Lin Xichi focused on the keyhole, and with a deliberate movement, she jingled her keychain, creating a crisp sound. Her actions appeared slow, as if she were intentionally taking her time.
The man behind her remained motionless, seemingly unperturbed by the fact that he was standing behind someone without any apparent reason.
Lin Xichi waited for a moment, not hearing any response from him. She lowered her head and, without further waiting, spoke in a serious tone, as if addressing a complete stranger, “Sir.”
She was still facing away from him, and she had no idea how he reacted at this moment. Continuing in an earnest tone, she said, “Do you think that just because you’re wearing a mask—”
Upon hearing these words, the man’s eyebrows twitched, and he raised a hand to remove his hat, running his fingers through his hair. He was about to say something when Lin Xichi continued, “I can’t recognize you at all.”
“…”
With that, Lin Xichi turned her head.
In the dimly lit corridor, she could now clearly see his exposed forehead and sharp, defiant features. He wore an all-black winter coat with the zipper pulled up to his chin, his closely cropped hair giving him a sharp appearance. His unblinking eyes were fixed on her. After a moment, he removed the mask, revealing his chiseled facial features.
It had only been two months since their last meeting.
During the winter break in 2017, Xufang had come back for a visit. At that time, Lin Xichi had already been working at the hospital for some time and had moved to this apartment complex.
The Spring Festival in 2017 came early, on New Year’s Eve at the end of January. Xufang had a short vacation, starting in mid-January and returning to school on the seventh day of the new year, which amounted to less than twenty days in total.
He was completely uneasy about leaving her alone outside, so for almost half of those twenty days, he stayed at her place.
Her apartment was small, just forty square meters, with only one bedroom.
In preparation for Xufang’s visit, Lin Xichi had cleaned everything up and even bought a new pillow for him. She had moved all the stuffed animals that used to be on her bed to the living room, feeling as if she were decorating a new home.
However, when Xufang arrived, he took a quick look around the living room, picked up the stuffed animals, and threw them back onto her bed. Then, he took the pillow and blanket, and for more than ten days, he slept on the living room couch.
Sometimes Lin Xichi wanted to be close to him and sleep together on the couch. If she fell asleep with him there, he would carry her back to her room.
And then he would return to sleep on the living room couch.
It was like drawing an unnecessary line, maintaining a completely unnecessary distance.
In Lin Xichi’s memory, apart from their freshman year and the time they went to celebrate the New Year together, she had never slept in the same bed with Xufang again.
As for the meaning behind the name Xufang, they had privately come up with a thought. They even composed a lighthearted poem with their limited brainpower, “In a world filled with countless men, only Xufang is allowed.”
They simply referred to it as “Xufang.”
Lin Xichi wasn’t too pleased with Xufang’s habit of silently following her around. She pursed her lips and chose to ignore him, grabbing her keys and opening the door.
Xufang followed her inside and silently took off his shoes.
Lin Xichi walked to the dining table and emptied the contents of the plastic bag with a loud rustling sound.
Xufang came over and stood beside her, frowning as he looked at the items inside. “Is this what you usually have for dinner?”
Lin Xichi didn’t respond and chose to ignore him. But after not seeing him for two months, her gaze naturally kept drifting toward him, following her heart’s desires.
Military school life was highly regimented, with a daily routine that began at six in the morning—tidying up the dormitory, morning exercises, and then attending classes. The training workload was heavier than that of regular students, which had resulted in a more muscular physique for Xufang.
Counting the days, tomorrow was Qingming Festival, and he had probably come back for the holiday. This type of holiday typically lasted only two days, and he would have to return the day after tomorrow.
Thinking about this, Lin Xichi no longer felt upset with him and asked, “When did you come back?”
“I came straight here after getting off the plane,” Xufang replied, taking the instant noodles from her hands and leading her into the kitchen. “I saw you coming out of the convenience store as soon as I got off the car, so I followed you.”
“Why didn’t you call me then?”
Sensing her mood, Xufang’s eyelashes flickered, and he bent down slowly, meeting her gaze. “You live alone, and I wanted to see if you had any precautions against strange people.”
Lin Xichi tilted her head and asked, “Do you think wearing a mask gives you a different face?”
“…”
Xufang suddenly felt that his previous behavior was quite foolish and clicked his tongue. “Let’s consider it a surprise.”
“Oh,” Lin Xichi’s temper flared up and dissipated quickly. She stood by and watched him cook the noodles. “That explanation sounds better than before. It sounds a bit smarter.”
“…”
The kitchen remained quiet as the water had not yet boiled, and the induction cooker operated silently.
Xufang suddenly lifted her off her feet, sat her on the kitchen counter, and kissed her with one hand gently pressing on the back of her head. He had just returned from outside, and his fingertips still carried a hint of coldness.
Lin Xichi couldn’t help but shiver.
After some time had passed, the pot beside them began to bubble and boil.
Xufang, as if he hadn’t heard it, continued to kiss her lips, his palm gradually moving downward, unzipping her coat, and slipping under her clothes—
And then he stopped.
He stood upright, a flame burning in his jet-black eyes, his gaze as if he wanted to devour her. After a few seconds, he inexplicably felt a bit annoyed, so he lowered his head and kissed her several more times before moving to the side to cook the noodles.
Lin Xichi sat on the kitchen counter, swinging her feet, and asked, “How many times are you going to draw that imaginary line?”
Xufang glanced at her and said, “What imaginary line?”
“The ‘Pipi’ line,” Lin Xichi, in a well-intentioned manner, advised him, “You’re twenty-four years old already. Stop holding back; you might get sick.”
“…”
“Anyway, I definitely won’t despise you,” Lin Xichi licked her lips and spoke with a touch of caution, “Even if you have any issues, I’ll definitely bear the brunt of it.”
Xufang pushed her face away, his expression devoid of emotion, and said, “Shut up.”
Xufang placed the pot on the dining table and returned to the kitchen to fetch two pairs of chopsticks and bowls. When he returned, he saw Lin Xichi still sitting on the kitchen counter, gazing at him with her unblinking jet-black eyes.
He hesitated for a moment, pursed his lips, and then went over. He lifted her under her arms, holding her like a child, and set her down.
Lin Xichi, wearing slippers, sat down at the dining table on her own.
Xufang followed her into the kitchen, prepared two bowls of noodles, and pushed one in front of Lin Xichi. He didn’t sit down immediately but casually said, “You eat first; I need to use the restroom.”
Hearing this, Lin Xichi stared at him and said, “Okay.”
A few minutes later, Xufang came out of the restroom and sat down next to Lin Xichi. However, he noticed that her bowl of noodles in front of her remained untouched, and she had a thoughtful expression.
Xufang didn’t know what she was thinking but urged her, “Hurry up and eat.”
Just as he finished speaking, Lin Xichi leaned in mysteriously, speaking in a low voice, “Were you doing something dirty in the restroom just now?”
Xufang: “…”
What dirty thing could he have done in just a few minutes?
Lin Xichi seemed disappointed when he didn’t respond and said, “Why didn’t you take me with you?”
“…”
Xufang was exasperated by her comments. After they finished eating, he took the dishes to the kitchen to wash them. Lin Xichi sat on the sofa and called out to him, but he didn’t respond.
After washing the dishes, Xufang’s anger seemed to dissipate. He came over and sat beside Lin Xichi, taking on a more paternal tone. He began to advise her on how to stay safe when living alone and what to do if she encountered strange people. He emphasized the importance of being cautious and not being too slow to react in case of any incidents.
Lin Xichi lay her head on his lap, listening to his words, and responded softly. However, her responses were anything but coherent.
“If you ever notice a strange person following you, you should head to crowded places and call someone you know.”
“What if that person has a ‘Pipi’?”
“If, like today, you only realize it after entering the neighborhood, then go to the security booth.”
“But what if that person is a ‘Pipi’?”
“I bought you those anti-wolf items, make sure to carry them with you.”
“Do I use them on the ‘Pipi’?”
“… You’ve got to be the most difficult person I’ve ever met,” Xufang furrowed his brows, pinching her face in frustration and cursing under his breath.
The next day was Qingming Festival, and although it was a holiday, Lin Xichi had to work the morning shift at the hospital. Xufang dropped her off at the pet hospital and then returned home.
The girl with the little cat from yesterday had brought it back for a follow-up examination. The kitten’s condition hadn’t improved, so Lin Xichi had to administer intravenous fluids. After two hours of treatment, when the girl was about to leave, Lin Xichi reminded her again, “Don’t let it eat or drink when you get home.”
After finishing work, Lin Xichi left the hospital. The temperature at noon was relatively warmer than in the morning, so she didn’t wear a scarf. When she looked up, she saw Xufang waiting for her outside.
He had changed his clothes but still looked casual, wearing a military-green hoodie and black pants. His hands were in his hoodie pockets, and he stood tall and straight, resembling a poplar tree.
Lin Xichi walked over and placed her hand in his.
“Let’s go have dinner with Grandpa,” she suggested.
Xufang had just returned home briefly, and he was using Xufang’s father’s car. He nodded and led her to a nearby parking spot before letting her get into the car.
Lin Xichi sat in the front passenger seat and casually asked, “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
Xufang, concerned about her safety, leaned over to check her seatbelt and then replied, “The flight is at noon.”
“Oh,” Lin Xichi asked another question, “Are you graduating soon, and after that, will you go directly to the military?”
“I’ll be assigned to a location first, then I’ll have some time off, and then I’ll go.”
Resting her chin on her hand, Lin Xichi asked softly, “Do you already know which areas you might be assigned to?”
“I still don’t know,” Xufang replied, starting the car, his voice low and deep.
Lin Xichi had mentioned to her grandfather in advance that she was coming home, so her grandfather had already prepared a table full of dishes. Lin Xigeng had returned from school and was currently helping her grandfather in the kitchen.
Time had left its mark on her grandfather’s face, with more white hair than before, and the lines on his face were more pronounced.
Lin Xichi pursed her lips and went to help.
As people grow older, they seem to enjoy reminiscing more and become more talkative. At the dinner table, her grandfather kept chatting, and it reminded Lin Xichi of the times she had spent with him, listening to his kind and gentle voice.
She felt that time had passed so quickly.
After a while, her grandfather brought up another topic, “I can’t remember how many years it’s been. Your parents moved to B City a long time ago, and they haven’t visited me much.”
He sighed, “They want me to move there, but I can’t get used to it.”
Lin Xichi blinked and said cheerfully, “I’ll come back more often to have meals with you.”
Lin Xigeng quickly chimed in, “Me too!”
Over the years, Lin Xichi still visited her grandfather during holidays as she used to. Lin Xigeng would stay in B City for some time, and then return to spend time with them.
As time passed, Lin Xigeng told her that Lin Deng’s condition had improved significantly.
Her parents had also started inviting her and her grandfather to celebrate holidays with them, but for some reason, Lin Xichi always found excuses to decline. However, she hadn’t visited them in a long time.
After her grandfather’s emotional moment, the conversation turned to a different topic. “You two, you’re not young anymore. Are you planning to get married?” he asked, looking at Lin Xichi.
Xufang was taken aback, and his expression became serious as he replied, “Yes.”
Hearing this, her grandfather turned to Lin Xichi, as if seeking her approval, “Did he discuss this with you?”
Lin Xichi was honest, “No.”
“…”
After the meal, Xufang was summoned by her grandfather to have a serious talk about their plans.
Lin Xichi left the unfinished meal for Lin Xigeng and went back to her room. She lay on the bed, playing with her phone for a while, but soon grew bored and started rummaging around.
Although she had moved out to live on her own, she had only taken the essential clothing and everyday items with her. Most of her other belongings were left behind.
Now, as she looked around her room, she noticed the desk, bed, bookshelf, bedside table, and wardrobe, all filled with things Xufang had given her.
Suddenly, Lin Xichi’s curiosity was piqued, and she began to explore the items one by one. Most of them were small trinkets, and she couldn’t even remember where she had bought them.
After clearing out the top layer, Lin Xichi found a small locked box at the bottom of the cabinet. It had a rusty lock because it had been locked for five years.
Before Xufang had given her this box, they had argued about it, and she had threatened to find a locksmith to open it if he didn’t give her the key. However, Xufang had never given her the key.
And Lin Xichi had never actually gone through with finding a locksmith.
Over time, her interest waned, and she never brought it up again.
Lin Xichi was now holding that box in her hand, and she said to Xufang, who had just walked into the room, “Pipi, this box has been locked for five years.”
Xufang approached and made an affirmative sound.
Lin Xichi asked, “Do you still have the key after all these years?”
Before he could nod, she continued, “But it doesn’t matter.” Lin Xichi patted his shoulder reassuringly and smiled, “When I was in graduate school, my roommate taught me how to open locks without keys.”
Xufang remained silent, listening to her tall tales.
“You only need a paperclip,” Lin Xichi said, and to prove it, she started rummaging through the cabinet and actually found a paperclip. “Then, straighten it out.”
Lin Xichi was quite serious as she explained, “This step is crucial; you need to observe the size of the lock and the internal structure before adjusting the curve.”
“…”
Xufang really didn’t understand why he was listening to her nonsense here.
He leaned against the edge of the bed, one leg stretched out and the other bent, looking lazy. His gaze remained fixed on her as she fiddled around, occasionally reminding her to be careful not to hurt herself.
In the next moment, Lin Xichi suddenly exclaimed.
Xufang’s attention instantly sharpened, and he leaned in to see what had happened. “Did you scratch yourself? Damn, I told you to be careful…”
But then he saw what she was holding, and his expression froze.
The scene before him seemed to have slowed down.
Xufang watched as Lin Xichi slowly, very slowly, removed the lock from the box.
“…”
Did this really work?
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