Qin Youyou left in the afternoon.

His eyes were a bit red as he walked out, the feeling of reluctance was as if he was going to be ten thousand miles away and never see him again.

Wei Dong wanted to laugh, but his heart was tender. This kid was utterly sincere. He didn’t know how someone who had gone through the deepest, darkest levels of society, and waded through the mud, could hold on to his innocence and purity.

Wei Dong didn’t actually classify anyone as the bottom of society on purpose—if he did, he felt like he himself would be there with them. He was only shocked at Qin Youyou’s current situation, and felt sorry for how difficult his life was.

This pure and innocent young person has had to endure so many things he shouldn’t have had to.

From when Wei Dong left all those years ago up until now, he had always been alone, his character indifferent and easy going. To be frank, he had no pursuit for life, no physical companionship, and no feelings of emotional attachment.

He’s been accustomed to it for a while.

And now, the once stagnant water had started forming waves.

Like a sudden weight had settled on his heart, there was something he needed to take responsibility for—someone he wanted to take responsibility for.

Qin Youyou needed him.

When Wei Dong met him, Qin Youyou was like a tiny koala thrown into the wild, and Wei Dong was the large tree he held on to for dear life.

Nobody knew how long it had been since he’d felt tenderness and kindness, and admittedly, being cared for by Wei Dong had left Qin Youyou almost dizzy. He was disorientated he grabbed on and refused to let go.

When a freezing person approaches a source of warmth, how could they bear to leave it and return to the wind and snow? Wei Dong was one of the few sweet glimmers in his most difficult days. A ray of light that shone through the dark and stinking sewer—he instinctively treasured it vigilantly, not wanting to lose it.

Wei Dong didn’t know to what extent this need for the other person brought him comfort.

That a person now needed him… Wei Dong’s desolate heart was suddenly softened.

For so many years he’d been dissociated from the rest of the world, and now suddenly he has something with someone… This intimate connection suddenly gave his heart a sense of steadfast peace and comfort. He was no longer empty.

It’s been half a month since he’s last seen Qin Youyou.

Coming home from work and walking down the passage, Wei Dong noticed someone crouched on the ground leaning against the wall.

It was evening and the light was a bit dim. Before he could react, that person jumped up and happily called out, “Ge.”

Wei Dong smiled. “What are you doing here? Have you eaten already?”

“No. I got off work early today and I came here.” Qin Youyou looked up and stared at Wei Dong, his eyes shining. In a low voice he said, “Ge, I really missed you.”

Wei Dong was silent for a long while.

The way Qin Youyou was looking at him, with his burning expression—if those eyes weren’t fixed on him, Wei Dong would have thought Qin Youyou was looking up at a god.

He reached out and patted Qin Youyou’s arm. Turning him around and walking back he said, “What do you want to eat? I’ll go and buy it.”

Qin Youyou had a backpack slung over his shoulder and he happily followed.

Wei Dong made several stops. Making sure there was enough rice, he added a portion of pork cutlets and roasted green beans, cold noodles, added a roast chicken too, and then when walking past a fruit vendor, also added a few catties of fruit.

“That’s too much, Ge. It’s too much for the two of us,” Qin Youyou anxiously pulled the corner of his shirt.

Wei Dong paid. “It’s been hard for you to make the trip here. There needs to be enough food because just look how thin you are.”

Qin Youyou smiled and followed behind Wei Dong, carrying his things.

At the end of the lane there was a shop selling cakes.

Wei Dong paused and looked to the side. “Do you like to eat sweets? You can go and pick something.”

Qin Youyou stared at him for a few seconds. He leaned forward and stared at the glass shelves, pointing to a small cake which was encased in a thick layer of cream, with a cherry on the top.

“Don’t you want to look at something else?” Wei Dong pulled out his phone to tap to pay.

“This is enough,” Qin Youyou pursed his lips and watched as the shop owner packaged up the cake with practiced ease.

Wei Dong paid and the two of them left.

Qin Youyou seemed at peace.

Wei Dong looked back at him several times, not knowing what this kid had on his mind.

As Qin Youyou walked into the apartment, he changed into his slippers then put the cake box and his things on the coffee table. Wei Dong smiled. “Why are you a little down? You’re not talking—did I forget to buy something specific to eat?”

Qin Youyou didn’t utter a word, only turning to hold on to his waist.

Wei Dong reached out and rubbed his head. “Are you very tired from today?”

“Mm.” He only responded with that, his arms tightening.

“Don’t work too hard—earn money slowly. Didn’t I say if it’s not enough, come find me.”

Qin Youyou looked up at him and hooked his neck down for a kiss.

Wei Dong didn’t avoid it. He lowered his head and holding the back of his head, responded softly to him. Nibbling his lower lip, sucking on the sweet tip of his tongue.

Qin Youyou felt around Wei Dong’s belt. Wei Dong stopped him and smiled. “Don’t mess around.”

Qin Youyou’s eyes were a bit watery. “Ge, didn’t… Didn’t you miss me?”

“I’ve been working all day, sweating all over and haven’t taken a shower…”

Qin Youyou heard but didn’t pay him any mind, reaching out to continue.

“Listen to me,” Wei Dong held his hand, slipped his tongue back into his mouth and licked around a few times, then sucked on his lower lip. “I need to shower and wash first, then we’ll eat. You must be hungry as well.”

Qin Youyou was dizzy after the kiss, his legs unsteady. Holding on to him he quietly said, “… No, I can’t wait anymore, Ge. I want it now…”