2.1

For a while, Cheng Zhou hit a creative block in his photography and found himself lacking inspiration. Then… he became hooked on gaming.

Adhering to his life motto of “Whatever my partner does, I do too,” Nie Shanglin eagerly downloaded the same game. Of course, he would never admit that he was afraid of his partner being swept away by someone else. After all, this game was filled with plenty of attractive female characters, many of whom were quite flirtatious, and he heard it even had some convoluted bonding feature.

He was definitely not playing just to keep an eye on his partner.

Anyone who has played games knows that to tackle dungeons or engage in battles more efficiently, everyone often uses voice chat like YY. The game itself features various skins and advanced weapons, and in situations where players are unaware of each other’s appearances, heights, or real-life circumstances, sharp skills, high-level gear, and appealing voices become the standard for both male and female idols.

Cheng Zhou didn’t care much for flashy outfits and wasn’t particularly fond of using YY; he preferred to let his skills speak for themselves. However, with his impressive gameplay and smooth movements, even when he spoke just a few brief words, his warm and cheerful voice naturally made him sound like a charming male idol. As a result, it was inevitable that some players would develop a little crush.

Well, it could be a girl or even a guy.

Nie Shanglin thought for a moment and decided to create a male character, using a couple’s name with Cheng Zhou, and joined the same guild to become his devoted companion.

The guild members had no idea whether Nie Shanglin was male or female. Even when he was on YY, he only listened and never uttered a word.

One day, a guild member, Er Zhuzi, finally asked Cheng Zhou, under the pressure of some other girls, “Hey, Xuanyuan Goudaner, is this Nanguang Cuihua your soulmate?”

Cheng Zhou replied coolly, “No.”

Nie Shanglin was taken aback.

Cheng Zhou continued, “He’s my boyfriend.”

Nie Shanglin’s breath hitched; he felt a surge of excitement.

Er Zhuzi took a deep breath and exclaimed, “Hey, what’s the difference?!”

Cheng Zhou replied matter-of-factly, “There’s a big difference. The next step for a soulmate is to meet in person, while the next step for a boyfriend is marriage.”

That night, Nie Shanglin put in extra effort and brought out the ring he had prepared long ago.

It wasn’t until later that Er Zhuzi finally processed it: boyfriend, friend, companion…

They are both guys.

2.2

Ning Shanglin wrapped his arms around Cheng Zhou from behind, holding him tightly. The pressure of Ning Shanglin’s lower body against Cheng Zhou through the fabric was undeniable. He buried his head into Cheng Zhou’s neck, taking a deep breath, his gaze dark and his voice low: “I want you.”

It was still early in the morning.

Cheng Zhou shook his head, trying to pry Ning Shanglin’s hands from his waist. After several unsuccessful attempts, he sighed in resignation. “I need to go to work.”

Ning Shanglin, unusually childlike, refused to let go and whined, “Just hold me a little longer.”

Cheng Zhou had no choice but to let him hold on.

As they embraced, Ning Shanglin grew restless, wanting to get even closer, to kiss him and feel his presence.

Before they realized what was happening, they found themselves tangled up in each other, unable to separate. Ning Shanglin’s hand slipped under the hem of Cheng Zhou’s shirt, tracing along his waistline, sending shivers down Cheng Zhou’s spine.

Their breaths became entwined, heavy with desire.

Cheng Zhou seemed overwhelmed with emotion as he unfastened Ning Shanglin’s belt and began to lower his pants halfway down his thighs, slowly reaching for…

But if he didn’t run now, when would he?

Cheng Zhou quickly pulled his hand away from Ning Shanglin’s waist and took off running, laughing heartily as he did. By the time Ning Shanglin registered what was happening and tried to chase after him, he nearly tripped over his own pants, which were still caught around his legs.

Nie Shanglin sighed funnyly when he realized what Cheng Zhou had done.

He glanced at his pants, which Cheng Zhou had helpfully pulled down to his thighs, and then at his eager little brother, thinking to himself that tonight, he was going to have a feast.

2.3

On this day, Nie Shanglin woke Cheng Zhou up and then left for the company.

Cheng Zhou had worked late into the night on post-production the day before, so when he got up the next day, he was still groggy. After being called awake, he sat on the bed with his eyes closed for a while before finally rolling out of bed. He noticed a still-warm breakfast on the table just as he heard a WeChat notification sound.

Shanglin: Breakfast is on the table. Eat it while it’s hot.

Cheng Zhou typed: Okay, I’ll eat in a bit. I just woke up, and my—my mind isn’t quite clear yet.

He clicked send.

Uh…

What the heck!

Cheng Zhou instantly woke up, silently shouting in his heart—

Stop!

Undo, undo!

Ding ding—

On the other side, Nie Shanglin quickly replied with a smile: What’s unclear

Cheng Zhou: …My brain.

Even through the screen, Cheng Zhou could feel Nie Shanglin’s amusement.

——————

2.4

The time they spent together felt wonderfully unreal. One year, two years, three years, five years—time passed slowly.

Cheng Zhou was still invited to the school celebration.

When he told Nie Shanglin, it really took him by surprise.

Nie Shanglin would never forget that in his past life, Cheng Zhou had sentenced himself to death with a song.

He felt utterly ashamed and lost the right to pursue.

So he kept asking Cheng Zhou what performance he was preparing.

Cheng Zhou pretended to think for a moment, then smiled slyly and said, “It’s a secret!”

This directly led to Nie Shanglin feeling quite gloomy from the moment he received the news until just before the school celebration, although he didn’t dare to show it in front of Cheng Zhou.

Cheng Zhou sat at the center of the stage, holding a guitar, and pulled the microphone stand closer, clearing his throat. “Well, this old man is here to sing a song for everyone. I won’t say much more, let’s get started.”

Nie Shanglin remained in the same spot he occupied in his past life, but this time, when he looked at Cheng Zhou, Cheng Zhou was also looking back at him.

Because of this shared gaze, the turmoil in Nie Shanglin’s heart gradually settled, replaced by a sense of warmth.

At that moment, a clean guitar melody began to play.

Cheng Zhou smiled and slowly sang:

“When you are old

Your hair has turned white

Your sleep is heavy

When you are old

Unable to walk

Dozing by the fire

Recalling your youth.”

In that moment when Cheng Zhou began to sing, the audience fell silent, their cheers for the charismatic senior trapped in their throats, immersed in his abundant emotions.

Nie Shanglin felt a sudden sense of relief.

Yes, this life is different.

He was no longer the jerk he had been in his past life; he had long since placed Cheng Zhou in the most important position in his heart. They respected each other, trusted each other, and loved each other deeply.

He lowered his head, took a deep breath, and glanced at the ring on his hand. The same sheen sparkled on Cheng Zhou’s slender fingers as he played the guitar.

They would live this wonderful life together

On stage, Cheng Zhou continued to sing softly:

“How many people once loved you in your youthful, joyful times,

Admiring your beauty, whether in jest or with sincerity.

Only one person still loves your devoted soul,

Loving the wrinkles on your aged face.”

Time slowed, and shadows danced in the light.

As he sang the last few lines, Cheng Zhou’s clear eyes met Nie Shanglin’s once more. A smile played on his lips, revealing a hint of joy.

“When you are old

And your eyebrows have lowered,

And the lights flicker dimly,

When I am old,

I truly hope

This song is sung for you.”

END