"Baby Cheng, I have a small request," Zheng Wenxuan said after gazing at Xuye Cheng's face for a moment.

"What is it?" Xuye Cheng replied, looking utterly confused.

Zheng Wenxuan stepped close, covering Xuye Cheng's nose and mouth with his hand. He peered into his eyes, his expression growing slightly puzzled again.

"What's going on..." Xuye Cheng muttered, equally baffled.

"Nothing," Zheng Wenxuan lowered his hand. "Your eyes seemed so bright and clear just now. But now... that feeling's gone."

Xuye Cheng's heart skipped a beat.

*So he noticed something after all...*

He forced a calm smile. "Could you actually be gay? You've been overdoing it lately—you're even hallucinating about me."

Zheng Wenxuan's face instantly turned serious. "I'm not gay," he sighed. "Guess the frequency's still too high. Whatever. Time to quit. A real man can't be crushed by desire."

Xuye Cheng chuckled. He patted Zheng Wenxuan's shoulder. "Good luck. Hope this attempt lasts longer than four days."

Zheng Wenxuan snorted. "I'm serious this time."

Xuye Cheng just smiled, turned, and walked out.

The nickname "Baby Cheng" started back in freshman year during a dorm gaming session. By then, everyone knew each other well. Xuye Cheng's game ID was "Sneaky Cheng." His skills weren't elite, but he'd climbed to their rank with underhanded tactics. Zheng Wenxuan thought the name fit perfectly. During a class team battle, Zheng faced Xuye Cheng and was utterly grossed out by his playstyle. He began calling him "Sneaky Cheng." At first, it was normal. But as they grew closer, it morphed into "Baby Cheng." Xuye Cheng hated it initially. Zheng Wenxuan adored the nickname—it felt affectionate—and shamelessly kept using it. Xuye Cheng grew numb to it. Since Zheng only used it in private, he tolerated it.

Xuye Cheng preferred afternoon shifts over night ones. Though busier, couples rarely got lovey-dovey in the store then. He headed to the cafeteria, only to find breakfast closed. He sighed helplessly. His body ached with unexplained fatigue. The centipede bite still throbbed despite the ointment. He bought two baozi at the campus convenience store.

Time flew. After freshening up in his dorm, Xuye Cheng swiped his ID to leave campus. The convenience store job paid poorly. He planned to switch later but would finish the holiday. Family tensions had grown lately. His dad worked alone to support them; besides Xuye Cheng, there was a younger sister. When asking for living expenses, his mom always said, "Be frugal." She never spelled it out, but Xuye Cheng knew things were bad. He didn't dwell on it—he worked hard just to feel slightly comfortable. His grandfather's poor health drained monthly medical funds too.

Xuye Cheng passed the intersection, glancing at the building. Sure enough, one wall was charred black. He entered the convenience store, changed into his uniform, and stood at the register. Work began. He scanned items, bagged them—movements smooth and practiced. From two to three, it stayed quiet. But near meal times, the store packed instantly. Xuye Cheng exhaled deeply. Watching the calm return, a wave of loss washed over him.

A couple appeared at the door. Xuye Cheng looked away—then froze at the girl's familiar face. Ji Qingying stiffened too, glancing at He Xiaohan beside her as if to retreat. He Xiaohan had messy, shoulder-length bangs. His fair skin, thick brows, and high nose gave youthful charm, yet his eyes held aloof steadiness. He paused when Ji Qingying gripped his hand, then met Xuye Cheng's gaze with a faint, ambiguous smile. He whispered to Ji Qingying. Her head drooped as he led her inside.

Seeing Ji Qingying reignited Xuye Cheng's ache. He'd once hoped for more between them. But he'd probably overestimated himself—he'd even made grand promises. *Maybe I'm just not enough for her.* He Xiaohan and Ji Qingying approached the register, hands clasped. Xuye Cheng's movements stiffened. He kept his head down, unable to face her, but saw their intertwined fingers.

"Yecheng? What a coincidence. You work here," He Xiaohan said. His voice matched his looks—deep yet clear, warm as a spring breeze. Xuye Cheng had once admired that voice and face. But knowing He Xiaohan's true nature soured his view.

"Yeah. Small world," Xuye Cheng replied flatly.

"Meet my girlfriend, Ji Qingying. Our department's belle—you know her," He Xiaohan said, turning to her. "This is my roommate, Xuye Cheng."