Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Ran Wu and Nan Shuyi had been practically childhood friends, but during high school, Ran Wu’s parents divorced, his mother remarried, and moved to the United States—so he chose to study abroad. After graduation, witnessing the rapid development and transformation back home, he grew envious of the opportunities his friends in China discussed daily and decided to return.

Overseas students—especially those from affluent families—formed their own social circles abroad, including various Chinese student associations and community groups.

Ran Wu began recalling his impression of Jiang Yicen. Within their circle, Jiang Yicen was already widely regarded as having been disowned by his family. So when he returned to China and actually married Nan Shuyi, Ran Wu was genuinely surprised—Nan Shuyi was, after all, his childhood friend.

Ran Wu said, “I wasn’t really familiar with him, to be honest. But we both joined the Lincheng Alumni Association during our time there. They organize monthly gatherings or parties. He attended every single month. Since he showed up so regularly, I recognized his face—and we even sat down and chatted a few times—but we never developed any real closeness.”

Nan Shuyi: “Did you add him on WeChat?”

Ran Wu eyed him suspiciously. “Out of politeness, yes. You’re not going to get jealous over *that*, are you?”

Nan Shuyi stammered, “Jealous? Adding someone on WeChat doesn’t mean we’re close—at least it means we stay in touch.”

Ran Wu: “I added him, but we never exchanged messages. At most, I’d glance at his Moments whenever he posted something.”

Nan Shuyi: “Let me see his old posts.”

Ran Wu, as if uncovering a major secret, exclaimed, “You don’t even have his WeChat?”

Nan Shuyi: “I do—but it’s completely empty. He never posts on Moments. I want to see his old ones.”

Ran Wu pulled up Jiang Yicen’s WeChat contact on his phone. Their chat history ended with a generic New Year’s greeting sent early last year—clearly a mass-forwarded message.

He showed it to Nan Shuyi. “See? I told you—we never had private conversations.”

Nan Shuyi compared the Jiang Yicen he’d added with the one Ran Wu had added. The profile pictures didn’t match.

Ran Wu noticed too. “Did he change his number after returning to China?”

Nan Shuyi: “Did he do anything inappropriate in the U.S.?”

Ran Wu: “Snooping into his past?”

Nan Shuyi didn’t deny it—but his suspicion was unmistakable.

Ran Wu: “I think he lived pretty cleanly. The place I saw him most often was on campus. He graduated smoothly from our university—his grades weren’t bad. Every time I saw him, he was with the same small group of friends, and his personal life seemed orderly—not chaotic at all.”

The more Nan Shuyi asked, the darker his expression grew. “Have you ever seen him drive?”

Ran Wu leaned back comfortably on the sofa. “Driving is essential in the U.S.—it’s neither as convenient nor as safe as China, right? Downtown apartments aren’t cheap. He lived with a friend and frequently drove to and from campus with him.”

Nan Shuyi recalled the name “Yuanshu,” which Jiang Yicen had murmured in his sleep—and his expression soured further. He was almost afraid to ask anything else.

Yet he pressed on. “His friend—what’s his name?” He’d never heard Jiang Yicen mention any friends from the U.S.

Ran Wu: “I don’t know the one he lived with, but I do recall someone from his social circle named Stephen. I’d have to check.”

Nan Shuyi shook his head. “Never mind.”

He’d learned enough for today. He wondered whether Jiang Yicen was putting on an act—deliberately behaving the way he imagined Nan Shuyi preferred, just to lure him in.

If he knew how to drive, why lie about it?

Nan Shuyi: “At your university—or in his area—did he ever experience any shootings or anything like that?”

Ran Wu noticed his friend’s increasingly grim expression but couldn’t pinpoint where he’d gone wrong. “I’ve never experienced anything like that myself, nor have I heard Jiang Yicen mention such incidents. Maybe it happened and I simply didn’t know. Everyone’s busy—no one monitors others’ lives day in and day out. And shootings happen daily across the U.S., so it wouldn’t be surprising if he’d witnessed one.”

Nan Shuyi pondered in silence for a while.

Ran Wu hadn’t studied abroad as long as Jiang Yicen, so it was natural he wouldn’t know much. Yet today, Nan Shuyi felt deeply unsettled.

He wanted to confront Jiang Yicen immediately—ask exactly what kind of relationship he’d had with the friend he’d lived with.

It bothered him.

Ran Wu sensed there was more beneath the surface. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you two get married because you had feelings for each other?”

Nan Shuyi: “Not exactly.”

If he truly harbored no feelings, he wouldn’t have gone along with Nan Anru’s bet—or agreed to live under the same roof as someone he disliked.

Ran Wu: “He doesn’t tell you anything about his time in the U.S.?”

Nan Shuyi had enjoyed a close friendship with Ran Wu since childhood. The Ran family upheld strong values, and Ran Wu possessed an admirable character. Their families got along well, making them exceptionally close—there was nothing about his love life he couldn’t discuss openly with Ran Wu.

Nan Shuyi: “Exactly. After returning, he even changed his WeChat account. I’ve never seen him reach out to old friends. I’m wondering whether something unpleasant happened between him and his friends overseas.”

Ran Wu: “Do you suspect he has an ex?”

Nan Shuyi: “I don’t know.”

Jiang Yicen was extremely reserved about physical intimacy. Nan Shuyi was certain he’d never been with a man before—and he didn’t doubt Jiang Yicen’s romantic history.

Ran Wu: “Would it bother you if he had an ex?”

Nan Shuyi: “He probably doesn’t.” The question instantly undermined his confidence.

Ran Wu: “Not many people in their twenties have never dated, right?”

Nan Shuyi silently reflected that he himself had never been in a relationship.

In fact, he half-suspected Jiang Yicen might not have liked men before. He gave off no gay vibe whatsoever.

Could “Yuanshu” not be “Yuanshu” but “Yuanshu” spelled differently—“Yuanshu” or “Yuanshu”?

Among Nan Shuyi’s friends were men who liked men—but their lives were rarely simple. The gay community was often complex and chaotic, with highly open sexual relationships. Moreover, Jiang Yicen had been sent abroad precisely because he was gay. Yet based on what Nan Shuyi knew, Jiang Yicen was emotionally reserved—someone whose personality would never allow him to reveal his sexuality publicly. A person so cautious would never let his family find out.

So why else had he gone to the U.S.?

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that something was being hidden. What was it?

Nan Shuyi asked Ran Wu, “Did you meet a girl named Yuanshu over there?”

Ran Wu’s mind raced. “You suspect he used to like women? But isn’t he gay?”

Nan Shuyi: “You know about that?”

Ran Wu: “It got around. Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

Nan Shuyi admitted, “He avoids talking about anything related to the U.S.”

Ran Wu grasped the situation roughly. They hadn’t known each other long enough—and their relationship hadn’t yet reached a level of full openness.

Nan Shuyi sank silently into the beanbag chair, clearly unwilling to continue the conversation.

Ran Wu stepped over and patted his shoulder, offering quiet comfort. “Maybe things aren’t as bad as you imagine. He might simply have disliked his life in the U.S.—after all, he was effectively exiled by the Jiang family.”

Nan Shuyi nodded. "I know. I was the one prying too much."

Ran Wu wisely left him space to think. "That's normal. Your emotional foundation is still weak. Trust builds slowly. Don't rush."

Nan Shuyi: "I understand."

After Ran Wu left, Nan Shuyi's mood dropped completely.

He wanted to go home, but he didn't want Jiang Yicen to notice that he had doubts.

So why was he putting himself through this? Everyone has a past. Someone without a past is truly terrifying.

What bothered him wasn't the past itself, but whether Jiang Yicen still had someone else in his heart.

He sent Jiang Yicen a message saying he wouldn't be home for dinner and went drinking with friends.

·

When Jiang Yicen got home and received Nan Shuyi's message about not eating at home, he just had a simple meal.

He hadn't drunk much that afternoon, so by the time he got back, he'd already sobered up.

In the evening, he had the housekeeper make some soup and ate some light vegetable dishes, which were still colorful and fragrant even though they were just vegetables.

He watched some videos and did some reading, and before he knew it, it was 10 PM. Nan Shuyi still hadn't returned.

By 11 PM, Jiang Yicen had already washed up and gotten into bed, ready to sleep, when he finally heard something. But the sound wasn't coming from outside the door—it was his phone.

Zhou Yi?

Nan Shuyi was having dinner with Zhou Yi and the others today. Had something happened?

"Yicen, come downstairs quick!"

"What's wrong?"

"Your man is dead drunk. Come down and help me get him upstairs."

"Okay, I'll be right there."

He thought about changing out of his pajamas before going downstairs, but figured Zhou Yi couldn't wait that long, so he just threw on a jacket and headed down. It was late at night, so there probably wouldn't be many people around.

Zhou Yi had parked the car at the bottom of the building. As Jiang Yicen walked out the main gate, he saw Zhou Yi struggling to support Nan Shuyi with all his strength, his back nearly bending under the weight.

Jiang Yicen thought to himself, Nan Shuyi isn't that heavy, is he?

Zhou Yi was begging Nan Shuyi.

"Bro, I'm begging you. Can you stand up straight?"

"You're way too heavy. You don't usually look this heavy."

"No, seriously, have you gotten fat recently?"

Just as Zhou Yi was struggling with the drunk and unsteady Nan Shuyi, a welcome voice came from behind him.

"Bro Zhou Yi, let me take over."

"Just help me hold him on the other side. He's pretty—"

Before he could finish the word, Jiang Yicen took Nan Shuyi from him, draped the man's arm over his own shoulder, wrapped an arm around his waist, and steadied him easily.

"Bro Zhou Yi, could you press the floor button for me?"

Zhou Yi stared blankly at his now-empty hands. "Huh? Oh, okay. You don't need me to help? Isn't he supposed to be heavy?"

Jiang Yicen said easily while holding him up. "No problem. He's not that heavy."

His older brothers used to get drunk often. The Jiang family were all a bit particular about cleanliness, and even when drunk, they'd keep enough awareness to recognize their own people, and refused to let strangers help them. When his eldest brother got drunk at business dinners, Jiang Yicen would go support him. When his second brother got wasted with friends and came home, he'd also need help. Sometimes, if they were too drunk, he'd even have to carry them to their rooms. He was pretty experienced with carrying drunk guys around.

Zhou Yi watched Jiang Yicen walk Nan Shuyi toward the elevator as if it were nothing. Stunned, he stood there. He completely forgot the first impression he had of Jiang Yicen. Now he saw Jiang Yicen as refined, elegant, and surprisingly strong.

Damn, he needed to start working out too. He was totally outmatched. A man's pride.

As they entered the elevator, Jiang Yicen supported Nan Shuyi, whose head lolled against his neck. The strong smell of alcohol hit Jiang Yicen's nostrils.

Jiang Yicen asked, "Why did he drink so much?"

Zhou Yi: "He drank it himself. None of us forced him, and no one can usually get him to drink."

Jiang Yicen: "He was fine when he left this morning."

Zhou Yi had been having too much fun today and hadn't noticed when Nan Shuyi's mood turned sour.

"I'm not sure either. Maybe every guy has his own 'time of the month'."

Jiang Yicen didn't quite get the joke, just smiled as the elevator reached their floor.

Carrying Nan Shuyi all the way upstairs was a bit of a strain, so he decided to let him sleep on the living room sofa. Fortunately, the sofa was spacious enough, and he'd be fine lying there. There was also carpet on the floor, so even if he fell off, he wouldn't get hurt.

Zhou Yi, seeing his job was done, said, "I called a designated driver. I'll head off now."

Jiang Yicen: "Thanks, Bro Zhou Yi."

Zhou Yi: "You're always so polite with me!"

Jiang Yicen smiled and saw him to the elevator.

Remembering the Jiao family that He Xinzu and He Nuanqing had mentioned during the day, he asked Zhou Yi, "Bro Zhou Yi, do you know the Jiao family?"

Zhou Yi: "The Jiao family? The one in consumer goods?"

Jiang Yicen: "Yes. Do they have a daughter of marriageable age?"

Zhou Yi perked up immediately and pointed inside. "You're asking about another girl? Aren't you afraid he'll get jealous? That guy's pretty possessive."

Jiang Yicen chuckled. "No, it's just that I heard someone had ill intentions toward her, but I don't know her. If you guys could give her a heads-up, that'd be great."

Zhou Yi: "Alright, leave it to me. That Jiao girl has a terrible temper."

Jiang Yicen: "There's nothing shameful about doing a good deed."

Zhou Yi: "Whatever you say. I'm off."

Back in the apartment, Jiang Yicen locked the door.

After the time he accidentally sprained Nan Shuyi's hand, Nan Shuyi had told him the home security system was excellent—only someone with the password or fingerprint could get in, and the lock was extremely hard to pick. Since then, he'd felt very safe at home.

He turned around and saw Nan Shuyi sitting upright on the sofa, staring at him intensely.

He said quietly, "Jiang Yicen, come here."

If you didn't know him, you'd think he looked fierce, but Jiang Yicen knew that Nan Shuyi was actually a paper tiger—he wasn't fierce at all.

He walked over when called, but was yanked onto the sofa by Nan Shuyi when he was still an arm's length away. Fortunately, Jiang Yicen reacted quickly, bracing himself on the sofa so he didn't fall.

"Shuyi, what's wrong? You feeling okay?"

Nan Shuyi pulled him into his embrace: "Jiang Yicen, tell me the truth."

Jiang Yicen's heart jumped: "What? What did I do?"

Nan Shuyi tilted his head onto his shoulder and hugged him tightly: "If you lie to me, I'll... I'll..."

Jiang Yicen didn't know if Nan Shuyi had discovered something or was just drunkenly acting out.

He ran his hand along the back of Nan Shuyi's neck and asked, "What will you do?"

Nan Shuyi nuzzled against his neck and murmured softly, "I'll... I won't be your friend anymore!"

Jiang Yicen thought he'd be mean, but as it turned out, he really was just a paper tiger.

But what exactly had he found out?

There was nothing to find in the country—after all, everything about 'Jiang Yicen' back home only went back to high school, so it had to be something from abroad.

Today, he had gone to pick up a friend returning from overseas, which meant this person knew the old 'Jiang Yicen'.

Nan Shuyi bit his neck: "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you feeling guilty?"

Jiang Yicen frowned, the bite stinging a little: "I'm not guilty, Shuyi, you're drunk."

Nan Shuyi really was drunk. His eyes were half-lidded, as if he was threatening someone, and his face was blank, which was pretty intimidating, but he was already speaking purely on instinct.

"I'm not drunk. I can still do plenty." As he said this, he pinned Jiang Yicen to the sofa, his hands wandering restlessly to Jiang Yicen's waist. Jiang Yicen's pajamas slid up, revealing the skin of his waist. "Don't believe me? Feel for yourself. Am I still good?"

Nan Shuyi's hands were burning hot, as if they were branding Jiang Yicen's waist.

Jiang Yicen grew nervous, panic showing on his face. He pushed at Nan Shuyi: "Shuyi, let go of me first."

But Nan Shuyi looked at him with a straight face and said, "You don't believe me?"

He grabbed Jiang Yicen's hand and pressed it onto his stomach.

Jiang Yicen was dumbfounded: "..."

Nan Shuyi was drunk—why was he being so handsy?

And Nan Shuyi was actually much stronger than him; he couldn't break free from his grip at all.

Jiang Yicen blushed uncontrollably, knowing exactly what he was touching through the fabric.

He sighed helplessly: "Shuyi, what do you want?"

Nan Shuyi lay on top of him, biting his earlobe, his warm breath ghosting over Jiang Yicen's ear. If he were any more sober, he might have noticed Jiang Yicen's earlobe was red like it was bleeding.

"Jiang Yicen, help me out, okay?"