Chapter 19

Lin Shuicheng rose early the following day, meticulously preparing a breakfast fit for Fu Luoyin. He crafted savory chicken broth-stuffed buns, fried golden oil sticks, and slow-cooked a nourishing porridge. He then artfully sliced vegetables into delicate strands, anointing them with a harmonious blend of sauces to complete the ensemble.

The two of them were gradually becoming accustomed to each other's routines. When Fu Luoyin had no urgent meetings or other tasks, he typically left for work at Division Seven around 8:30 in the morning. Lin Shuicheng's schedule was similar, yet he required a slightly longer sleep time, whereas Fu Luoyin usually woke up at six o'clock. After waking up, Fu Luoyin would go out for his morning jog, return home for a shower, and incidentally rouse Lin Shuicheng from bed, with the timing almost always perfectly aligning at 7:30.

After Lin Shuicheng rises from bed to prepare breakfast, Fu Luoyin readies himself for the day's work, either catching up on morning news or endeavoring to cultivate a bond with the senior officer—albeit with limited success.

The timing in the evenings could vary; Fu Luoyin often had to work overtime, and so did Lin Shuicheng.

If both men finish work at their regular hours, Fu Luoyin typically has Zhou Heng drive to pick up Lin Shuicheng. The two then enjoy dinner out together, or when the urge for home-cooked fare strikes, they indulge in having Shuicheng prepare a meal. Upon returning home, aside from certain indispensable physical activities, Lin Shuicheng retreats to his study to continue learning and researching, while Fu Luoyin joins Dong Shuoye and Su Yu for an online game of Landlord Poker.

On this particular morning, after they finished their breakfast, Fu Luoyin observed Lin Shuicheng's sleepy appearance and, unusually, felt a touch of compassion – Lin Shuicheng had just gone through the trauma of a robbery, returned home in the dead of night, and then been subjected to his various antics the following day. It was only natural that he would be exhausted.

"I'll let you catch some sleep in the car," Fu proposed.

With his backpack in his arms, Lin Shuicheng nodded off, leaning against the passenger seat.

Fu Luoyin adored how obedient he looked. Even though he had merely suggested a nap, Lin Shuicheng's silent compliance made him appear particularly submissive and vulnerable – especially since Fu Luoyin was beginning to realize that this man was really just a kitten with sharp claws that only bared them for him.

The thought of such exclusive submission and trust excited Fu Luoyin subtly.

He was not an overly passionate person, but Lin Shuicheng was too peculiar. Fu Luoyin had never encountered anyone like him before. It seemed as if every aspect of him, from his appearance to his personality, even that sweet voice that would whine "husband" when he was bullied, and his obedient nature in front of Fu Luoyin contrasted with his composed demeanor outside... all of it was intoxicating.

As they approached a red light, Fu Luoyin slowed down and glanced at Lin Shuicheng. Lin Shuicheng's sleeping face was adorable, with long, dark eyelashes.

Fu Luoyin leaned in to kiss him.

The moment their lips met, Lin Shuicheng's eyelashes fluttered. He grumbled uncomfortably, as if blaming Fu Luoyin for disturbing his sleep. Fu Luoyin had no choice but to surrender, "Alright, alright, just sleep."

This little one had quite the temper.

Fu Luoyin slowed down the vehicle, driving as smoothly as possible. Upon arriving at the university campus, he checked the time and realized he was early; Lin Shuicheng usually arrived twenty minutes later. Thus, he decided to stop and wait, planning to wake Lin Shuicheng up later.

During the waiting time, curious students passing by occasionally peered into the military spacecraft. Fu Luoyin considered for a moment before pulling down the sunshade.

Lin Shuicheng, even in sleep, was not someone to be casually ogled.

He unlocked his phone, intending to check on his tasks for the day, but froze when he swiped past a message.

Blaring words stared back at him.

"Friend request from 'Xia' - should you accept?"

Fu Luoyin's fingers hovered in mid-air, frozen in place.

The familiar profile picture and name made his head spin, like a school of fish gasping for air after being exposed to the sun during summer.

All memories involving Xia Ran seemed to be rooted in the summer season.

He couldn't recall when he first met Xia Ran; it felt as if they had always been together, playing in the big courtyard since the beginning of his consciousness.

Chu Shihan was two years older, and Chu Jingshu, doting on her elder son, took him back to Star City to raise personally. Fu Luoyin, on the other hand, spent his childhood at his grandparents' home, mingling in the military-political compound, often completing homework in Fu Kai's office. As Fu Kai was stationed in the Jiangnan branch for extended periods, Fu Luoyin didn't have a clear impression of his brother or mother before junior high.

This was a common scenario within their circle. The Jiangnan branch was the second-largest hub in Star City, and most of the kids he grew up with shuttled between the two locations for both living and studying.

Each summer, he would return to Star City. Being a child who spent most of the year in Jiangnan, cold and distant, Xia Ran would proactively seek him out to play.

"You only come back for school in the summers. Do you not study the rest of the year?" After school one day, he sat alone in the deserted classroom, lost in thought as he gazed out at the blazing sun. Suddenly, someone initiated a conversation with him.

Xia Ran had fair skin, so much so that Fu Luoyin initially mistook him for a girl, prompting him to purse his lips in caution.

Noticing that he didn't respond, Xia Ran skillfully changed the subject. He inquired, "Why don't your mom and dad come to pick you up from school? Mine don't either, but that's by my own choice because our home is quite close. I like being an independent little boy."

Fu Luoyin's eyes lowered, and he said icy-coldly, "What does that have to do with you?"

Xia Ran was momentarily taken aback; far from being upset himself, he stepped forward and gently patted his shoulder. "Don't be so angry, alright? Come on, I'll take you to my place to do your homework. We've even got ice cream to enjoy!"

Later, he revealed that on that day, Chu Shihan had fallen ill with a fever, and his entire family had accompanied his elder brother to the hospital, inadvertently forgetting that there was still a younger sibling in school.

Everyone also seemed to have forgotten that it was his birthday that day.

"But why don't you tell your mother? A gentle reminder would jog her memory, and she'd wish you a happy birthday," Xia Ran asked.

He simply said, "No."

He wouldn't, for he has always been that proud and obstinate since childhood – the things others refused to give him, he would simply not ask for them.

Xia Ran let out a sigh. "Very well, it doesn't matter. From now on, I'll celebrate your birthday with you."

……

In the car in Henan, the words on the screen glowed brightly.

Fu Luoyin took a deep breath and, feeling calmer, reached out to tap "Reject."

Reason for rejection: "?"

He once had a list of things he didn't care about, which Xia Ran had helped him compile. He didn't care about indifferent family members, no one attending his graduation ceremony, or anything he'd once wished for but ultimately became unattainable.

However, after enduring two years of hell in the Eighth Military Region and receiving Xia Ran's "breakup" message, Xia Ran was added to that list.

Lin Shuicheng stirred beside him, as if suddenly awakened, reaching for his phone to check the time. Upon touching his newly replaced phone, he exhaled in relief but then instinctively thought it was Fu Luoyin's, and began searching for his own.

After a moment, he remembered that his old phone, which he had used for years, was shattered.

Fu Luoyin, who had been sulking nearby, was suddenly amused by his actions. "What are you doing? Don't you recognize your own phone?"

Lin Shuicheng grumbled, "It's new, so I didn't recognize it. Thought it was yours."

"You've known me for two years and still can't tell my phone apart?" Fu Luoyin raised an eyebrow, his eyes dark with a hint of danger that couldn't find release. He looked at Lin Shuicheng with a smile that wasn't quite a smile. "Don't tell me you don't even remember when my birthday is, Lin Shuicheng?"

Lin Shuicheng was taken aback and replied softly, "I just got a new phone and forgot. Besides, I don't know if you have as many wallets as you do phones."

He raised his eyes to glance at Fu Luoyin again, "You're so fierce."

"..." Fu Luoyin felt that his tone was indeed a bit harsh, so he adjusted it, "Where did I ever have many wallets?"

Lin Shuicheng looked at him, "Count them yourself. I'm going to class."

Seeing Lin Shuicheng about to leave, Fu Luoyin pulled him back and held him close, whispering, "When's my birthday, Lin Shuicheng? Tell me, I won't be mad even if you get it wrong."

Gazing into the person in his arms, he could sense an inexplicable surge of anger rising within him, which he forcefully suppressed.

Why wouldn't Lin Shuicheng say it?

He had changed the subject without answering. Fu Luoyin was acutely aware of such subtle evasions in their conversation.

Someone who had been by his side for two years, someone who had fallen deeply in love with him at first sight, didn't know when his birthday was?

Lin Shuicheng froze for a moment. In that instant, it was as if he had just fully awakened from a dream, and his tone unknowingly carried a hint of detachment, "2309... 0927."

He wasn't wrong.

Fu Luoyin heaved a sigh of relief—though he didn't know why he felt relieved. Lin Shuicheng seemed to be sulking, and in his hurry to get to class, he snatched his phone and got out of the car quickly.

Fu Luoyin was content.

At least his little lover was still qualified, remembering his birthday.

If anyone else in the world betrayed him, he wouldn't care; at least Lin Shuicheng liked him this much and would stay by his side forever.

After finishing his morning classes, Lin Shuicheng received a call from Xu Kong, asking him to fill out a recommendation form for a previous TFCJO review.

TFCJO stood for the Alliance's Core Scientific Journal, one of the most reputable publications in the Alliance. Although its influence didn't surpass the most famous journals, its prestige was undeniably high. If an undergraduate student independently published a paper in TFCJO, they would be exempt from exams at universities worldwide, and many associate professors needed TFCJO publications to advance their titles.

The review panel was flexible, not bound by seniority or age; as long as one had sufficient expertise and experience in their field. The youngest reviewer appointed so far had been only fifteen years old.

At this moment, there was a vacancy in the chemistry division of the review committee, and coincidentally, Xu Kong was the head of the organizing team, holding a recommendation qualification. He directly offered it to Lin Shuicheng.

During his four years as an undergraduate studying under Yang Zhiwei, Lin Shuicheng had learned not to be modest when opportunities arose but to seize them. Facing such a fantastic opportunity, he agreed without hesitation. Even though he was currently in the mathematics department, he would eventually return to chemical research one day. His illustrious record in chemistry wouldn't end with what he achieved two years ago.

Xu Kong called Lin Shuicheng to inform him, "Your resume has passed the initial review. Come over now to print out this form and fill in the remaining details for further confirmation. The review process operates on a rotation basis, with flexible working hours each week. As a newcomer, the manuscripts assigned to you won't be too challenging. Reviewing is secondary; the resources and connections are crucial. You don't need me to elaborate on that, right?"

Lin Shuicheng nodded and added, "Thank you, Teacher. You've been so helpful, and I can't repay you yet. Could I treat you to a meal?"

Xu Kong readily agreed.

During Lin Shuicheng's last defense, he had noticed Xu Kong carrying a small hypertension medication bottle. This time, Lin Shuicheng ordered low-sodium, light dishes and replaced the staple food with whole grains. Xu Kong noticed the consideration and held Lin Shuicheng in even higher esteem.

This student was truly meticulous, no wonder Yang Zhiwei favored him so much.

Though one studied physics and the other chemistry, there was a saying in academia that chemistry eventually led back to physics, while physics led to mathematics, which in turn ended in philosophy. All disciplines were interconnected, and the two found much to talk about.

Their conversation wasn't limited to academics alone. Xu Kong also inquired about Lin Shuicheng's experiences at the Jiangnan branch, mentioning his desire to retire there someday.

Xu Kong smiled warmly, "Young people as likable as you are rare. Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend? A few of my doctoral students are quite promising, and I could introduce them to you."

Lin Shuicheng chuckled, "Thank you, Teacher, but I already have a boyfriend. He's also under Professor Yang, my senior from undergraduate studies."

"Quoth, Old Yang even tries to matchmake his students before me – how vexing." Xu Kong pondered, "I have an impression that you were often mentioned by Old Yang. He said you suddenly quit chemistry and it turned half of his hair white. I don't recall many of his students from undergraduate studies, do I? There was another one named Chu... what was his surname again?"

"Chu Shihan," Lin Shuicheng calmly added.

As winter approached, the steam from their food rose, creating a hazy atmosphere.

He lowered his gaze and softly continued, "He has passed away."