"What's wrong?" Yan Hang stood in front of his locker, having just opened the door to take out his clothes to change. Hearing Chu Yi's words, he stopped. "Did something happen?"

"No, no," Chu Yi hesitated, "nothing, happened."

"Then what are you afraid of?" Yan Hang leaned against the locker and asked softly.

"I don't know." Chu Yi's voice was a bit muffled.

"Where are you now?" Yan Hang didn't press him.

Chu Yi's "I'm scared" made Yan Hang's heart ache a little, not knowing if it reminded him of himself, or the Chu Yi from before.

There are many things a person can be afraid of. Sometimes it's fear of a certain person, a certain thing, a certain feeling. Sometimes it's baseless, unable to perceive the reason, just simply being afraid.

"By the river." There was still a slight tremor in Chu Yi's voice.

"By the tree hole?" Yan Hang asked.

"Mm." Chu Yi made a sound of assent.

"I said something by the tree hole," Yan Hang smiled, "Go listen and see if you can hear it?"

"You said, said, what?" Chu Yi was a bit surprised.

"How can I tell you what I said for the tree hole to hear," Yan Hang said, "You go listen."

Chu Yi probably walked towards the tree hole. After a while, he spoke again: "Did you, did you call me a m-mutt?"

Yan Hang laughed: "Did you hear it?"

"I guessed." Chu Yi also laughed a little.

"I really did call out 'mutt' once." Yan Hang said.

"When, when was that?" The tremor was gone from Chu Yi's voice, and he sounded a bit better emotionally.

"Before I left," Yan Hang said, "I went there to say goodbye to you."

"Really?" Chu Yi asked.

"Mm." Yan Hang responded.

Chu Yi was silent for a long time on the other end. Finally, he sighed: "Your IQ, IQ doesn't seem to be, be very, high either."

Yan Hang laughed for a good while.

Actually, he could no longer fully recount what he had said that day by the tree hole, but he still remembered the feeling at that time.

Thinking about it now, it felt a bit incredible.

That they would actually have a day where they ate together, chatted, and even sat on the balcony watching the moon together.

That earthy, cautious, unconfident Chu Yi could bring about such an incredible thing was quite incredible in itself.

After chatting with Yan Hang for a bit, Chu Yi felt that he had calmed down a little.

Hanging up the phone, he sat by the river until after 10pm. The night wind was already very cold, and he wasn't wearing enough clothes. He was really freezing and couldn't stand it anymore before he slowly got up and headed back.

That feeling he had towards Yan Hang that scared him was still in his heart, it had just been suppressed by the soothing and relaxing effect of hearing Yan Hang's voice.

Before seeing Yan Hang, he didn't dare to carefully ponder what exactly this was.

Perhaps only upon seeing Yan Hang, meeting Yan Hang, facing him directly with no way to avoid it, would he be able to figure it out.

For now, he just needed to go back home. Let alone pondering this feeling, just casually thinking about what time to sleep and wake up would make him feel irritable.

Home was like a stagnant pond. When he opened the door, there was only the sound of the TV in the living room.

Mom had probably gone to bed, her door was closed. Grandpa was still sitting on the living room sofa, staring blankly at the TV.

He took a towel and toothbrush from his bag to wash up, and found that the faucet on the bathroom sink was broken. To use water, the main valve had to be turned on directly.

He sighed. There was a spare faucet at home that Grandpa had bought while wandering around the secondhand market. Usually when something broke, it was Dad and Grandpa who would fix it.

Now it seemed Grandpa had lost the motivation to change the faucet.

He rummaged through the drawer and found an old faucet, found some tape and a wrench, and replaced the faucet.

Leaning against the edge of the sink, watching the water flow out, he felt a bit of panic.

Before, this home was just like this, filled with anger, dissatisfaction, suspicion and mutual harm, but it had never felt dilapidated like it did now.

The feeling that it could collapse at any time.

After washing up and returning to the living room, Grandpa had already gone to bed.

When he also went to the bedroom wanting to sleep, he found that his small bed had been dismantled, and in its place were two cardboard boxes stacked up, probably containing some of his miscellaneous items.

He froze for a moment, then retreated back to the living room and pulled open the drawer of his small desk.

There wasn't much in the drawer to begin with. He had taken with him the things he might use at any time. What was left were some notebooks and small trinkets, broken pens, half a bottle of ink, small glass marbles...

They were all worthless and useless things.

But when he pulled open the drawer and found them all gone, he still felt a bit sad.

The drawer was stuffed full, with Grandma's comb, cigarette case, Grandpa's tea leaves, and even a few packets of Sichuan peppercorns and spices.

This small desk and that bed were probably the places he had the most memories of in this home, especially the small desk. When the desk lamp was turned on, that small area illuminated by the light was his only independent space.

He stood dumbfounded in front of the desk for a while, then walked over to the sofa and lay down, taking the small blanket Grandma used to cover her legs and putting it over himself, closing his eyes.

-Went to see Grandpa and Grandma today, staying the night at their place

-Was going to stop by the boxing gym first, but Coach He and the others went home for the holidays, I'm going to the airport first thing tomorrow morning

Chu Yi sent a message early in the morning.

Yan Hang had just gotten off the bus and was walking towards the hotel as he replied to him.

-Forgot to have you bring back another box of mooncakes

-I bought mooncakes, and fruit too

-Then keep your grandparents company today, I'll pick you up at the airport tomorrow

-When do you have time, I know how to get there myself

Yan Hang smiled, and as he walked through the hotel entrance, he typed with one hand while habitually glancing to the side. He didn't know if it was an illusion or a misconception or something else, but he felt like someone was watching him from the flower bed.

He stopped in his tracks and turned to look over.

The flower bed was next to the sidewalk, with many people coming and going. In the three to five seconds he stood there, seven or eight people walked by.

Theoretically speaking, whether someone was looking at him or not, he shouldn't be able to see clearly.

-I have time, don't worry

He replied to Chu Yi and walked into the hotel.

The daily work was pretty much the same. After changing to a new shift schedule, everyone slowly adapted. As long as no one made mistakes and no customers caused trouble, his entire day's work was repetitive.

However, today's work was slightly different. Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Although it was a Western restaurant, the Mid-Autumn Festival still had to be celebrated. The tables for the evening were all booked.

He had to supervise the staff to double-check all the festival-related decorations and preparations in the restaurant.

"Manager Tang just came by and asked us to find a few people to sing an English version of 'Wishing We Last Forever' to the customers during dinner," Zhang Chen said, looking devastated as he stood at the bar.

"What?" Yan Hang was stunned. "Sing what?"

"How long will the bright moon appear? Wine cup in hand, I ask the sky..." Zhang Chen sang a line, then added, "The English version. He said Little Yan can just translate it."

"I translate..." Yan Hang was simply exasperated. "Like hell I will."

He went directly to find Manager Tang. First of all, not to mention anything else, everyone would be busy as dogs during dinner. Where could they arrange people, and "a few people" at that, to go sing, and they still had to learn an English version on the spot?

Moreover, translating lyrics was different from ordinary translation. It had to match the number of words and rhyme, otherwise it definitely couldn't be sung. It would be better to just directly sing "Fly Me to the Moon".

"Manager Tang," Yan Hang knocked on the door and entered the office. "About that singing thing..."

"What do you think? Although it's a Western restaurant, this is still our traditional festival. It's quite atmospheric and meaningful," Manager Tang said with a smile.

Seeing his expression, Yan Hang knew that canceling the singing segment was probably unlikely. Manager Tang was clearly very satisfied with his own idea and might even think he could win the Best Creativity Award from the Food & Beverage Department.

"I think singing in Chinese might be more appropriate?" Yan Hang could only temporarily settle for the next best thing.

"Why? Isn't it great to let foreign customers understand it too?" Manager Tang said.

"This is our traditional festival. Wouldn't it be quite interesting to let foreign customers experience the authentic festive atmosphere?" Yan Hang said. "Eating Chinese mooncakes and listening to Chinese songs? Translating these lyrics into English would instead make it hard to appreciate the charm of Chinese poetry..."

"Hmm," Manager Tang fell into contemplation. "That makes sense."

"Then..." Yan Hang looked at him.

"It makes sense," Manager Tang pointed at him. "Let's do as you say and sing in Chinese."

"Okay." Yan Hang nodded.

"No way..." Zhang Chen and two other female servers drawled, looking sorrowful.

"I already tried my best. Not making you learn an English version on the spot is already my deepest affection for you all," Yan Hang said. "It's just a few minutes. Hang in there, beauties. This month, I'll give each of you a chance to get off work two hours early on any day you choose."

"Can we come in two hours late instead?" Zhang Chen asked.

"You can." Yan Hang nodded.

The three girls gritted their teeth and agreed.

"Actually, we're just giving you face," Zhang Chen said. "Otherwise, for such an embarrassing thing, even if Tang himself came to tell us and gave us a day off, we might not necessarily agree."

"That's right." The other two girls chimed in.

"Thank you." Yan Hang cupped his hands together.

-Do you still have data?

When Yan Hang sent the message, Chu Yi was sitting with his grandparents amidst a bunch of flowers and plants on the rooftop, eating. The wind was quite cool, but Grandpa had put a small stove next to them to keep the food warm. It was quite comfortable.

-Yeah, I don't even use it all.

-Come video chat, five minutes.

-?????

Yan Hang didn't reply and directly sent a video call. Chu Yi quickly answered.

The image showed Yan Hang's restaurant. The camera was shaking and the sound of many customers could be heard on that side.

"What's this?" Grandpa asked.

"My friend and I are video chatting," Chu Yi turned the phone screen to show Grandpa. "My friend works as a supervisor in a really amazing five-star hotel Western restaurant."

"Quick, look," Grandpa tugged on Grandma's sleeve. "Chu Yi's friend. Our Chu Yi made friends with a five-star supervisor."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Grandma immediately leaned over. "Where?"

The instant Yan Hang's face appeared on the screen, Chu Yi's nose suddenly felt sour. He himself didn't know what was going on, as if he hadn't seen Yan Hang for a year and missed him terribly.

"Is this... Grandpa and Grandma?" Yan Hang seemed to not have expected other people to appear in the frame on this side and was stunned for a moment.

"My Grandpa and Grandma," Chu Yi smiled and pointed at the screen. "Yan Hang, my friend."

"Hello, hello." Grandpa and Grandma waved at the screen together.

"Hello Grandpa and Grandma, happy Mid-Autumn Festival," Yan Hang said with a smile. "Perfect timing. You can listen to a song together, our restaurant's... program."

The sound of a few girls singing came from that side as Yan Hang turned the camera.

Chu Yi felt like laughing a little. A few young ladies stood in the middle of the restaurant, arm in arm, singing together: "How long will the bright moon appear... Wine cup in hand, I ask the sky..."

Chu Yi had heard this song before but couldn't sing it. He could only sing "Happy Birthday" and "Five Little Ducks".

And they all sang it like they were chanting scriptures.

"Is this a performance program?" Grandma asked in a low voice.

"Mm-hmm." Chu Yi nodded with a smile.

"This is a place for eating Western food," Grandpa told her. "Look, quite a few foreigners are also celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival together."

After the young ladies finished singing, the customers all applauded. Grandpa and Grandma also clapped along.

"Quite interesting." Grandma said with a smile.

Yan Hang's face reappeared in the frame, asking with a smile, "How was it?"

"Pretty good," Chu Yi leaned back in his chair, nodding with a smile. "Nice to listen to."

"Happy Mid-Autumn Festival," Yan Hang said.

"Happy Mid-Autumn Festival," Chu Yi said, his nose turning sour again. He had to turn away to hide it. "The moon is so round."

"It'll be the roundest tomorrow," Yan Hang said. "Let's go to the beach to see it in the evening."

"Okay." Chu Yi nodded, staring at Yan Hang's face.

"I have to go," Yan Hang said. "It's busy right now. I just wanted to let you see something fun."

"Alright." Chu Yi started smiling.

"Keep Grandpa and Grandma company," Yan Hang said. "I'll come pick you up tomorrow."

"Mm-hmm." Chu Yi responded.

After the video call ended, he kept staring at his phone for a long time. Only when the screen went black did he put the phone back in his pocket.

For the first time, he realized that being apart for just one day and thinking about someone could be so intense that even staring face-to-face couldn't alleviate it.

He stared at the rice bowl in front of him.

Amidst this strong yearning, more and more panic and fear began to appear together.

When he reached out with his chopsticks to pick up food, he found his hand was shaking.

"Should I go buy some food and drinks in advance?" Cui Yi handed the car keys to Yan Hang.

"I already bought everything," Yan Hang took the keys. "We'll go eat dinner tonight, then take the stuff and head straight over."

"Okay," Cui Yi nodded. "Then I won't worry about anything."

"Just wait to eat." Yan Hang smiled.

"Drive slowly." Cui Yi pointed at him.

"I know." Yan Hang said.

Chu Yi's flight arrived in the afternoon on the first day of the lunar new year. After lunchtime today, he took two hours off and drove Cui Yi's car to pick up Chu Yi directly, which was more convenient.

Actually, taking a taxi would be even faster than specially coming back to get the car, but he just wanted to surprise Chu Yi and make him happy. Chu Yi's mood hadn't been very good the past two days, so going home like this was disappointing enough.

Surprisingly, the flight wasn't delayed. A bit miraculous.

"I'm here," Chu Yi's call came through. "I'm here."

"I'm standing right at the exit," Yan Hang said. "You'll see me as soon as you come out."

"What are you wearing?" Chu Yi asked.

"Gray coat, our uniform shirt inside, and uniform pants," Yan Hang laughed. "I didn't have time to change clothes."

"Mm," Chu Yi's voice trembled a little. "I'll run out."

"Don't run, just walk is fine," Yan Hang said. "The security guard will think you're causing trouble."

"Oh." Chu Yi responded.

After changing from a jog to a fast walk, after a few steps Chu Yi decided he should still run. If the security guard catches him, so be it.

He ran along the wall, and when he saw the crowd standing outside the arrival hall, he felt a surge of excitement. As he ran, he started to limp a little.

He looked outside as he slowed down to adjust his steps.

Yan Hang was very eye-catching. Let alone that he had asked Yan Hang in advance what he was wearing - even if he had no idea Yan Hang was outside, he could spot him at a glance now.

The most handsome guy in the front row, that was him.

People beside him waved to the outside from time to time. Although he felt a bit embarrassed, he also raised his hand and waved in Yan Hang's direction.

Yan Hang didn't see him.

He jumped up and down a couple times.

Yan Hang's gaze fell on him, and he smiled and waved back at him.

By the time he ran out, Yan Hang was already standing in the middle of the exit.

He ran with his arms open.

Just a few days ago, he still felt it was very silly to run towards each other face-to-face like this. Now he didn't care at all. The bag hitting his butt with each step, he couldn't even feel it. If only there was a runway here, otherwise he could fly right over.

Yan Hang also opened his arms with a smile.

He ran a couple steps and threw himself into Yan Hang's embrace.

"Hey," Yan Hang was pushed back several steps by his impact before stopping. "People who don't know would think we haven't seen each other for ten years."

"It's been a hundred years." Chu Yi hugged Yan Hang tightly.

His arms could feel Yan Hang's body, his face pressed against Yan Hang's neck could feel the warmth, his ears could hear the clear voice, and he could smell the faint scent of Yan Hang's cologne...

Only now, at this second, did his longing for Yan Hang finally land.

His emotions seemed to melt all at once from the surrounding warmth. Before he even felt his nose getting sour, tears had already welled up.

Yan Hang was stunned for a moment before asking softly by his ear, "Don't tell me you're crying again, Dog Bro?"

"Whatever, just let me cry." Chu Yi pressed his eyes against Yan Hang's shoulder.

"I really want those people who say you're very cool to see this," Yan Hang said with a laugh. "Crying at the drop of a hat, how are you cool at all?"

Chu Yi didn't make a sound, just held onto Yan Hang tightly.

Only when Yan Hang dragged him to a secluded spot did he lift his head.

"Done crying?" Yan Hang looked at him.

"Mm." Chu Yi let go of Yan Hang and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand.

Yan Hang took out some tissues for him. He grabbed them and wiped his face haphazardly a few more times. Perhaps because his emotions were too intense, only now did he start to feel embarrassed.

In all the time he'd known Yan Hang, he'd only seen Yan Hang cry once, while he himself had cried inexplicably and unreasonably more times than he could count.

"Come with me to the restaurant," Yan Hang patted his face. "It's almost dinnertime. You wait for me in the break room. When I'm done, we'll go moon-gazing?"

"Will it affect your work?" Chu Yi asked.

"It's not every day. No problem," Yan Hang said. "I'm just afraid if I let you go back and wait for me like this, you'll cry again."

"It won't come to that." Chu Yi smiled, a bit embarrassed.

Walking out with Yan Hang, Chu Yi noticed he wasn't heading towards the taxis, but straight to the parking lot.

"How are we getting back?" He asked.

"Guess?" Yan Hang said.

"Running back is fine too." He nodded.

Yan Hang laughed and put an arm around his shoulder. "Little mutt, today I'll be your driver for once."

"Huh?" Chu Yi was stunned, not reacting.

"I drove here." Yan Hang took the keys out of his pocket and tossed them in his hand.

"You can drive?" Chu Yi was very surprised. He never knew Yan Hang could drive, and had never even thought about whether Yan Hang could drive or not.

"I could drive since I was ten," Yan Hang said. "My dad borrowed a car from somewhere and taught me for half a month."

"Ah!" Chu Yi was even more surprised.

"What 'ah'?" Yan Hang looked at him.

"When you were fourteen, you were 1.4 meters tall," Chu Yi said. "At ten, you must have been about one meter? Could you reach the steering wheel?"

"Get lost." Yan Hang replied very simply.

"Really ten years old?" Chu Yi asked.

"I really wasn't just 1.4 meters when I was fourteen," Yan Hang laughed and sighed. "And you can't deduce backwards like that. Were you only one meter tall when you were ten?"

"Maybe." Chu Yi thought for a moment.

Yan Hang laughed and hugged him.

Chu Yi also chuckled along with him.

Very happy.

This kind of happiness is true happiness. Not thinking about anything, unable to remember anything, just feeling happy because Yan Hang is beside him.

"The car is Cui Yi's," Yan Hang pressed the remote control, and a black SUV in front flashed its lights. "An old man's style. If I buy a car in the future, I don't want black."

"Red, it looks good," Chu Yi said.

Yan Hang glanced at him, "I thought you were going to say pink looks good."

"Also looks good." Chu Yi nodded with a smile.

"Get in the car," Yan Hang went over and opened the passenger door, "Brother Dog."

Chu Yi got in the car with some excitement, then watched Yan Hang walk around the front of the car, open the door and sit in the driver's seat.

"Seatbelt." Yan Hang closed the car door.

"Oh." Chu Yi tugged at the seatbelt but couldn't find the buckle for a long time.

"Let me." Yan Hang leaned over and pulled the buckle out from under the seat cushion.

Chu Yi stared at Yan Hang's hands, watching his slender fingers pull the seatbelt buckle, then insert and press it in, a very casual action, but so beautiful that he couldn't take his eyes off it.

As Yan Hang withdrew his hand to start the car, he grabbed Yan Hang's hand.

"Huh?" Yan Hang was stunned for a moment.

He was stunned too.