"Babe Cheng," Zheng Wenxuan said after studying Xu Yecheng's face for a moment, "I have a tiny little request."
"What?" Xu Yecheng asked, bewildered.
Zheng stepped closer and covered Xu Yecheng's nose and mouth with his hand, staring intently into his eyes. His expression grew puzzled again.
"What's with you?" Xu Yecheng asked, genuinely confused.
"Nothing," Zheng said, lowering his hand. "Your eyes just looked super… dewy earlier. Now they're back to normal."
Xu Yecheng's heart skipped a beat.
*So he really noticed something…*
But he kept his composure, smirking lightly. "You're not seriously into me, are you? You've been jerking off too much—now you're hallucinating about me."
Zheng's face immediately darkened.
"I'm not into dudes," he muttered, sighing. "Guess I've been at it too often lately. Alright, I'm quitting. A real man shouldn't be ruled by lust."
Xu Yecheng chuckled. He clapped Zheng on the shoulder. "Good luck. Hope this streak lasts longer than four days."
Zheng snorted. "I'm serious this time."
Xu Yecheng just smiled, said nothing, and walked out.
Actually, Zheng Wenxuan's habit of calling Xu Yecheng "Babe Cheng" dated back to their freshman year during a late-night gaming session.
By then, they'd all gotten pretty close.
Xu Yecheng's in-game ID was "卑鄙の程" ("Sneaky Cheng").
His skills weren't top-tier, but he'd managed to climb to the same rank as his roommates—thanks entirely to his shamelessly underhanded tactics. Even Zheng admitted the name fit perfectly.
During a class team battle, Zheng got absolutely *destroyed* by Xu Yecheng's troll plays. So disgusted was he that he started calling him "Sneaky Cheng."
At first, it was just teasing. But as they grew closer, "Sneaky Cheng" gradually morphed into… "Babe Cheng."
Xu Yecheng had been *horrified* the first time he heard it.
But Zheng loved the nickname—it felt "affectionate," he claimed—and kept using it shamelessly.
Over time, Xu Yecheng grew numb to it. As long as Zheng didn't use it in front of others, he tolerated the flirty absurdity within the dorm.
---
His afternoon shift was coming up soon. Compared to night shifts, Xu Yecheng preferred afternoons—even though they were busier—because couples rarely got overly lovey-dovey in the store during daytime.
He walked to the campus cafeteria, only to find all the breakfast stalls already closed.
He sighed again. His body felt strangely heavy, and despite the ointment, his ankle still throbbed with sharp pain.
He grabbed two baozi from the campus convenience store to fill his stomach.
By the time his shift started, he'd rested briefly in the dorm, then swiped his ID to exit the school gate.
The pay at this convenience store job was low. He'd been thinking of switching—but decided to stick it out through the holiday.
Lately, things at home had been tense.
His family wasn't well-off. His father was the sole breadwinner, and besides Xu Yecheng, there was also a younger sister.
Whenever they sent him allowance, they'd always ask, "How much do you need?"
He never dared ask for much—just 1,000 yuan a month.
Recently, his mom kept reminding him to "spend wisely."
She never said it outright, but Xu Yecheng knew things were tight at home. Still, he tried not to dwell on it—he was just trying to survive with a bit of dignity.
His grandfather's health was also deteriorating, and monthly medical bills were piling up.
As he passed the intersection, he glanced up at the apartment building. Sure enough, one unit's wall was now charred black.
He walked into the convenience store, changed into his uniform, and took his place behind the counter.
The busy shift began.
Xu Yecheng mechanically scanned items, rang up payments, and bagged groceries—his movements smooth from routine.
Between 2 and 3 p.m., the store was usually quiet. But right before mealtime, it would flood with customers.
He exhaled deeply as another lull settled in—and a quiet sense of loneliness crept in.
Then, the door chimed.
A couple walked in.
Xu Yecheng looked up—and froze.
It was *Ji Qingying*.
She froze too, then glanced at the boy beside her, as if about to leave.
The guy next to her had stylish, tousled long bangs—slightly messy yet effortlessly elegant and carefree.
He Xiao Han was undeniably handsome: fair skin, thick eyebrows, a high nose bridge. His youthful charm was layered with a quiet coldness and a hint of mature steadiness—an odd but magnetic mix.
Ji Qingying tugged his hand lightly. He Xiao Han paused, then turned his gaze directly toward Xu Yecheng.
Their eyes met.
He Xiao Han wore a faint, knowing smirk. He whispered something to Ji Qingying, who lowered her head—then he calmly led her into the store, hand in hand.
Seeing Ji Qingying again sent a familiar ache through Xu Yecheng's chest.
He'd once hoped their relationship could mean something. But now he wondered if he'd just been delusional. Back then, he'd even made grand promises.
Now, he couldn't help but think: *Maybe I just wasn't good enough for her.*
The couple approached the register. Xu Yecheng's movements stiffened. He kept his eyes down—only to be met with the sight of their intertwined fingers.
"Well, if it isn't Yecheng," He Xiao Han said smoothly. "Fancy meeting you here. So you work here?"
His voice matched his looks perfectly—deep yet clear, warm like a spring breeze.
Xu Yecheng had once thought his roommate was genuinely charming—great face, great voice.
But after learning about He Xiao Han's reputation… his opinion had soured fast.
"Yeah… small world," Xu Yecheng replied flatly.
"Let me introduce you," He Xiao Han continued, flashing a polite smile. "This is my girlfriend, Ji Qingying—our college's campus beauty. You must know her." He turned to Ji Qingying. "And this is my roommate, Xu Yecheng."
—
*Author's Note:*
Got caught up with some stuff—sorry for the late update!