefly.
"Somebody. Open the door."
Shock filled him.
"So? What do you want?" Zhan asked cautiously.
"Open it. Now."
Annoyance flared. "Did you miss your way?"
A low chuckle came from the other side.
"Do you know I can open this door myself?"
Zhan chest tightened with fear.
"And do you know I can report you to the police right now?" he shot back, though his voice trembled.
"Oh, really?" the man replied mockingly. "Then let me help you open it so you can go to the police."
Zhan stepped back instinctively.
"Please stay away from me. I don't even know you."
Tears gathered in his eyes.
There was silence for a few seconds.
Then, in a husky voice...
"I want my reading materials."
Zhan eyes flew to the textbooks on the chair. He had completely forgotten about them.
"I'm not opening the door. You'll get them tomorrow," Zhan said firmly.
"You must be joking. Open the door and hand over my property."
"Sorry. I can't."
"This is serious."
Zhan ignored him and sat down, though his heart wouldn't stop pounding.
After a pause, the man spoke again.
"I have exams. I need those books."
Still silence.
Then...
"Please."
The word was softer this time.
Zhan clicked his tongue in frustration, grabbed the books, and walked toward the door. His heart was hammering violently as he unlocked it.
The moment the door opened....He was grabbed.
He screamed, dropping the books as his body trembled uncontrollably. The man pulled him firmly against his chest. Zhan could feel his breath against his skin.
"Let go of me!"
The man stared directly into his eyes.
"Isn't this what you're afraid of?"
He pushed Zhan away suddenly.
"I'm waiting for the police."
He bent down, gathered his books calmly, and walked off.
Zhan slammed the door shut and locked it, his entire body shaking.
From outside, he heard him curse.
"I'll get you."
Zhan ran into his bedroom as though someone was chasing him.
He didn't sleep until nearly 1 a.m. He hadn't even changed into nightwear. His body still carried the faint scent of the man's cologne from when he was held.
No matter how he turned, he could still smell it.
Finally, he forced himself into the shower again, changed into sleepwear, sprayed his own perfume, and only then did sleep claim him.
The next morning, he woke up late.
By 8:30 a.m., he was dressed in a long blue outfit decorated with black stones, paired with a white veil draped loosely around his neck. His white shoes and small bag completed the look. Anyone looking at him would know he was nervous.
He hurried out and nearly collided with him at the gate.
His heart nearly stopped.
He quickly turned away and walked toward the parking area instead, pretending composure. But his hands trembled as he struggled to unlock his door again.
Tears spilled down his face.
"Please... stay away from me. I don't know you. Stay out of my life."
He froze as the man approached.
Instead of touching him, the man simply unlocked his own door.
"I only have your time at night," he said calmly before entering his apartment.
Zhan stood there, shaken, before rushing out of the compound.
That evening, he stayed at Vanessa's house. He didn't want to return home.
Later that night, Vanessa convinced him to go shopping with her and her boyfriend, Richard.
At the mall, they stopped at an ice cream shop.
As if fate enjoyed mocking him...He turned.
And their eyes met.
Dr. Leo was seated with a young foreign woman. She held his hand across the table, smiling sweetly. Snacks were laid out before them.
Dr. Leo was staring directly at Zhan.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Zhan looked away first.
They left shortly after.
He spent the entire weekend at Vanessa's place.
On Sunday, he returned home unwillingly.
The moment he approached his door, his neighbor's door opened suddenly.
The same young woman from the restaurant stepped out.
"Oh, I scared you," she said with a smile.
Zhan said nothing and entered his apartment.
Later that night, after cleaning and cooking, exhaustion took over.
He woke suddenly...
Something smelled burnt.
He rushed into the kitchen.
And froze.
Dr. Leo was standing by his stove.
He screamed and turned to run, but he was pulled back violently.
The man pressed him against his chest and covered his mouth.
Tears filled Zhan's eyes as his legs weakened.
"Done running?" Dr. Leo asked in that deep voice.
Zhan stared at him in shock.
"You were at your girlfriend's house, right?"
Anger rose within Zhan.
"Yes."
Dr. Leo smirked.
"Doing what?"
"The same thing you bring girls to do in your apartment," Zhan shot back.
Before he could react....Dr. Leo kissed him.
Hard.
He struggled, but it was useless.
After a moment, Dr. Leo released him, watching him with half-lidded eyes.
"I see."
Zhan broke down in tears.
"Next time," Dr. Leo said coldly, "you don't have to go to your girlfriend. If you need something... come to my apartment."
He walked toward the door, then paused.
"And by the way... I hate the smell of burnt food."
Then he left.
Zhan stared at the door in disbelief.
He was certain he had locked it.
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๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ช๐จ๐๐, ๐๐ค๐ฃ'๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ง๐ง๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช'๐ก๐ก ๐ช๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐ช๐ง๐ฉ๐๐๐ง, ๐๐ช๐ฉ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐จ๐ ๐ฆ๐ช๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ...
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