The school night was very quiet, with few people around. The basketball court was visible in the distance, and someone rode by on a skateboard nearby. Xu Xingchun held his phone, his steps faltering. He gripped a half-smoked cigarette without taking a drag. It only took a moment for him to snap back to reality…

The night had fallen completely, the darkness enveloping everything. The moonlight was soft, and the air carried the cool scent of recent rain. Fu Xueli’s tears had not yet dried. She had just been crying hard, leaving her face cold. She felt tired, her gaze unfocused and drifting. Her ear was pressed against Xu Xingchun’s…

Fu Xueli visits this cemetery every year at this time. She holds paper money and fresh flowers bought along the way, slowly climbing the steps. On the tombstone is an old black and white photo of a handsome man and a gentle woman, both smiling. They are young in the picture. — Fu Xueli’s biological…

Xu Xingchun’s mouth tightened as he lowered his eyes. He took half a step forward and stared at her intently. “I really don’t do drugs. If I wanted to try that stuff, I could have done it in high school. Why don’t you take me back to your place and check?” Fu Xueli rambled, not…

Fu Xueli woke up from her dream, feeling disoriented. She had that nightmare again last night. The oppressive, repetitive cycle made her head ache. She got out of bed and opened the window. A cool breeze carrying the scent of morning dew blew in through the open window. There was a calming incense in the…

“Did Auntie Qi make you bone broth to drink?” The pain in her ankle had eased a bit, and Fu Xueli’s tense mood relaxed somewhat. “No,” Xu Xingchun bent his fingers and pressed on the swollen area. “Tell me if it hurts.” “You shouldn’t smoke or drink alcohol lately.” Fu Xueli’s gaze wandered aimlessly around…

At noon, Fu Xueli was woken up by a phone call. Xixi’s voice sounded urgent, “Sister Xueli, the cameraman is stuck outside. We’re not allowed into the complex, and they said we can’t film anywhere.” Fu Xueli stared at the ceiling, taking a few seconds to react. Oh… she had forgotten about the variety show…

In late October, Shanghai welcomed its last heatwave before the temperature suddenly dropped. Gray clouds filled the sky, and strong winds blew through the streets. Soon after, heavy rain poured down. Today was the day Xu Xingchun was discharged from the hospital. Aunt Qi had bought new bed sheets in advance and took them to…

In the room, both of them fell silent. After an awkward silence lasting about ten seconds, Fu Xueli couldn’t help but shift her gaze to his face, getting slightly distracted. His eye sockets were slightly sunken, with a moist look in his eyes. He had faint double eyelids and soft, jet-black hair. His facial features…

Recently, the nurses at the hospital have been eager to do rounds in Room 401. Zhang Qiu is one of them. Before each visit, she spends time primping in front of the mirror. “Oh my, going to see the handsome patient in 401 again?” someone teased as they passed by, noticing Zhang Qiu fixing herself…