Sure enough, not long after, Wen and Fang couldn't hold back anymore.
They each thought of ways to surprise the other and reconcile. Fang Tianze hadn't really mentioned breaking up, so there wasn't much to be appeased, but he had prepared a big surprise for Wenqing.
Although Wenqing was a science student, she was very artistic and often read literary works or Shakespearean plays. Fang Tianze rented a venue at the school, appealed to her emotions and reason, and even paid a lot of money to hire a few friends to perform a "Romeo and Juliet" play for her with a personal twist.
The performance itself didn't matter as much; what mattered was whether it could make Wenqing laugh.
Among the group, aside from Wenqing, there were no other girls, so Juliet had to be played by a guy. It was a given that someone would have to cross-dress. Xiao Zhan found that he always got the short end of the stick at critical moments; sure enough, after the draw, he ended up with the worst role—he was given a black wig and a puffy European-style skirt.
Xiao Zhan protested loudly.
"Juliet is the daughter of a wealthy Italian family; she wouldn't wear this kind of puffy skirt! This is clearly a cosplay outfit, bro!"
Fang Tianze remained unfazed. "If the props aren't good, then the acting should make up for it. Just act well, it's better than anything!"
Mo Ran got a small role, and at that moment, everyone was laughing hysterically. Mo Ran took out his phone and started taking pictures of Xiao Zhan.
"Zhan Zhan, you're amazing! You'll definitely be the most beautiful Juliet!"
Xiao Zhan resignedly put on the wig and skirt, and Mo Ran grabbed a few more pictures of him. Fang Tianze thought he wasn't convincing enough, so he made Xiao Zhan put foundation on his face and applied some fake blood on his lips.
When the lights were up, if you didn't look closely, he did look like a pretty girl with delicate eyes and slender ends to her eyes.
Jiang Cheng's eyes were about to pop out of his head as he stared, making Xiao Zhan uneasy, wishing Juliet in the script would die sooner.
After the play, Wen and Fang reconciled, and Mo Ran was very satisfied, posting the picture of Xiao Zhan in his gorgeous female costume on the school's social media. Xiao Zhan wanted to get angry, but when he opened Mo Ran's post, he realized that although Mo Ran had clearly set him up to look like a cross-dresser, it wasn't actually that bad.
It was just embarrassing.
Xiao Zhan thought about it and couldn't be bothered to ask Mo Ran to delete it.
He had a more pressing issue; when Juliet ran offstage, he wasn't used to wearing high heels, and it seemed like he had twisted his ankle a little.
Xiao Zhan looked around.
Wen and Fang had just reconciled and were sweetly together, so he didn't want to disturb them. Jiang Cheng was eyeing him with bright eyes and he definitely couldn't get close to him. Mo Ran was grinning like a little fox, and Xiao Zhan didn't feel like talking to him. Huaisang kept looking at Mo Ran distractedly.
None of his friends seemed reliable... Xiao Zhan gritted his teeth and stayed quiet. He didn't want to experience Jiang Cheng's 360-degree roundabout attempts to get closer, and he didn't want to disrupt Wen and Fang's special day.
He opened his phone and saw that Wang Yibo had sent him a message a few hours ago.
"Aren't we riding today?"
If Xiao Zhan had really wanted to train seriously, he probably would have learned by now. But Xiao Zhan deliberately acted a little clumsy, and since he wasn't coordinated with his limbs, he could always make up for it in other ways. The important thing was to spend more time with Wang Yibo.
They still kept the habit of training every other day, and today, they were supposed to ride bikes. Xiao Zhan had to dress up as a woman last minute and his mood went from high to low, completely forgetting to tell Wang Yibo that he couldn't make it.
Around the time for training, Wang Yibo sent another message.
"Where are you?"
There were no new messages after that.
Xiao Zhan's heart sank.
The younger Wang Yibo looked delicate and didn't like talking to people, but he also had a bad temper. Xiao Zhan remembered how Wang Yibo had roughly shoved Mo Ran away after the competition and knew that Wang Yibo had been very patient with him. Now, after several hours of no news, Xiao Zhan wasn't sure if Wang Yibo was angry.
He avoided the crowd and ran to a corner of the hallway, dialing Wang Yibo's WeChat voice call.
After a few rings, Wang Yibo picked up.
"Hello?"
Xiao Zhan said apologetically, "Sorry, I... I had something urgent today, I didn't get a chance to tell you."
Wang Yibo didn't sound angry on the other end.
He hummed, his voice a little muffled. "Are you helping a friend with a play?"
Xiao Zhan asked, "Huh?"
Wang Yibo's voice was still muffled. "The photos have already spread around campus. Mo Ran posted them. You were playing Juliet."
Xiao Zhan's first thought was that Wang Yibo really had Mo Ran's social media. His second thought was to curse.
"Wronged, Wang Yibo! I'm not a pervert! It's a long story; we have two friends who are always on and off. This time the guy wanted to win the girl back, and the girl loves plays, so we decided to perform for her. I drew the short straw and got Juliet!"
"Who would've thought I'd be this unlucky! Who would've thought the costume he prepared would be so weird! I protested, but it was useless! Please don't misunderstand! I don't have that kind of fetish! I was just helping a friend out!"
He suddenly stopped, because he thought he heard Wang Yibo laughing on the other end.
It was the kind of laugh that was hard to suppress.
"Wang Yibo?"
There was a pause on the other end before Wang Yibo spoke, his voice still trembling with laughter. "Actually, you looked pretty good."
Xiao Zhan. "..."
He had already changed out of the skirt and had taken off the wig, now casually leaning against the wall.
"Just laugh! I made such a big sacrifice, but luckily, they really reconciled! You don't understand, they've broken up and gotten back together so many times. It's like a romantic saga; it could be a modern love story."
Wang Yibo said sincerely.
"I'm not laughing at you, I just think you're really kind-hearted, saving puppies in the rain, dressing up as a woman to help friends."
Xiao Zhan couldn't help but smile at the compliment, but didn't continue with the topic. Instead, he casually asked.
"How did you get Mo Ran's social media? He's from our circle."
Wang Yibo casually replied.
"His club collaborated with our motorcycle club, so he added the club members' social media for easier communication."
Xiao Zhan thought for a moment and didn't say anything more.
Wang Yibo waited a moment before asking, "Are we riding today? I'm free in the evening."
Xiao Zhan lowered his head in frustration. "Even if I want to ride, I can't."
Wang Yibo asked, "Why?"
Xiao Zhan replied, "I had to wear high heels for Juliet. The heels were really high, and I couldn't walk in them. I think I twisted my ankle when I came offstage. It's swollen now."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end, and Wang Yibo's voice was still low, but there was no trace of laughter.
"Where are you?"
***
Wang Yibo picked up Xiao Zhan at a café near the venue.
Xiao Zhan had found a way to get Jiang Cheng and Mo Ran out of the way, while Wen & Fang were too busy being lovey-dovey to need his assistance. Xiao Zhan had originally thought that Wang Yibo would come on his motorcycle, but instead, he arrived by taxi.
When Xiao Zhan asked about it, Wang Yibo casually said that Xiao Zhan was afraid and his legs were inconvenient, so riding a bike would be dangerous.
And it was true.
Wang Yibo wanted to take Xiao Zhan to the campus clinic, but Xiao Zhan firmly refused. He was a guy, and spraining his foot wasn't serious enough to see a doctor. Besides, if the doctor asked how he got injured, should he tell the truth or lie?
If he told the truth, it would be embarrassing. If he lied, what if that photo of him in drag, which had gone viral on campus, was seen by an intern doctor at the clinic? Would Xiao Zhan's reputation be ruined?
Anyway, he had anti-swelling ointment at home. He could just apply it, have a meal, sleep, and be fine.
So, Wang Yibo took Xiao Zhan back to his dormitory and helped him apply the ointment on his sprained foot.
Wang Yibo seriously said, "This won't heal in two weeks. You need to be careful."
Xiao Zhan gave a light laugh. "How do you know?"
Wang Yibo also smiled slightly.
"I was pretty mischievous as a kid, always bumping into things. I used to dance, skateboard, and ride motorcycles. Sometimes I sprained my foot too."
Xiao Zhan nodded. He hadn't expected Wang Yibo to come to his dorm so quickly, and he hadn't had time to tidy up. Fortunately, he was usually a tidy person. He wanted to offer Wang Yibo some coffee, but by the time he checked the time, it was pretty late for coffee.
Wang Yibo glanced at the clock on the wall and seemed to have the same thought.
"Aren't you hungry? What do you want to eat? I'll buy it for you."
Xiao Zhan quickly waved his hand. "You didn't even ride a bike here. It's inconvenient. I don't have much of an appetite anyway. I have some vegetables, ham, and eggs in the kitchen. I'll just make two bowls of noodles."
Wang Yibo stood up and pressed down on Xiao Zhan's shoulder.
"I'll do it. You rest."
Xiao Zhan watched Wang Yibo walk toward the kitchen, his gaze flickering, not sure what he was thinking.
Bored, Xiao Zhan turned on the TV. The classic animated version of The Lion King was playing. Xiao Zhan had fond memories of this movie. He loved watching it as a kid and had even forced Jiang Cheng to watch it with him over and over again. He liked the little lion, who was cute and chubby. But even as a cub, he occasionally showed the aura of a future king.
Especially after losing everything, the young lion grew up quickly.
Xiao Zhan watched with excitement for a while, then heard the sound of rummaging in the kitchen.
He was a bit suspicious and waited for a moment, but couldn't resist. He slowly got up and walked to the kitchen, only to see Wang Yibo making a mess in the kitchen, looking flustered.
Xiao Zhan saw eggshells and vegetable leaves on the floor, and the pot of noodles was about to boil over, but didn't say anything.
He quietly took out his phone, aimed it at Wang Yibo, who was intently frying an egg, and took a picture.
The flash went off, and Wang Yibo suddenly looked up, seeing Xiao Zhan smiling at the door.
Wang Yibo turned his back. "Why are you taking pictures of me?"
Xiao Zhan kept smiling and hopped into the kitchen.
"Why are you so petty? Look at Chef Wang showing off his skills, couldn't resist."
Wang Yibo knew the kitchen was in a mess and felt guilty. He supported Xiao Zhan.
"Be careful. I told you I would cook."
Just then, the boiling water from the pot splashed out with a hiss, spilling over onto the stove. Wang Yibo was startled and quickly grabbed a ladle to scoop out some of the water. Xiao Zhan didn't care about his foot and quickly leaned forward to turn down the heat.
Once the heat was lowered, the water gradually stopped boiling.
Xiao Zhan picked up a chopstick and placed it on the pot.
He then turned around to face Wang Yibo, who was holding the ladle. The two of them stared at each other for a while, until Wang Yibo's fair and tender face turned red. Only then did Xiao Zhan ask.
"Can you not cook noodles?"
Wang Yibo hesitated. "Isn't it the same as cooking instant noodles?"
Xiao Zhan couldn't hold it in anymore and laughed.
"I'll do it. You clean up the kitchen."
That was when Xiao Zhan learned that this seemingly perfect all-around junior, Wang Yibo, couldn't cook at all. And Wang Yibo found out that Xiao Zhan's two simple bowls of noodles were actually very delicious.
The two of them sat in the living room with their noodles, watching The Lion King.
Xiao Zhan truly loved The Lion King. No matter how many times he watched it, he was always completely engrossed, eyes not even blinking. Wang Yibo watched the screen for a while, then turned to look at Xiao Zhan. The boy in front of him was beautiful, fresh, and clean, completely different from the photo that had gone viral on campus.
It was like a vibrant red rose had faded, its petals now white, but still with a different kind of charm, and its fragrance remained.
Xiao Zhan seemed to sense Wang Yibo's gaze and slowly turned to meet his eyes.
"Aren't you watching?"
Wang Yibo's face was very calm. "Do you really like The Lion King that much?"
Xiao Zhan nodded. "I've liked it since I was little. I like The Lion King, and I like lions."
Wang Yibo suddenly smiled.
When he smiled, it was as if his eyebrows and eyes were filled with warmth, gentle yet with a hint of indulgence that Xiao Zhan wasn't sure he was imagining. He had never thought that the aloof and quiet junior from B University, who was the idol of the department, could smile like this... almost like encountering Simba with Nala?
Isn't he supposed to be cold and distant?
Wang Yibo said, "Do you want to go to the zoo to see real lions?"
... Could it be that, as he had guessed, Wang Yibo was double standard?
***
2016
Still the same Western restaurant.
Wang Yibo and Mo Ran each ordered a steak, and Mo Ran also ordered a glass of red wine. He lowered his head to cut the steak, eating without much appetite. After a while, he looked up and asked Wang Yibo.
"Why did you tell Xiao Zhan about our relationship? You know, if you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have told him."
Wang Yibo also put down his knife and fork. He had been racing with Jin Zixuan for about an hour that day, and it had been a long day. Normally, he would be hungry by now, but for some reason, he wasn't particularly interested in the food.
"There's nothing to hide. We've been together several times. Xiao Zhan asked, should I lie to him?"
Mo Ran didn't know whether he was touched or saddened. He studied Wang Yibo's expression.
"Yibo, the words you said to me in the U.S., I've always remembered."
Wang Yibo remained silent for a while and didn't speak. He lowered his head slightly, his chin sharp and delicate, his appearance bright and handsome. This was the second time Mo Ran had brought up their past in the U.S. since returning to the country.
Being alone overseas, they had supported each other, relied on each other. Mo Ran had once received Wang Yibo's passionate hugs and kisses, and the gentle affection he had longed for but could never get, which still lingered today.
He felt sad but forced a smile.
"This red wine pairs well with the steak, try it."
Mo Ran pushed the glass toward Wang Yibo, but Wang Yibo raised his hand and gently pressed on Mo Ran's arm.
He smiled faintly.
"You've been staying up late at work recently. I pre-ordered a bottle of champagne and chilled it. Now's a good time to open it, consider it a treat for you."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a waiter came over behind Mo Ran, holding a bottle of champagne.
Mo Ran recognized the brand; it was the French Black Ace Champagne Gold Edition. The bottle was gilded and luxurious, the champagne a pale golden colour with a pleasant taste. He had once celebrated a business deal in the U.S. with his team, and the company had reimbursed them for that same bottle.
It was very expensive, and Mo Ran had only mentioned once to Wang Yibo that it was good, and that he would like to have it again if given the chance.
He hadn't expected Wang Yibo to remember, and Wang Yibo had shown no sign of it.
It was just like when he first met Wang Yibo. While everyone else was laughing and enjoying hotpot, this quiet, taciturn junior, with no expression, quietly poured him a glass of watermelon juice.
It was just like when they were in the U.S. After that accident, Wang Yibo no longer drove sedans. Even when they returned to China, Mo Ran insisted that it didn't matter—if Wang Yibo liked sedans, he could buy one. But Wang Yibo still only bought an Audi RS Q8.
Wang Yibo was always like this—quiet, and always handling everything so properly.
Mo Ran smiled at Wang Yibo, but his eyes turned red, and there was a hint of tears.
The waiter poured the champagne into a tall glass. The colour was golden, with delicate bubbles rising, looking especially luxurious under the dim lighting of the restaurant.
Wang Yibo looked through the glass at Mo Ran, whose eyes were slightly red and elongated at the corners.
His hair had grown longer and hadn't been cut yet. There was a hint of melancholy between his brows. At that moment, his involuntary frown made Wang Yibo momentarily lost in thought.
In that moment, it felt like through the glass, through the golden liquid, through that soft, yellow light, he saw Xiao Zhan again.