After getting home, Minghai and Long Ge were still asleep. The living room sat empty. Not even a pair of chopsticks remained in the kitchen sink. They hadn’t eaten—they’d collapsed straight into bed. This second sleep felt deep enough to swallow the daylight whole.
I sat on the sofa and added both girls on WeChat. No replies. Earlier at KFC, after Xiaoling showed up, the waitress had changed into simple casual clothes. They were probably out shopping somewhere by now.
That waitress was likely covering a temporary shift—paid, but barely. Usually, a student with a part-time gig posts the location and pay on the campus site. Others jump in for half a day to earn pocket money, around fifty bucks. Barely enough for a few cigarette packs. So yeah… I probably wouldn’t see her at that KFC again. Only college students with too much free time take jobs like that.
Two WeChat contacts.
One profile: a lazy kitten hugging a bouquet. Name: “Sunflower.” I skimmed her Moments. Latest post—yesterday. The waitress, shy-faced, peeking from behind Xiaoling’s shoulder, flashing a hesitant V-sign. Background: a mall. Not too crowded. I recognized it—the one I’d visited with Long Ge before.
The other profile? Bold. An anime loli meme: twin tails, tear-streaked cheeks, chest pixelated. Bold text: *“You think I dare not face you head-on?”* Her Moments? All PUBG screenshots. Minimum ten kills per match. Skilled player, no doubt.
Had to be Xiaoling—the delicate-looking girl.
Honestly, if I hadn’t met her, I’d have sworn this was some hardcore gamer’s account.
No replies. I scrolled Weibo on the sofa, killing time.
Around afternoon, Long Ge shuffled out—sleep-rumpled, top half-unbuttoned, white briefs crooked, a faint triangle visible. She rubbed her eyes. “You’re back.”
I nodded silently. Watched her grab a water bottle from the fridge and chug half of it. Yawning, she turned back toward her room.
I called her back, fried her an egg. “Warm your stomach before sleeping.”
Living under one roof, yet Minghai and Long Ge felt miles away lately. Our schedules had completely diverged.
She nibbled the egg slowly, rubbed her eyes again, and trudged back to bed.
Their sleep cycles needed fixing. Minghai? Forget it. But Long Ge—I’d reset hers in a couple days.
Back when I pulled all-nighters gaming, this trick never failed: keep her awake one full day.
After she left, dusk settled. The room dimmed. I sat alone, phone in hand, comics finished, boredom thick.
Thought about chatting with the girls. By 9 PM? Still no replies. Checked the time—late. Headed to bed.
Set my alarm for 7 AM.
Less than two months. Not long. Not short.
I’d visit Grandpa whenever I could.
His heart wasn’t strong. Lao Han’s hesitation? Understandable.
Truth was—I didn’t care anymore. He liked KFC? I took him. No restrictions. Eat what he wants.
If his real wish was seeing Lao Han… Lao Han would have to go. What happens after? Unknown. He’ll face Grandpa eventually. Just not yet.
What if Grandpa, who might’ve lived two peaceful months, had his time cut short because Lao Han showed up? Then we’d be no better than murderers.
Better to delay.
Next morning, the alarm blared. I bumped into Long Ge heading to the bathroom—clearly hadn’t slept. Short sleeves askew, scratching her butt through white briefs, eyes half-shut. “Why you leaving so early these days?”
Didn’t feel like explaining Grandpa stuff. Too messy.
“Got a date,” I said lightly. “Met a girl. About to go steady.”
Long Ge froze. Hand stilled mid-scratch. “Who?”
“KFC.”
She blinked dumbly, scratched again, then sidled closer, hesitant. “*You* picked someone up? She look like a damn ET or what? Show me.”
Might as well roll with it. I pulled up the photo.
Her head barely reached my chest. Tiptoeing sideways, one hand still on her butt, she squinted at the screen.
Silence. Then a snort. “Damn. Your taste is *trash*.”
I pushed her face away gently, fixed my collar in the mirror, flashed a smile. “Trash? She’s soft, cute… seriously. No BS. Future wife material.”
Long Ge trailed behind, arms crossed. “Bullshit. She looks like an idiot. What garbage taste—did a donkey lick your eyes? And hey! That Sky Set you promised when we shopped? Buy it already! Dragging your ass?”
I sighed, adjusting my collar. “Fine, fine. After the date. I’ll get it.”
(Just messing. Dating Old Man Han? Please.)
She kept at it, voice sharp. “Wife? She’s got that cheap look. Just admit it—you booked an escort. If it’s a hookup, say *hookup*.”
Annoyed, I nodded without looking. “Yeah, yeah. Hookup.”
She glared at the floor, sneering. “Go ahead. Catch AIDS. Die outside.”
I frowned. Turned. “Enough. Can’t you talk without morning grumpiness?”
Long Ge clenched her jaw. Her red eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She shouted:
“I *AM* talking with morning grumpiness!! SO WHAT?!”
The roar stunned me.
I stepped back, hand on hip, voice cold. “What’s wrong with you so earl—"
Stopped.
Seeing her face… my voice softened.
