Chapter 32 Together Forever
Lin Yan's physique was truly remarkable. Despite the aftereffects of the previous car accident, he was already full of energy again in just over a month. His consistent fitness routine had even given him so much energy he had no idea where to put it.
But these past few days, something's been off about him. No longer that clingy, ever-present, ready to "feed" or "take," he's become secretive. He's often caught up in his phone processing messages or typing away at his computer screen with a serious expression. When asked what he's doing, he'll just smile and say, "I'm dealing with something," then change the subject.
I'm a big-hearted person, but I can't help but be curious. Especially my sweetheart. The less he says, the more I think there's something fishy going on. I'd be distracted halfway through a game, my mind racing with thoughts like, "What the hell is this guy doing behind my back?" "Is he planning some big move?" (Like another gym-level "involution"?)
Just as I was about to put down my controller and start "torturing" him, my cell phone rang. It was Lao Si.
"Brother Rui! Help!"
"Xiaoyou insisted on going shopping to buy some comic convention gear! I have a make-up lab appointment with my teacher this afternoon, so I really can't get away!"
"Brother Rui! Help me! Go with her! I'll treat you to a month's worth of cafeteria stir-fries!"
I:"???"
He asked me to accompany his girlfriend shopping? What kind of outrageous plot is this? I'm a straight guy (even though I'm gay to Lin Yan, my taste for beauty and shopping is definitely straight!). My life's joy is staying at home playing games. What the hell do I know about shopping for equipment? Accompanying a girl to pick out clothes? That's pure mental torture!
My fingers flew across the keyboard, ready to lash out at him: "Old Four, what the hell is wrong with your brain? You should keep your girlfriend company! I'm not going! Isn't gaming fun?"
Before I even sent the message, Lao Si's "death barrage" of calls arrived. His tone was so pathetic and mournful, practically crying. Finally, I was choked up by his words, "Xiaoyou said you're the only one who understands the anime world." Fine... for the sake of our long friendship and a month of working (mostly because the phrase "understands the anime world" piqued my vainness?), I gritted my teeth and agreed.
When I met Xiaoyou, she was indeed fully armed and full of enthusiasm. I thought "shopping for gear" meant browsing the women's clothing department at the mall, but she actually dragged me straight into the largest anime city in the city center!
As soon as I walked in, I was stunned. How could this be considered shopping? This was like going home!
"Brother Rui! Look! That Unit-01 figurine! It's out of print!"
"Ahhh! XX's new pattern! Gorgeous!"
"Brother Rui! Have you watched this show? The latest episode is amazing! The blue-haired fight scene is so cool!"
"Don't even mention it! The author of that show is toxic! It's been off for so long, what's the deal with the new plot?! It's ruined my classic!"
It was like Xiaoyou flipped a switch, instantly transforming from a socially obsessed E-person into a passionate anime enthusiast! The two of us stood in front of the figurine display, beneath the poster wall, and beside the comic book piles, chattering away, discussing everything from new anime to classics, character analysis to author critiques... It was a real shame we'd met so late, and we burst into song (though others might have thought we were two psychos)!
It was then I realized, Xiaoyou wasn't just good at chatting. She was actually a hidden addict to the anime! She even cosplayed in her spare time! As we chatted, she leaned over, lowered her voice, and shared with me mysteriously, "Brother Rui, let me tell you a secret: I secretly made my fourth child wear those maid outfits, cat ears, and miniskirts! I took pictures to commemorate the occasion!"
I:"!!!"
My mind instantly flashed to the image of Lao Si, a burly, silly-looking man wearing a lace maid outfit and cat ears, looking like he had lost all hope in life... The picture was so beautiful, I couldn't bear to look at it! Hot! Eyes! Eyes!
"Are you...are you serious?" My voice trembled.
Xiaoyou chuckled, his eyes flashing with the same cunning glint of "controlling everything" as Lin Yan's: "You don't understand, this is called contrast cuteness, it's so exciting!"
At that moment, a chill ran down my spine! Holy crap! What "Old Four's girlfriend"? This is clearly another "Lin Yan-type" in disguise! Controlling, contrasting cuteness, treating the partner as a "toy"... these traits are exactly the same! It turns out Xiaoyou and Gong are the same type of people! Old Four... just wish you good luck, brother!
After a crazy afternoon of fun, I gained a lot (mainly in spiritual resonance). As the sky darkened, I walked Xiaoyou back to the dormitory. As we were about to reach the bottom of the building, she suddenly became quiet, her chattering voice a moment ago. The streetlight cast a faint shadow on her face. She stopped, looked sideways at me, her eyes a little complicated, and asked softly:
"Brother Rui... have you ever thought about being with Master Lin... forever?"
I paused, my heart seemed to be hit by something, neither light nor heavy.
Together forever?
This question was like a small stone that suddenly hit the calm (or heartless) lake of my heart, creating ripples.
I... don't think I've really thought about this question. The days with Lin Yan were happy, fulfilling, chaotic, but also as natural as breathing. It was as if I'd subconsciously assumed we'd go on like this, playing and joking, loving and being affectionate, endlessly. Like the save files in a game—as long as they weren't deleted, you could keep playing forever. As for the real future? Distance? Family? Work? These heavy things were deliberately blocked out from my happy little world.
Xiaoyou looked at my expression and sighed softly, with a bit of helplessness and confusion: "Laosi and I... are not from the same place. His family is in the south and mine is in the north. Although we have a good relationship now, in the future... after graduation, there will be work, distance... many practical issues to consider." Her voice lowered, with a hint of barely perceptible bitterness.
Her words were like a needle, piercing my bubble of "acceptance." A strange, bitter taste, tinged with panic, suddenly surged up my throat. Yeah...reality is never that simple? What about Lin Yan and I? Will we... face this too? He comes from such a wealthy family, and I... I'm just an ordinary student. We...
After seeing Xiaoyou off, I walked back alone, feeling lost. The streetlights stretched my shadow, and the clamor around me seemed to be veiled by a film. My mind was a mess, filled with Xiaoyou's words, "Together forever," and her bewildered expression. For the first time, a fear of uncertainty gripped me with such clarity.
"Ruirui?" A familiar voice sounded behind him.
I was startled and turned around to see Lin Yan standing under the streetlight. The warm yellow light outlined his tall figure. He walked over quickly, took my hand naturally, and asked in a warm voice, "How was your fun with Xiaoyou today?"
"Ah... quite... quite happy." I answered subconsciously, trying hard to force a smile, but the heaviness in my heart made my expression very stiff.
Lin Yan was so perceptive that he immediately noticed something was wrong with me. He stopped, cupped my face, and frowned slightly. Behind his glasses, his eyes were scrutinizing and worried. "What's wrong? You look unhappy? Did Xiaoyou bully you?" (Although he knew the possibility was zero)
The light from the street lamp fell into his eyes, like gentle stars. Looking at his concerned face, the panic and confusion swirling in my heart suddenly became unconcealable. I opened my mouth, my voice a little dry: "Lin Yan...you said...will we be together forever?"
Lin Yan was obviously stunned for a moment, as if he hadn't expected me to ask this out of the blue. He asked in confusion, "Why are we talking about this all of a sudden?"
I recounted Xiaoyou and Lao Si's story, as well as her words, my tone filled with a sense of depression and uneasiness that I hadn't even noticed: "...She said she had to consider reality... We...seemed to have never considered this..."
Lin Yan was silent for a few seconds after hearing this. He didn't immediately offer sweet words to comfort me. Instead, he pulled me into his arms and held me tightly. His embrace was warm and firm, dispelling the chill of the autumn night.
"Ruirui," his voice was low and clear, ringing in my ears, "There's no need to consider that between us."
"Huh?" I looked up at him in confusion.
He lowered his head, resting his forehead lightly against mine. His eyes were deep and serious, carrying an unquestionable strength. "As long as it's you, even if you're in the Arctic and I'm in the Antarctic, with glaciers and oceans between us, I will break the ice, sail across the ocean to find you. Distance? It's never a problem."
That was so damn cool! His almost childish yet domineering declaration made me laugh, and the gloom in my heart dissipated a lot. But even after the laughter, that lingering feeling of unease remained. How could reality be so easy?
Lin Yan seemed to see through my thoughts. He held my face in his hands, looked me straight in the eyes, and for the first time, spoke so seriously and at once:
"Baby, you have to trust me." His tone was more serious than ever, even a little pleading. "I will pave the way for our future. Don't you know me well? You know that I hate losing control the most and like to have everything planned out and handled beautifully." He paused, his eyes gentle yet firm. "I don't want to make too many empty promises to you right now. I hope... I can do a little more, a little more. And soon, you'll know."
This was the first time he'd used such a long sentence, so directly expressing his plans and resolve. No flowery rhetoric, just the simple "I'll show you." That familiar feeling of control and reliability that belonged to Lin Yan instantly enveloped me like a warm current, dispelling any last vestiges of unease.
I looked into his eyes, so close, filled with earnestness and love, and the vague panic in my heart miraculously vanished. Yes, he was Lin Yan. The Lin Yan who had calmly dispatched Zhao Lei, who had accurately reported me, who had "raised" me from a goblin to the person I am today. His promise to "pave the way" was definitely not empty talk.
"Yeah." I nodded vigorously, burying my face in his arms and nuzzling against him. The heavy weight of the future and reality seemed to be temporarily forgotten. The heartless Chen Rui was back!
Lin Yan sensed my dependence and trust, and he held me tighter. He bent down and kissed the top of my head, his voice tinged with laughter: "Let's go home. I brought you a new game cartridge."
"Really?!" I instantly regained my health, my eyes lit up, and I pulled him and ran, "Hurry, hurry! Go home and turn on the computer!"
Under the streetlight, two figures clung tightly together, quickly walking toward their own light. The road ahead might be thorny, but at this moment, their tightly held hands and beating hearts gave them the greatest confidence. As for what Lin Yan was secretly busy with? Who cares! He said he would know soon enough. And I trust him, just like I trust that a game save file will never be lost (even if it occasionally crashes).
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