Chapter 26 A Lucky Draw / Ex-Boyfriend Plot...
As darkness fell outside the window, Lin Yi nestled on the sofa, holding a tablet and swiping the screen with his fingertips.
He was browsing the relationship forum where he had previously asked a question; at the top of the page was a new question he had posted two days earlier:
What should I do if I've been cheated on by my boyfriend? We're currently in a cold war...
The post already has dozens of replies, all from kind-hearted netizens offering enthusiastic analysis and suggestions:
[Looking at the records, not long ago, the original poster was asking about biological reproduction; how could they have been deceived so easily?]
[Could it be a casual sex partner?]
[What kind of deception, how big of a deception? Did he lie to you that he had eight-pack abs when he only had one, or that he was a multi-millionaire when he still hadn't paid off his credit card debt?]
[OP's reply] The age and occupation are fake.
【Wait a minute, OP, I saw your question from a month ago was about your boyfriend sending you his ID information and asking you to book tickets for him. ID information shows his age, right?】
Lin Yi stared at the two messages, then exited the forum and switched back to WeChat.
He found a string of ID numbers sent by Shen Beidao. "I was so busy copying and pasting that I didn't look carefully. This is... my fault?"
[His profession can't be confirmed, can it? Maybe it's from his past experiences? He just didn't mention his current profession, which I don't think is unforgivable.]
Lin Yi: "Damn! That actually makes some sense."
Lin Yi: "He was indeed a student before becoming a teacher... Wait, who in this world hasn't been a student? Is this guy a savior sent by Shen Beidao...?"
If it's a minor secret about one's profession, like exaggerating one's age by a year or two, that's at most a "little dating trick."
[Agreed! The most important thing is whether you believe he has deceived you emotionally.]
Emotionally...?
Lin Yi left the forum.
The pinned chat window still shows Shen Beidao; the last message he sent that morning was, "Not awake yet."
It's almost 8 p.m., and the proud and arrogant Professor Shen doesn't seem to have any intention of replying.
He stared at those two words for a long time, his finger hovering above the screen, but he still couldn't type a single word.
Opening Professor Shen's WeChat Moments, this aloof professor surprisingly posted a status update: "[The cranberry cookies were pretty good.]"
Lin Yi: ?
Such a flashy kraft paper bag? And there's even a little heart sticker in the middle? Did some girl give it to you?
Thinking about it, he became furious.
Just then, my phone started vibrating continuously.
It was a message from Li Rui, several in a row:
[Li Rui] Lin Yi, I went to Shen Beidao's office today and saw him chatting and laughing with Teacher Fang Yu. I heard that they often collaborate on projects. I think what our classmates are saying online might not be false.
[Li Rui] Moreover, our dean particularly likes Shen Beidao, and there are rumors that he promoted Shen Beidao in order to choose a son-in-law for himself.
[Li Rui] Our dean's daughter is Teacher Fang Yu.
Looking at these messages, Lin Yi felt a subtle pang of jealousy. Could it be that the teacher sent them?
But when did Li Rui find out?
It was probably Zhang Zexuan, that big mouth, who said it.
But... how come Shen Beidao lost Li Rui's admiring title after dating him?
In the past, when Li Rui mentioned Shen Beidao, it was always "my mentor is like this and that" or "Professor Shen is so amazing". He would report everything he did to Shen Beidao, just like a devout little believer.
Now, they've gone and used both full names.
Lin Yi smirked and typed with a hint of amusement:
You know that we don't practice rabbit etiquette?
[Li Rui] I know. Just wanted to remind you, I think Teacher Fang Yu really likes him.
[Li Rui] Moreover, many girls have given Teacher Shen flowers.
[Li Rui] He doesn't look gay.
Lin Yi stared at the last sentence, "He doesn't look gay," and couldn't help but laugh.
After much thought, he finally found one thing that Shen Beidao hadn't lied to him about—he really wasn't gay.
[Don't talk about rabbit virtues] I know, it's all in the past now.
[Li Rui] Okay, I'll report back to you if anything happens to him.
No need to mention "not adhering to rabbit virtues".
[Don't talk about rabbit ethics] Don't put pressure on me, I know you want to take his graduate school entrance exam.
[Li Rui] It's okay, there are other teachers in our college who are in the same major.
Lin Yi replied with a "hmm" rabbit nodding emoji, then scrolled up and carefully read the messages Li Rui had sent.
Keywords: frequent collaboration, dean's daughter, choosing a son-in-law...
He curled his lips into a sarcastic smile: "Oh ho, with such a good relationship, why don't you marry your teacher Fang Yu and get on the dean's good side?"
He was stunned as soon as he said it.
Why does that tone sound so sour?
Lin Yi exited the chat window, somewhat annoyed, and re-entered the forum.
The previous post has received a new reply:
[OP, didn't you take him to the temple last time? Why don't you go again this time? I know a very effective master on the mountain path leading to the God of Wealth Temple. Go and get a fortune stick to predict your marriage prospects.]
[I agree with the comment above. If you can't solve it, leave it to fate. If it's your destined partner, cherish it. If it's a bad relationship, break up with it quickly.]
[It's probably more effective to bring your boyfriend along for this kind of thing, right?]
【No, no, no! You're wrong. It's best not to bring your partner. Ask for their birth date and time beforehand and go secretly, because if you bring them and encounter a bad relationship, the master won't say anything.】
【I understand! Better to tear down a temple than break up a marriage, right?】
[If all else fails, OP, take a bouquet of flowers and pray to the God of Marriage; he's quite the expert in these matters...]
Drawing lots?
......
The next morning, Lin Yi got up very early.
He had little appetite, drank only a glass of warm water, changed into simple black sportswear, and went out.
Taoguang Temple is located on a mountain in the suburbs. It requires taking a bus and then hiking for half an hour.
Perhaps because it was a weekday, there weren't many people going up the mountain.
Lin Yi walked up the familiar stone steps one by one. The mountain air was crisp and clear, carrying the moisture of the grass and trees.
His cold hadn't fully healed, and he was getting a little breathless if he walked too fast, so he slowed down and climbed the mountain slowly.
He wondered, "When Shen Beidao was here last time, it didn't seem this high..."
Half an hour later, we arrived at the finish line.
The master's meditation room was next to the Lüzu Hall, a small room with a long queue of people outside. It was an hour later when it was his turn.
The meditation room was quiet, with only a thin stick of incense burning. The master looked to be in his sixties, with a serene face, and was dressed in a simple gray monk's robe.
He glanced at Lin Yi, said nothing, but pointed to the futon on the ground.
Lin Yi knelt down, clasped his hands together, and closed his eyes.
After the master gave an explanation that was incomprehensible to him.
Lin Yi walked out with the fortune slip in his hand.
It's an extremely auspicious fortune slip [Slip No. 19 (Ancient story: Cui Mengxiong obtains a high rank)].
The divination slip reads: "The matchmaker and go-between say that marriage is assured; the red thread of fate brings no worries. A hundred years of loving union will bring longevity, and may their descendants flourish."
The master reviewed it and simply said four words: "Wait patiently for the right opportunity."
Lin Yi walked down the steps and sent a photo of the fortune slip to Zhang Zexuan, who was currently the only friend he could confide in who had no connection with Shen Beidao.
Lin Yi: [I came to the temple to draw lots today. Could you help me interpret them? I remember your sister is particularly fond of studying these things, isn't she?]
Zhang Zexuan replied instantly: [No problem, wait!]
"Lin Yi." A familiar voice came from somewhere. He looked around and looked up to see the person he least wanted to see on the upper floor of the building.
Chen Zhinan.
He was wearing a beige knit sweater today, his hair was loose and casually draped over his shoulders. "Wait for me, I'm coming down."
Chen Zhinan waved to him and quickly walked down the steps.
Lin Yi looked at the fortune slip in her hand and waited for the right moment, so she summoned her ex-boyfriend.
Adhering to the principle of maintaining piety and respect in front of a temple to show reverence for the gods, he did not turn around and leave.
He simply stood there, waiting for Chen Zhinan to walk up to him.
"Lin Yi, I didn't expect to run into you here." Chen Zhinan's voice was soft, with a hint of caution.
"I didn't expect this either." Lin Yi forced a smile. "There's still a way down the mountain, shall we go together?"
Chen Zhinan was taken aback by his initiative and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Okay, okay."
The two began their descent down the mountain. The path was narrow, and they walked side by side, maintaining a polite distance.
After walking for a while, Chen Zhinan took out an unopened bottle of mineral water from his black crossbody backpack and handed it to him: "Are you thirsty? I brought some water."
Lin Yi bent down to take it, and he saw the ring on Chen Zhinan's right ring finger.
A capital letter "N" is surrounded by a plain ring.
It was made of silver, not particularly valuable, and was a birthday gift he gave to Chen Zhinan years ago.
"N" is the first letter of "South" and is also a homophone for "you".
Chen Zhinan was still wearing it.
Lin Yi casually took the bottle of mineral water, then looked away, pretending he hadn't seen anything.
"Thank you," Lin Yi said.
The two continued walking in silence.
The silence in the mountains was filled with birdsong and the sound of the wind, which only made their silence seem more awkward.
Lin Yi walked in front, and Chen Zhinan followed silently behind.
As they reached a bend in the road, Chen Zhinan quietly took out his phone and snapped two photos of his back.
When Lin Yi reached a viewing platform halfway up the mountain, he stopped.
"Let's take a break."
"good."
They sat down on the wooden bench, leaving a space between them that would fit one person between them.
It's still early, and there are more people going up the mountain than coming down. Groups of tourists pass by, mostly elderly people doing morning exercises and groups of students.
Lin Yi took a few more sips of water and then placed the bottle beside him.
He turned his head to look at Chen Zhinan, trying to make his tone sound natural and casual:
"Your blonde hair used to suit you so well, how come it's turned black?"
He tried to avoid those heavy topics, defining the chance encounter as a casual chat.
The premise of letting go is that even if you meet again, you will be indifferent, like seeing a stranger, and a simple greeting is the last bit of dignity.
This can be considered a complete ending for the boy from three years ago.
Chen Zhinan smiled and said, "Last time at the hospital, I saw that your ex-boyfriend had black hair, and I thought you would like that type."
Lin Yi: "…………"
Alright! There's no need to ask him.
He's still the same as before, always bringing up the most sensitive topics.
"Who said he was my ex-boyfriend?" Lin Yi turned around, looking at the distant mountains, his voice calm. "Couldn't he be my current boyfriend?"
Chen Zhinan: "I didn't mean anything by it, don't misunderstand. No matter who you're with, I wish you all the best. I know we can't go back."
"Chen Zhinan, there are plenty of men in the world, there are always better ones than me."
"Besides, I'm not as good as you think. After so many years of no contact, many feelings have changed."
Chen Zhinan thought to himself: If it were really that easy, I wouldn't have gone back to Jiangzhou.
The two sat for a while longer before continuing their descent.
This time, Lin Yi took the initiative to ask about the recent situation of Chen Zhinan's studio.
He didn't want the atmosphere to be too awkward, nor did he want to get bogged down in memories; talking about work was the safest option.
As Chen Zhinan spoke about his plans, his tone gradually became clearer.
He talked about brand positioning, market research, and future development direction... but as he talked, the topic inevitably circled back to the beginning.
Chen Zhinan: "Do you remember? Our dream was to become comic artists. You liked Naoki Urasawa, and I've always remembered that. When we were tired of drawing, we would watch 'MONSTER' together. We even thought about going to Japan to study together."
Lin Yi slowed his pace.
Those lazy afternoons spent in the art studio, those nights spent huddled in front of the computer watching cartoons, those innocent and passionate fantasies about the future...
Lin Yi sneered: "But wasn't it you who broke your promise?"
Chen Zhinan fell silent.
The mountain road becomes gentler here. In this season, the maple leaves of Jiangzhou are scattered all over the ground by the wind, just like the past that cannot be grasped and cannot be changed.
“That’s because my aunt came to find my mother,” Chen Zhinan’s voice trembled, “She… I had no choice.”
"But all these years, I have never forgotten you, and I have always been trying to find out about you."
However, I can't be so selfish as to cause you trouble or make things difficult for Auntie regarding our situation.
"So what?" Lin Yi stopped and turned to look at him. "You just ran away to Japan alone and chose to block me? For your so-called 'not being so selfish'?"
Chen Zhinan's face gradually turned pale.
He chose to escape on matters of principle, but reality did not improve because he let go.
On the contrary, everything is going in a worse direction.
Lin Yi's mother was determined to break them up, and Chen Zhinan's departure completely dispelled her concerns, so she simply used force to achieve her goal.
For a long time afterward, she controlled Lin Yi's life almost pathologically: she made him report his whereabouts every hour, 24 hours a day, and even hired people to follow and monitor his every move.
Lin's mother's controlling nature reached a terrifying level.
Chen Zhinan's retreat rendered all of Lin Yi's previous efforts futile, resulting in a complete failure.
That time, Lin Yi sat by the river for a long time.
He began to regret why he had dragged Chen Zhinan into it, and why he couldn't face the family pressure on his own.
He had finally found something to rely on, a reason to strive for it, but the person who supported him left first.
Chen Zhinan left, taking with him all of Lin Yi's belief in breaking free from constraints and changing the status quo.
Lin Yi lost the battle with his family; his mother had seized the most leverage over him.
As a teenager, he didn't know how to solve the problem.
That night, the river water lapped against the embankment, and the cold wind blew into his collar. He looked at the dark river surface and suddenly had a thought: if he jumped over this railing, would all his troubles disappear?
His hands trembled as he unlocked his phone, his fingertips hovering over the text box as he typed, word by word: "Mom, next time have a well-behaved little brother, okay? I'm sorry, I'll be watching over you from heaven."
Before I could finish typing the message, a notification popped up on my phone: "[Street interview: How do students from Jiangzhou University in this city view the issue of homosexuality?]"
Lin Yi's raised leg got stuck in the railing, and he accidentally stepped inside.
It's a compilation of interviews.
The first student said, "Respect it; it's becoming legal in many places abroad."
The second student said, "I don't understand. I'm straight."
The third student said, "I've never been in a relationship, but I have a roommate who is gay, and he's a really nice guy."
The fourth student said: "One girl is a beautiful creature, two girls are an even more beautiful creature."
The fifth student: "Sorry, I'm homophobic."
The sixth student: "Excuse me, I'm a teacher."
Interviewer: "Oh? You're a teacher? Really? You're a teacher at Jiangzhou University?"
The voice was calm: "Yes, I just returned to China not long ago, and today is my first day in office."
Interviewer: "Wow! That's amazing! May I ask how old you are? Because if you hadn't told me, I would have really thought you were a student!"
"Twenty-seven years old. Sorry, I'm in a hurry, I need to go to class in Building One."
Interviewer: "Please answer this question quickly. You're speaking from a teacher's perspective, so what are your thoughts on the issue of homosexuality today?"
"How does this question relate to me?"
Interviewer: "Um, it's just a discussion about a social issue."
"Before answering this question, I feel it is necessary to add: Rejecting moral blackmail is a compulsory course in life."
"I believe everyone has the right to pursue love. Your attraction to the same sex is like someone loving mountains and seas, or someone being captivated by stars and the moon—it's all a matter of personal preference and has nothing to do with others. Thank you."
Interviewer: "Thank you for your answer! It is indeed a different perspective. I won't take up any more of your time. I wish you a pleasant life."
The video ends here.
Lin Yi stood by the river, holding his phone, watching the figure hurriedly leave the frame.
The figure was tall and upright, wearing a simple white shirt, and disappeared into the crowd.
He slowly lowered his raised leg.
That night, he went home and said to his mother, "I will do well in the college entrance examination. I will not study painting anymore. I can study design. Don't worry about me."
Ms. Lin Jingzhi saw online that some people say there are many homosexuals among those who study painting, and that one is influenced by one's surroundings. She felt that if she stopped studying painting, she might be able to get rid of her liking for men.
......
Lin Yi and Chen Zhinan parted ways at the bus stop at the foot of the mountain.
The train Chen Zhinan was supposed to take arrived first. Before boarding, he glanced back at Lin Yi, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he said nothing and just waved.
Lin Yi stood there, watching the bus drive away, then turned and walked towards another road.
He didn't want to ride the same train as Chen Zhinan.
Some boundaries, once drawn, cannot be blurred again.
On the bus ride home, Lin Yi leaned against the window, watching the street scenes rushing past outside. He suddenly wanted to find that interview video he had seen before. He wondered what his mindset would be if he watched it again now, and whether he would still be so distraught that he almost jumped into the river. He didn't even know what he was thinking back then.
The phone rang; it was Zhang Zexuan.
Lin Yi answered the call and chatted for a few minutes.
Zhang Zexuan's chattering voice came through the phone: "What?! You ran into Chen Zhinan right after you drew a fortune stick? He wasn't following you, was he??"
"It shouldn't be." Lin Yi rubbed his temples. "It was just a coincidence. Before... I often brought him here to sketch."
"Oh..." Zhang Zexuan's voice trailed off, then became excited again, "Well, my sister just interpreted this fortune for you! She said that the person you've met this time is definitely your soulmate! And this person will always be by your side. Although there may be some minor problems to solve, you will definitely stay together as husband and wife, grow old together, and have many children and grandchildren!"
Upon hearing the phrase "a house full of descendants," Lin Yi, who was drinking water, couldn't help but choke: "Cough cough cough..."
"Does this mean I have to leave a child for my boyfriend?"
He coughed as he spoke, and just then the bus arrived at the stop. He got off the bus and walked towards his residential area.
"That's not what I meant," Zhang Zexuan chuckled on the other end of the phone. "I think, you just finished drawing your fortune stick and then you ran into Chen Zhinan, so it's possible..."
"What?" Lin Yi joked, "You don't mean you're saying old flames have rekindled, do you?"
He looked up, and his words abruptly stopped.
Shen Beidao stood at the entrance of his residential compound, holding a bag in his hand, looking at him.
"No, no," Zhang Zexuan continued rambling on the other end of the phone, "I think the 'grandson' in 'a house full of descendants' might be Chen Zhinan!"
Lin Yi: "...You're too abstract."
"It's not that I'm taking anyone's side, but I think Professor Shen is a really good person. He's refined and polite, and most importantly, he's very handsome and well-mannered. He also takes good care of you. You see, he went to the hospital to see you as soon as you got sick. He has to work on weekdays, right? He must have taken time off to go..."
Seeing that Shen Beidao was already walking towards him, Lin Yi quickly interrupted Zhang Zexuan: "...I'll hang up now."
The call ended.
Shen Beidao also walked up to him.
"I didn't have class this afternoon, so I took some time to come see you. Are you feeling better?"
Lin Yi looked at him, unsure of what to say for a moment.
"How did you know I was home..." Lin Yi didn't know why, but seeing him reminded him of what happened that night, which was really embarrassing.
“I went to your company, and they said you’ve been on sick leave recently.” Shen Beidao seemed to see through his confusion and took the initiative to explain, “I asked Li Rui, and he said your school encourages internships, and you only have classes on Mondays. Today is Friday, so you don’t have class.”
As he spoke, he handed over the brown paper bag in his hand: "Also, I learned how to bake some cookies, I'll give them to you to try."
The paper bag was still warm, carrying the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods.
Lin Yi did not answer.
Then he spoke: "Shen Beidao, what exactly do you want?"
Shen Beidao's hand remained suspended in mid-air, motionless.
"I miss you. Can't you come see my boyfriend?"
-----------------------
Author's Note: Wow! Today's chapter is a happy, long one~ Shall I praise the author? (No, praising isn't necessary, haha)
Today's knowledge sharing:
A brief introduction to Naoki Urasawa (from the internet): His representative works include *The Soft One*, *Dangerous Investigator*, *The Monster*, *20th Century Boys*, and *Pluto*. Naoki Urasawa is a renowned Japanese manga artist who won the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize twice for *The Monster* and *Pluto*, making him the only manga artist to have won the award twice. As of 2025, his works have sold over 100 million copies, and many of his works have been adapted into anime, films, or television dramas, earning him international acclaim in the manga world.
——
The divination slip reads: "The matchmaker and the gospel tell of a perfect union; the red thread of fate brings no worries. A hundred years of loving companionship will bring them together, and their descendants will flourish and prosper."
(Source: Internet)
Interpretation: The phrase "May the couple grow old together in harmony" directly addresses the theme, indicating that the couple will grow old together, and "May their descendants be numerous and abundant" symbolizes a large and prosperous family. For married couples, this signifies a stable relationship, where even minor disagreements can be resolved smoothly; for those about to get married, it represents a happy and long-lasting marriage, a match made in heaven.
——
Let me tell you a short true story (based on the author's experience).
I have a colleague whose ideas are very similar to those of Shen Beidao.
Once, I made a typo at work, and the finished video was posted to the company's public platform. This colleague quickly shared it to a large group chat with hundreds of people.
I checked it many times but still couldn't avoid the mistakes. It's not that I wasn't careful; it's just that small mistakes are sometimes unavoidable in work.
I asked him: What should we do?
My colleague said: Delete it and start over.
He immediately deleted the message from the group chat as soon as he finished speaking.
Then, to avoid embarrassment, I said, "Oh dear, it's my fault. I didn't look carefully and only realized it after I posted it..." and went on and on about my self-reflection.
My colleague said: "It's okay, don't worry about it, it doesn't matter, don't care, then nobody cares."
I instantly felt incredibly happy. Think about anything that bothers you; it's just that you care about it.
You might feel embarrassed, guilty, ashamed, or ashamed, but if you don't feel that way, this matter won't have a negative impact on you. Less internal conflict, we are not machines that can make mistakes.
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