Today was Zheng Wenxuan's birthday.

Xuye Cheng dragged himself out of bed, still feeling utterly drained.

He'd gotten enough sleep—so why did he feel so incredibly exhausted?

He yawned lazily, stripped off his pajamas, and stared drowsily at his stomach. Then he froze.

There used to be a bit of flab there...

Xuye Cheng pinched it. The feel was much firmer than before.

Weird. He'd eaten two bags of chips just yesterday. How had he slimmed down so much?

Could it be he'd been too weak lately?

Xuye Cheng's expression turned grave immediately.

He really needed to replenish himself.

As he changed clothes, his fingertips brushed his chest—a strange pain shot through him.

Xuye Cheng froze. He pressed his palm against it again. A dull ache returned.

What was going on?

Doubt swirled in his mind.

Had he pushed too hard running? A muscle strain?

Regardless, he had an 8 a.m. class. Breakfast first, then lectures.

Xuye Cheng picked up his toothbrush and glanced in the mirror. His face looked oddly different.

As he squeezed toothpaste and put the brush in his mouth, he noticed the pimples on his cheeks had faded significantly.

Xuye Cheng was slightly stunned. He touched his face. The bumpy texture was gone. No sickly red patches remained.

He hadn't used any skincare—no face wash, no serums.

Could he be allergic to those products?

Xuye Cheng rubbed his cheeks again.

So this was what they meant by "things work out when you least expect it"?

...

Xuye Cheng handed the gift to Zheng Wenxuan. "Wenxuan, your birthday present."

Zheng Wenxuan's face lit up. "Wow, I'm practically in love with you!" He took the box—clay mask—and his palms grew warm.

"Why buy something so expensive?" Zheng Wenxuan murmured.

Xuye Cheng blinked. "I don't mind the price. Why should you?" He smiled.

"You're so thoughtful, baby Cheng. Just head back to the dorm after 3 p.m. class. We'll go together."

Xuye Cheng nodded. Zheng Wenxuan's expression turned puzzled.

"Baby Cheng, when's your birthday? I don't recall you ever celebrating it."

"My birthday's in November. Still a while off," Xuye Cheng said. "But I usually skip it."

His life lacked rituals. Birthdays cost money. As a kid, he'd always felt neglected at home.

His mom found celebrations troublesome. Rarely did she bother. As he grew up, family talks dwindled. Birthdays were never mentioned.

High school was busy. On his birthday, at most, he'd grab a late-night snack to mark the day.

Zheng Wenxuan had once promised a return gift. But November came and went—Zheng forgot. Xuye Cheng never reminded him. Gifts were voluntary. If remembered, great. If not, no need to push.

It was all about mutual willingness.

The afternoon English class rolled around. Liu Xianlin stayed in the dorm, slacking off. His logic: the teacher had just taken attendance last session. No way he'd do it again.

Liu Xianlin's attitude crushed Zheng Wenxuan's study drive instantly.

"That makes sense," Zheng Wenxuan said, joining him in slacking off.

The English teacher was a kind middle-aged man, never as strict as others.

Xuye Cheng coasted through class. He Xiaohan went to pick up Ji Qingying.

Knowing Ji Qingying would attend the party, Xuye Cheng suddenly didn't want to go.

But skipping it would upset Zheng Wenxuan.

Back in the dorm, Zheng Wenxuan was already packing.

Spotting Xuye Cheng, he grinned and patted his shoulder. "Have fun tonight, okay?"

Xuye Cheng's heart churned. He knew Zheng meant nothing by it—but he was torn about dinner.

Go. Just go. Ji Qingying meant nothing now. He'd avoid talking to her. Sit far away.

Xuye Cheng felt pathetic. Even a meal made him anxious.

"Mm," he replied, tidying his desk. Liu Xianlin emerged from the bathroom, grabbed the hairdryer, and started blow-drying.

His hair didn't look messy, did it? Xuye Cheng wondered randomly.

"Who'd you invite?" Xuye Cheng asked.

"Ji Qingying's four roommates, our male classmates, the class monitor, and a few close girls," Zheng Wenxuan said after a pause.

So lively. But crowds were good—less chance anyone would notice him.

"It sounds really lively."

Zheng Wenxuan nodded. "I love a lively crowd, hahaha."

Xuye Cheng smiled wryly. He hated gatherings. But social niceties mattered. He didn't want dorm relations to sour.

Dinner was at a fancy spot. Zheng Wenxuan came from money—Xuye Cheng wasn't surprised.

He sat beside Zheng Wenxuan. Almost everyone had arrived. He Xiaohan sat directly across, next to a meticulously dressed Ji Qingying.

She even had a temporary perm done for the occasion.

Xuye Cheng stared at the dishes, his mood dim.

"Don't hold back, everyone. This meal's on me. It's my birthday—hope you all have fun~" Zheng Wenxuan declared.

"Boss Zheng is so generous~"

"Generous, so generous~" Boys nearby flattered him.

"Hey, no—don't tease me," Zheng Wenxuan said, his face flushing awkwardly.

Xuye Cheng reached for food. In his peripheral vision, He Xiaohan peeled a shrimp for Ji Qingying.

A shy girl sat beside He Xiaohan. He radiated confidence, chatting and laughing. Ji Qingying beside him seemed delighted.

"Come on, everyone—toast to our birthday boy~" A boy next to Xuye Cheng stood up.