Chapter 26

Chapter 26

As dusk fell, the setting sun cast its lingering glow across the campus. An hour had passed since school ended, leaving only a few dozen students scattered across the vast playground.

True to their agreement, Lin Xingshu arrived at the plane tree by the playground immediately after school. Head bowed, he sat idly on the steps, kicking at the fallen leaves on the ground.

"Brother—!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Lin Xingshu looked up. Not far away, a boy in a blue-and-white school uniform was sprinting towards him, waving as he ran. The soft, fading light bathed his face, gilding his cheeks with a gentle golden glow.

At the sight of Xu Lang, Lin Xingshu immediately stood up, a warm smile spreading across his face. He waved back, and Xu Lang’s grin widened.

"Sorry! I was suddenly assigned cleaning duty today, so I'm late... Really sorry!"

"It's fine. I haven't been here long myself."

Xu Lang’s face flushed even deeper as he looked at Lin Xingshu. Lin Xingshu hadn't been there long? He'd probably been waiting for ages.

"Xiao Lang, what did you want to talk about?"

"I..."

Xu Lang stood rooted to the spot, his clear, bright eyes filled with uncertainty. He nervously clutched the hem of his shirt, glancing up briefly. But as soon as his gaze met Lin Xingshu's smiling eyes, his heart raced, and he quickly lowered his head.

"Um, Brother... We've known each other for so many years, and our parents are close too. I... I actually..."

Xu Lang suddenly fell silent, his grip on his shirt tightening. Lin Xingshu’s smile stiffened, and a sense of unease crept into his heart.

This look, these words… it sounds so much like a confession.

"Brother! I've actually liked you for a long time! I... I fell for you that summer when I was fourteen... To get into the same school as you, I studied incredibly hard every day, and finally managed to get into the same high school..."

"I know... This confession is sudden, but if I don't say it now, I feel like I might never get another chance..."

*CRASH—*

Before Xu Lang could finish, a loud crash echoed from the nearby school building.

Startled, Xu Lang's confession was abruptly cut short. He clamped his mouth shut, his clear, bright eyes fixed intently on Lin Xingshu, beads of sweat forming at his temples.

Seeing Xu Lang's bashful expression, Lin Xingshu’s lips parted slightly before he slowly averted his gaze.

"I'm sorry."

Xu Lang stiffened, his face instantly paling. He slowly lowered his head, his eyes filled with disappointment.

"Xu Lang, I've always seen you as a younger brother. I'm sorry."

"I... I understand..."

Xu Lang forced a smile, lifting his eyes to meet Lin Xingshu's with a glimmer of hope: "But I won't give up easily! I'll study even harder and aim to get into the same university as you. If by then you still haven't found someone... please consider me!"

Lin Xingshu looked at his youthful determination, a faint smile returning to his eyes. He nodded and stepped forward, giving Xu Lang a brief hug.

"Study hard. I'll be waiting for you at the same university."

*BANG—*

Another loud crash came from the school building, sounding like furniture being overturned. Lin Xingshu frowned, shooting a doubtful look toward the empty building.

Checking his watch, he patted Xu Lang's shoulder. "Alright, it's getting late. I should head home. You should too."

"Okay."

Lin Xingshu turned to leave, but not without one last puzzled look at the school building. Why did that noise sound like it came from their classroom?

...Never mind. If he didn't hurry back, his parents would lecture him again.

Xu Lang stood rooted in place, gazing longingly at Lin Xingshu's retreating figure. Remembering Lin Xingshu’s parting words, his gloom turned to hope.

If he could just get into the same university as Lin Xingshu, he still had a chance.

The thought made him happier.

"Xu Lang."

Just as he was about to leave, a voice called out from behind. Xu Lang turned to see a stranger standing there, a faint smirk playing on his lips. The boy's dark eyes were clouded, devoid of light, starkly contrasting with the pleasant smile on his face.

"Who are you?"

The boy's smile widened as he took slow steps toward Xu Lang. "I'm Xie Guan. Xing Shu's deskmate."

*Xing Shu?*

Xu Lang was sharp. He immediately caught the flicker of jealousy in Xie Guan's eyes and the intimate way he referred to Lin Xingshu. It was clear—Xie Guan was just like him.

He’s not here for anything good.

Xu Lang curved his lips into a smile. "Oh? I don't recall Brother Lin ever mentioning a deskmate named Xie Guan."

Unfazed, Xie Guan's grin turned more pronounced, the small mole at the corner of his eye lifting with his smirk, making his delicate features even more striking.

"That's understandable. After all... you're not in the same class, and you rarely see each other. Naturally, you wouldn't know about... us."

"Hmm... Maybe."

Xu Lang pretended to ponder. "Maybe seeing each other just once a week is too little. I really haven't heard Brother Lin mention this. Or... maybe he just didn't want to tell me."

Xie Guan's smile froze. If looks could kill, Xu Lang would already be swiss cheese.

A moment later, Xie Guan regained his composure, stepping closer to Xu Lang, his fingers tracing his lips absentmindedly.

Following the motion, Xu Lang's gaze landed on the scar on Xie Guan's mouth. His smile faded slightly.

Leaning in, Xie Guan lowered his voice. "Do you know how I got this scar?"

His grin widened, malice seeping into his dark, mirth-filled eyes.

"Xu Lang, you were too late with your confession. In the infirmary, he kissed me first. We're already together. Unlike the polite distance he keeps with you, I prefer the way he acts recklessly with me."

"He's strong. Didn't even care that we were in the infirmary—just pushed me onto the bed..."

"Impossible—!"

Xu Lang couldn't take it anymore, shouting, cutting him off. His eyes were wide with disbelief, his pupils trembling as he shook his head frantically. "You're lying! Brother Lin would never do that! And he never mentioned any of this to me! He even encouraged me to get into the same university as him! I refuse to believe he feels nothing for me!"

Muttering to himself, Xu Lang turned to leave, but Xie Guan grabbed his wrist. Facing Xu Lang's distress, he chuckled, his voice dripping with venom.

"To him, you're just a wet-behind-the-ears kid. Are you really that close? Does he owe you an explanation for everything? Get over it. The only one he likes... is me."

Xie Guan violently shook off Xu Lang's hand, causing Xu Lang to lose his balance and fall heavily to the ground. Xie Guan looked down at him with utter disdain in his eyes.

"Don’t think just because he talks to you a few times means he likes you. He just feels sorry for you. Let me spell it out for you—we’re already together."

"I don’t believe it! I’ll ask him myself! No way he’d choose someone like you!"

"Someone like me? What kind of person am I?"

Xie Guan crossed his arms, eyeing Xu Lang up and down with scorn and malice.

"I’m better-looking than you, come from a better family, and I’m Xing Shu’s deskmate and lover. Tell me, how are you even in my league? Hmm?"

"Go ahead and ask him. Guess whether he’ll actually tell you?"

Xie Guan’s words oozed mockery, his expression full of contempt. He looked like a wilting poppy in full bloom—beautiful but poisonous. Xu Lang’s face had turned pale by now. Head bowed, he wobbled to his feet.

Wordless, he staggered toward the school gate. He moved like a ghost, hollowed out.

Watching Xu Lang’s lonely retreat, Xie Guan sneered, his eyes filled with venom.

He’d known this loser would confess to Lin Xingshu, so he hadn’t left after school, staying behind in the building instead.

Just as expected, he saw Xu Lang confess to Lin Xingshu.

That guy, all brash and careless, putting on this shy act—who did he think he was fooling?

Did he really think acting like that would catch Lin Xingshu’s attention?

Xie Guan, hidden around the corner, gritted his teeth so hard they might’ve cracked. But thankfully, Lin Xingshu had rejected him. He had felt a flicker of triumph—until he heard Lin Xingshu’s ambiguous words of encouragement. It hit him like a bucket of ice water.

Three years ago, he’d lost to this nobody. But now that he had become human, was he still going to lose to him?

Jealousy and resentment flooded his heart. Seeing Xu Lang’s blushing face, his fury erupted like flames.

Why… why why why why why?!

Why won’t this guy just vanish?!

But soon, his anger subsided. He was human now, just like them—no, superior.

Lin Xingshu would be his sooner or later. No one else stood a damn chance.

Xie Guan scoffed, casting one last disdainful glance at Xu Lang’s defeated back before turning away with his arms crossed.

*

"Why are you back so late tonight?"

The second he opened the door, his mom lit into him. Lin Xingshu froze under her glare.

His fingers tightened on his backpack straps, and he replied cautiously, "Xu Lang had something to talk about, so I came back a bit late."

"No matter what happens, you can’t come home this late again. Senior year’s workload is insane—get home early to study!"

"Dear, don’t be so harsh. Come, sit down and eat."

His dad stepped out of the kitchen, glasses glinting, smiling easy, carrying steaming dishes—the epitome of a househusband.

Dad’s arrival took the edge off. Lin Xingshu set down his bag and sat beside him.

His family was different—Mom wore the pants, Dad handled the home.

His mother was a no-nonsense businesswoman, always stern whether facing outsiders or family members.

His father, on the other hand, was far too easygoing and passive. Though his career was also successful, it still couldn’t measure up to the mother’s. All the housework and cooking were handled by the father.

Lin Xingshu was most like his father—not just in appearance, but also in temperament.

“Xing Shu, I heard a new transfer student from the capital joined your class.”

The mother suddenly set down her chopsticks and fixed Lin Xingshu with a serious look. He paused, then nodded silently.

“I did some digging. This child had outstanding grades back in the capital, just as good as yours. Xing Shu, you understand what I mean, don’t you?”

“I…”

Lin Xingshu’s fingers clenched around the chopsticks, and he quickly dropped his eyes. “I know.”

“Good. Go study after dinner.”

Satisfied with his response, the mother reached out and patted Lin Xingshu’s head. Just as she was about to pick up her chopsticks again, her phone rang. She answered hurriedly, her stern expression softened into a smile as she spoke to a business partner on the other end. She snatched her bag and hurried out the door.

Lin Xingshu stared at the bowl of rice on the table, said nothing, picked at his food, and then, without exchanging words with his father, slipped away to his room.

Surrounded by shelves of trophies and certificates, he collapsed into his chair, dropping his head into his hands.

Xie Guan. It was always Xie Guan.

Xie Guan had invaded every part of his life—even his usually work-absorbed mother knew about him.

Ever since Xie Guan appeared, the light that once shone on Lin Xingshu had dimmed, completely overshadowed by him. He dreaded what would happen if Xie Guan outscored him in the upcoming monthly exam.

No one would notice him anymore. All attention would shift to Xie Guan. Even his mother might direct her frustration at him…

The thought alone made the pressure unbearable. A wave of panic crashed over him, his breathing turning ragged.

He couldn’t lose to Xie Guan. If Xie Guan worked ten times harder, he’d work a hundred times harder. He absolutely couldn’t let Xie Guan surpass him!

He flipped open his homework and started writing like mad. Hours flew by, and before he knew it, it was late at night. Despite his father knocking repeatedly, urging him to rest early, Lin Xingshu stubbornly dug in his heels, fighting sleep to keep studying.

In the end, exhaustion won. His eyelids grew heavier, the light before him fading until he finally passed out at his desk.

……

“Grab me—! Hold on tight!”

A muffled voice reached his ears. Lin Xingshu frowned and slowly opened his eyes.

Darkness surrounded him, but a faint glow emanated from somewhere ahead. Confused, he thought—where was he? Hadn't he been studying at his desk?

He gave himself a hesitant pinch, but the expected pain never came.

He realized then—he was dreaming again. He must have fallen asleep at his desk.

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

The boy’s anxious voice persisted. Instinctively, Lin Xingshu turned toward the sound. The next moment, a howling wind roared in his ears, and an invisible force shoved him from behind, pushing him straight toward the distant light.

Lin Xingshu gasped. When he opened his eyes again, everything was bright. The sound of flowing water filled his ears, along with someone’s ragged breathing.

A rustling noise snapped him back to awareness. He glanced down and saw a boy lying motionless on the ground, clad in tattered clothes, his skin deathly pale and damp, lifeless.

He instinctively tried to look at the boy's face, but it was as if veiled in shadow, making it impossible to see clearly.

Yet, the boy felt eerily familiar—the very person who had lingered in his dreams for three whole years.

"Shit... is he dead? Hey! Can you hear me?"

The voice of another boy drew his attention. His gaze landed on the boy's face, and his eyes widened in shock.

A slightly youthful-looking boy knelt on the ground, brows furrowed, his piercingly clear eyes filled with urgency. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled sunlight on his flushed, fair skin. Water droplets slid down his cheeks, dripping onto his collarbone.

This person... was unmistakably himself—or more precisely, his middle school self.

Right now, his younger self was desperately performing CPR on the unconscious boy, trying to revive him.

Sure enough, after just a few compressions, the boy coughed up water with a choked gasp, letting out a weak groan.

"You're awake!" His younger self grinned brightly, eyes scrunched in a grin, all easy grins.

The boy didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he weakly pushed himself up, silent for a long moment before asking, "Did you save me?"

"Of course it was me! You nearly drowned!"

His middle school self laughed freely, his sunbright grin a stark contrast to the person he was now. Watching this version of himself, Lin Xingshu felt a twist of something like grief.

People truly were ever-changing creatures.

"Thank you."

The boy spoke, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides, as if bracing himself for something. Solemnly, he declared, "I’ll pay you back!"

"Pfft—pay me back? Have you been reading too many comics? I don’t need repayment!"

His younger self chuckled, then handed the boy his own clothes from the ground. "Here, put these on before you catch a cold!"

The boy went statue-still for a second before taking them like they might burn him. After a long pause, he tightened his grip on the fabric and the words stumbling out, "Can... can I come see you again tomorrow?"

"Sure! There aren’t many kids my age in the village. Still a whole damn month of summer—I’m dying of boredom."

Summer break...?

Lin Xingshu frowned. He *had* spent that endless summer after eighth grade in the countryside—with Xu Lang. But in his memories, there was no trace of this boy.

He remembered skipping stones with Xu Lang, getting lost in the woods together, and...

Lin Xingshu suddenly froze, his gaze went distant.

No.

In his memories, he and Xu Lang had shared a happy summer. But upon closer reflection, the memories felt... wrong.

In those recollections, Xu Lang was always ahead of him, his back the only thing visible. The few glimpses of his face were blurry, smudged at the edges.

For some reason, he’d always assumed his summer shadow had been Xu Lang.

But why had he been so sure it was Xu Lang? Could it have been someone else?

*Click—*

A sharp click—like a lock turning echoed in his mind. He scanned the trees wildly, but nothing seemed amiss. Lin Xingshu his brow pinched, a seed of doubt crossing his eyes.

Something intangible had shifted. He had a vague sense that the person who’d spent August with him that summer... might not have been Xu Lang after all.

"Xing Shu, is everything you said true?"

A low, gravelly male voice suddenly rang in his ears. Lin Xingshu jolted back to awareness, only to find the surroundings had transformed completely.

He was floating midair, watching himself and the boy lying atop a massive boulder in the mountains. His younger self had slung an arm around the boy, who was curled up against him, still wearing the T-shirt he’d given him.

"Since when do I lie? Of course you’re my best friend!"

"Xing Shu, I’m so happy to be your best friend. But... I have a question for you."

"Go ahead."

The boy suddenly smiled, tilting his head slightly to look directly at Lin Xingshu’s floating form.

"What about Xu Lang? Is he your friend too?"

Through the haze, Lin Xingshu couldn’t make out the boy’s face, but he could *feel* the weight of his dark gaze. He instinctively took a step back—just as his own voice answered:

"Hahaha, you’re my best friend, and so is Xu Lang! You’re *both* my best friends!"

"Really?"

The boy let out a slow, hollow, creeping laugh, the sound growing louder yet empty of anything but malice. It echoed through the woods, sending an inexplicable chill down Lin Xingshu’s spine.

The next moment, an invisible force wrenched him forward. Before he could scream, he was plunged into deep water, water surging into his nose and mouth, choking him.

Before he could struggle upward, the water abruptly receded, fresh air flooding his lungs. Gasping, he opened his eyes—only for fingers to dig into his throat.

His eyes flew wide. The person strangling him was *the boy*.

"I don’t like that answer."

"You never truly considered me your best friend. The moment you blew me off for Xu Lang, I knew—he mattered more."

"Wait—"

Before he could protest, pale, glutinous threads erupted from the boy’s palms, surging toward him. It coiled around his neck, crawled over his jaw, and stitched his lips together. Lin Xingshu could only let out strangled noises, stunned and helpless.

The silk was steel-strong, coated in a sticky, opaque slime. He thrashed, trying to clamp his lips shut, but the liquid seeped past, flooding his mouth with a sickly-sweet iron tang.

And the silk didn’t stop there. It spilled downward, winding around his wrists and ankles, creeping up his arms, entangling his torso.

With every movement, the viscous fluid made wet, squelching noises against his skin. The strands tightened, binding him completely, the pressure alternating between itchiness, pain, and a perverse thrill. Tears leaked uncontrollably from his eyes.

Now completely mummified, the silk’s secretions had saturated his clothes. His cheeks burned a feverish crimson.

The boy crowded over him, chuckling, low and pleased. He leaned down until his breath ghosted over his lips.

"Look at me. Really look."

At his words, Lin Xingshu gasped heavily and opened his bleary eyes. He burned with curiosity to see—just who was this youth who had haunted his dreams for three long years?

The shadow on the youth's face gradually dissipated, revealing his features to Lin Xingshu. When he saw the boy's face, Lin Xingshu froze in place.

The youth's eyes and brows carried a faint pink hue, his dark pupils glinting with amusement. A small mole beneath the corner of his lips lifted slightly with his smile, transforming his already striking features even more brilliantly, like a camellia in full, decadent bloom.

This face—he knew it all too well.

It was Xie Guan. The youth—it was actually Xie Guan.