Cheng Zhou always envied those who could remain aloof and proud even when they liked someone, unlike him, who felt like he had fallen to the depths.

It wasn’t until later that he realized those who could be aloof and proud while loving someone did so because they were loved in return, like Cheng Yuze.

Watching Nie Shanglin in front of him, seemingly lost and repeatedly saying, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry,’ Cheng Zhou doubted if he had gone crazy.

It didn’t matter if he was crazy, but he shouldn’t block the entrance to his own home.

Just then, the delivery guy arrived upstairs. Seeing someone standing in front of the door and blocking it, he was surprised but maintained his professionalism as he said, ‘Excuse me, sir, I’m here to deliver food for this household.’

Upon hearing this, Nie Shanglin came to his senses and stepped aside, allowing Cheng Zhou to successfully receive the delivery.

After the delivery guy said, ‘Enjoy your meal,’ and left, Nie Shanglin finally reacted, softly asking, ‘Haven’t you eaten yet?'”

Cheng Zhou looked at him like he was a monster, not saying a word.

Nie Shanglin smiled and said, “Go eat; what time is it already?”

Cheng Zhou replied, “I would like to, but bro, you need to step back a bit; I need to close the door.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Shanglin took a step forward instead. Cheng Zhou, not as strong, was firmly pushed into the room, and Nie Shanglin followed him in, closing the door behind them.

“Are you crazy?” Cheng Zhou got angry, feeling an urge to fight him. Nie Shanglin took the takeout from Cheng Zhou and, acting like the host, opened the containers and laid the food out one by one. Finally, he kindly said, “Hurry up and eat, or it will get cold.”

Cheng Zhou stood still, already considering calling the police.

Cheng Zhou chose to return to this city because his mother’s belongings and memories were here. He had thought about what would happen if he encountered that person, and, concluded that he didn’t care anymore; he could act as if he didn’t know them and walk past without a second glance. If they did come face-to-face, he could smile and greet him casually.

Unexpectedly, while he had let go, Nie Shanglin seemed to have lost his mind, suddenly grabbing onto him and not letting go.

“If you don’t go out soon, I’m going to call the police,” Cheng Zhou said coldly.

Nie Shanglin laughed, and Cheng Zhou was horrified to realize that he detected a hint of condescension in that laugh. Just then, he heard Nie Shanglin say, “I can give you the police chief’s phone number.”

Cheng Zhou pulled at the corners of his mouth, ignoring him, and sat down to start eating.

He still didn’t believe it. Nie Shanglin wouldn’t just stay here, right? Once he left, Cheng Zhou would immediately close the door and make sure to look through the peephole before opening the door for anyone next time.

Nie Shanglin sat down across from Cheng Zhou. “I didn’t sleep all night last night,” he said. “I thought about a lot of things.”

Cheng Zhou didn’t look up. “What does that have to do with me?”

“I was thinking about you.”

Cheng Zhou thought: Great, he’s at it again.

Nie Shanglin watched Cheng Zhou eat, noticing the way his neck was exposed, and suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu. Then he frowned again. “Do you always eat takeout?”

Cheng Zhou ignored him.

Nie Shanglin continued, “I thought you liked to cook.”

Cheng Zhou ate seriously.

Nie Shanglin smiled nostalgically, saying, “I remember back then, every time I came home, you had cooked dinner waiting for me.” He had been reluctant to admit it before, but now he reveled in that warmth.

Cheng Zhou laughed upon hearing this. He put down his chopsticks and let out a satisfied burp. “Every time? In six years, how many times did you actively come back?”

Nie Shanglin was momentarily speechless.

Cheng Zhou continued, “In the first two years, you always had a cold face, saying you were busy taking over the company and didn’t have time to come back. In the next two years, when the Nie family business stabilized under your management, I shamelessly forced you to stay whenever I could. In the last two years, forget about meals; it was already impressive if you came home once a month.”

Back then, it wasn’t that Cheng Zhou loved cooking; he just loved him.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember our anniversary; you never liked me anyway. It’s fine if you don’t spend the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lantern Festival, or New Year with me; your family is more important. You don’t need to remember my birthday either; after all, I won’t get angry, and I’ll still cling to you. Even if I prepared for your birthday a month in advance, you didn’t spend it with me. Being with Cheng Yuze is still much better for you…”

“Sometimes, I think you might have some feelings for me. You even smiled and agreed to spend the holiday with me, and I was so happy I felt like I could float. But then Cheng Yuze called, and no matter what was going on, you dropped everything and rushed over to him…

Grandpa passed away, and Cheng Yuze’s dad had an accident, so the company became mine. I never treated Cheng Yuze and his mom unfairly; they received their fair share of the inheritance. Yet, when Cheng Yuze wanted the Cheng family business, you teamed up with Mu Chenfeng to wipe me out completely…

You don’t take me to any social events, that’s fine; I don’t like those occasions either. You don’t acknowledge me in front of Mu Chenfeng and the others, and in the end, your friends all say I’m not presentable. You don’t let me show any affection in front of outsiders, especially in front of Cheng Yuze…

But I should really thank you for these six years; the only time I ever heard you call his name in bed was when you were drunk.”

Hearing these words, Nie Shanglin felt a deep, unbearable pain in his heart.

Cheng Zhou took a deep breath: “Nie Shanglin, you are not wrong at all for not liking me. I blame myself for the past; our first time was actually a forced situation. It was my shamelessness, thinking that if I took this seriously, we would develop feelings for each other. I’ve suffered my own punishment; I haven’t been able to live well these years. When you were with me, you only had a fixed partner you didn’t like; you had no losses—you could do whatever you wanted and be with others. Now that everything is settled, let’s end this game of romance. I won’t bother you anymore. Isn’t it better if we just go our separate ways?”

Rubbing his forehead, Cheng Zhou said, “Nie Shanglin, please let me go.”

Nie Shanglin’s eyes turned red as he stood up, unable to control his strength as he pulled Cheng Zhou up from the chair, holding him tightly in his embrace, leaving no gaps.

Nie Shanglin was shaking—his hands trembled, and his heart trembled too.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

Cheng Zhou remained still and silent, allowing Nie Shanglin to bury his head in his neck.

After a long while, Nie Shanglin released Cheng Zhou and asked, “Will you come back with me?”

Cheng Zhou looked directly into his eyes, as if seriously considering the request. After a moment, he relented and said, “You go back first and let me cool down alone. I need some time to think it through, okay?”

Nie Shanglin was silent for a moment before responding, “I’ll come back to see you tomorrow.”

Cheng Zhou nodded, “Mm.”

Nie Shanglin, still worried, said, “Make sure to think it through.”

Cheng Zhou nodded again, “Mm.”

After watching Nie Shanglin walk away, Cheng Zhou closed the door with an expressionless face. He then tidied up before heading to the airport, boarding a flight to Country F for an art exhibition.

He thought to himself, Hah, think of you, old man? Not a chance!