Outside the car window, the city traffic was still congested, and the post-rain atmosphere gave everything a gloomy feel.

The windshield wipers slowly moved back and forth, but Chu Lai’s heart seemed to beat in the opposite rhythm, as if his heartbeat during the kiss had returned.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke softly, without looking at Cen Wei, “I know you’re sincere, but Cen Wei…”

He paused, glancing out the window again. Even in the dim light of the post-rain evening, his side profile remained clear. Although Cen Wei hadn’t touched him many times, he could precisely trace the contours of his face.

Chu Lai continued, “You’re a really good person, but it’s hard for me to believe we have a future.”

This sentence was essentially a polite rejection, so Chu Lai didn’t dare to look at him.

Cen Wei’s appearance was undeniably attractive, and people with good looks always had an advantage—they softened hearts, made others hesitate, and eventually led them into emotional peril.

Liu Yuan had said several times, “Even if you find someone unattractive, it doesn’t guarantee they won’t cheat. These days, pursuing long-lasting relationships is too difficult. Most people just part ways on good terms.” He even gave Chu Lai examples of acquaintances who married unattractive partners, only to have them cheat anyway. “You might as well start with someone handsome. At least you’ll have enjoyed it,” he had said.

At the time, Chu Lai had just broken up. He knew his limits and firmly believed that handsome guys were mostly found in magazines or on screens. In reality, good-looking men weren’t within his reach. Even if he got cheated on, all he could do was sit across from Liu Yuan, poking at the roasted green peppers he had ordered with a bamboo skewer, saying, “I’ll just find someone decent. Breaking up won’t be such a hassle.”

The green peppers were crispy, and though they looked tough, Chu Lai had already poked them full of holes. The sauce and cumin had seeped through, softening the initial spiciness, and the flavor was so good that his craving flared up, leading him to order two more skewers.

Liu Yuan couldn’t appreciate his fiery taste preferences and didn’t think Chu Lai was self-deprecating. At most, Chu Lai simply had no expectations.

He felt that life would go on either way. If it weren’t for that peculiar quirk of his, Chu Lai could easily remain single forever.

But no one could hug themselves. At best, he could hug his knees, but even then, it would only lead to growing loneliness.

At the outdoor barbecue stand, the wind carried the scent of grilled skewers. Liu Yuan poured Chu Lai a glass of soju while Chu Lai took off his glasses and stared at the blurry table before him. His friend, already tipsy, started speaking wildly, “Shen Quanzhang is no different from you, right? And he’s not even a local. I bet he was interested in you because of your family’s house and the potential for it to be demolished.”

Liu Yuan clicked his tongue. “Now that same-sex marriage is legal, responsibilities have come into play, and so has scheming.”

“Since he managed to find someone like you, why can’t you, Chu Lai, find someone super handsome, amazing in bed, filthy rich, and madly in love with you?”

Chu Lai laughed, “You’ve been watching too many dramas. Rich people aren’t stupid.”

Liu Yuan retorted, “But what if? You’re just too focused on stability, wanting everything to be within your control. But Chu Lai, what you need is already romantic, already full of fantasy.”

“If you really met someone like that, it would be…” His tongue was heavy from the alcohol, and he struggled to get the words out. “Like a blessing from the Buddha.”

Liu Yuan had long forgotten that conversation, but now, with the rain falling steadily outside the car, Chu Lai realized that maybe the Buddha really had answered his prayers.

Such a person existed, just like him, someone deemed “unromantic” by their ex, yet perfectly suited to his needs.

If he weren’t already emotionally moved, this encounter would have been perfect.

In his previous relationship, Chu Lai had never felt such intense emotions. All these years, watching movies, reading comics, and seeing all the descriptions of love online, he had never truly resonated with the idea of a racing heart. How could that be visualized?

He didn’t even get nervous during exams. The most nerve-wracking moment of his life was the sound of the gravel truck overturning.

That intense heartbeat was accompanied by loss.

So when his heart raced now, it brought with it a fear of losing something.

There was a chasm between their family backgrounds, jobs, assets, and every other aspect. He would once again fall into the exhausting habit of calculating the future, something that would wear anyone down.

Then came the breakup, the bitterness, the endless cycle.

Chu Lai said, “Your life and mine shouldn’t have intersected. A contract marriage is a temporary solution for you, and for me, too.”

He hadn’t elaborated on his reasons when he accepted Cen Wei’s proposal that night, only telling him about his peculiar need.

Now, Chu Lai made it clear: “I agreed because I had just broken up with Shen Quanzhang. Even though that relationship ended in a mess, I still liked having someone at home, someone who could hug me regularly.”

“The time in between was really hard for me.”

“Before we broke up, as my boyfriend, Shen Quanzhang at least indulged my request. Even if he found it annoying, he would give me a regular hug.”

The young man spoke at a steady pace, though it was clear he wasn’t skilled at conversations in confined spaces.

It wasn’t hard for Cen Wei to imagine what Chu Lai must have been like during his school days—quiet, the type of classmate no one would think of first when recalling their school years.

Chu Lai didn’t realize that every few words, he had a habit of biting his lip. When he released it, the marks were obvious.

Cen Wei didn’t dare look too closely, worried that his emotions would get the better of him, and the memory of tasting those lips would resurface. He could only pretend to be patient, waiting for Chu Lai to finish.

Chu Lai said, “That night at the bar, I was planning to find someone to try things with, and you happened to show up.”

He still kept his head lowered. The weather outside was gloomy, and the interior of the car was dim.

Dacai, the dog, lay in the backseat, unable to understand the conversation between its owner and this contract partner, only occasionally wagging its tail.

Chu Lai continued, “In our agreement, it says that during your grandfather’s recovery period, we would maintain a nominal legal partnership, and you would fulfill my needs.”

“At the time, I thought that during this period, I’d find my next partner, preferably seamlessly, so I wouldn’t feel that emptiness.”

The next partner.

Cen Wei didn’t ask, “Can’t that be me?” He had already sensed the disruption caused by Chu Lai’s ex-boyfriend cheating and how it had shattered his peace.

Chu Lai’s temperament was so well-hidden that such subtle emotions were rarely shown in daily life.

Cen Wei responded with a quiet, “Okay.”

Chu Lai, surprised, responded with a startled “Huh?”

The man didn’t seem hurt by the gentle rejection, even chuckling, “What? Do you expect me to pursue you relentlessly, hoping you’ll stay married to me?”

Just then, the traffic in front cleared, and the car moved forward, passing through a roundabout as the sky grew darker. It was the time of day when the streetlights began to flicker on.

Chu Lai looked at Cen Wei, and the lights turning on one by one seemed to match the thumping rhythm of his heartbeat.

He turned his face away, saying, “Of course not.”

Cen Wei said, “As long as you choose the life you want with certainty, that’s all that matters.”

The first time he had hugged Chu Lai, Cen Wei had felt a slight tingle in his scalp. Now, recalling it, perhaps that was also a sign of his heart stirring.

Because he didn’t dislike it—in fact, he was curious.

Now, he was grateful that Chu Lai had chosen him. As long as Chu Lai still needed him, he would have a chance.

Looking at the navigation route, Cen Wei asked, “So, are we moving you to the smaller room tonight?”

“The bed…”

Chu Lai cut him off, “I already ordered a new bed. It should have arrived by the time we get home.”

Cen Wei nodded and remarked, “You’re very efficient.”

Chu Lai said, “Why do I feel like there’s something off about you?”

You’ve been smiling too much. It’s giving me the creeps.

The man driving had a cold side profile, but his voice was always gentle when speaking to Chu Lai. “It’s a compliment.”

Chu Lai squinted at him, “You sure?”

Cen Wei quickly added, “I was just reminded of how efficiently you handled that bottle of alcohol the other night.”

Was that really a compliment?

Chu Lai had thought he looked pretty miserable that night.

But for Cen Wei, that moment had been a revelation, the marvel of fate. What had Chu Lai said back then?

“You’re not my current boyfriend.”

Even though he had been rejected, he was still… a legal husband.

Remaining optimistic, Cen Wei asked, “What are we having for dinner tonight? I noticed you didn’t eat much at lunch.”

The portions at those types of places were indeed small, and Chu Lai had been drained from the walk down the mountain and the kiss. After thinking for a moment, he said, “I’ll just go out and grab something myself.”

Cen Wei said, “Then I’ll tidy up your new room first. Is that okay?”

His tone shifted quickly, as if reverting to the polite distance they had maintained when they first started talking.

After thinking for a moment, Chu Lai said, “It would feel like I’m isolating you by going out to eat alone.”

The man shook his head. “It’s fine. After all, when there’s no one else around, we’re supposed to keep our distance, right?”

Chu Lai thought, He’s being too accommodating.

Without overthinking it, he decided to go out for dinner alone once they got back.

Even in a high-end neighborhood, there were small restaurants nearby. Chu Lai, already tired, chose a place that served single-person tomato fish dishes and went in.

It was peak mealtime, and the place was crowded, so he had to wait for a table.

He glanced at his phone and thought about uploading the game video later in the evening. Then, he browsed through the comments section, noting down the games his fans had suggested.

With the wedding preparation taking up so much time lately, he hadn’t had much time to stream properly.

Thinking about the “separate living” arrangement he and Cen Wei had discussed, Chu Lai began planning his schedule for the next week, realizing he could resume his streaming soon.

While Chu Lai was having his solitary meal of tomato fish, Cen Wei returned home with the dog just in time to meet the delivery crew bringing in the new bed. As they were in the middle of setting it up, Xuan Rongqing suddenly arrived.

She walked in first, followed by her assistant, who was carrying several bags.

It looked like everything she brought was a gift, all from well-known national brands.

If Cen Wei were to look it up online, he’d probably find that these were the top-tier items recommended in posts like “What to bring when meeting the in-laws for the first time.”

Seeing the activity, Xuan Rongqing asked, “What’s going on here?”

She noticed the bed being set up and walked over to Cen Wei, who was supervising quietly, whispering, “Are you and Lai Lai really this, uh, unrestrained?”

Cen Wei: …

He frowned and shook his head. “What are you talking about?”

Xuan Rongqing had already received the wedding photos from the studio, and even though they hadn’t been edited yet, she was very pleased with them. Since Cen Wei was set to visit Chu Lai’s mother tomorrow, Xuan Rongqing, even though the Cen family elders didn’t have to attend, was very involved in making sure everything was in order, coordinating with the grandmother on the gift list.

Seeing the big and small boxes being brought in, Cen Wei asked, “Are you stocking up?”

But Xuan Rongqing ignored the question, glancing around and asking, “Where’s Lai Lai? Aren’t you two together?”

“He went out to eat,” Cen Wei replied.

Xuan Rongqing looked surprised. “You didn’t go with him?”

The woman appeared to be in a very good mood, her voice warm and gentle, but still sharp. She asked, “Did you two have a fight?”

She had already noticed the bed situation and looked at Cen Wei, puzzled. “I had a strange feeling about this morning.”

She sized her son up, lowering her voice, “You’re not bored with him already, are you?”

Cen Wei: …

Who was bored with whom here?

He shook his head helplessly and said, “If there’s nothing else, maybe you should head home.”

Xuan Rongqing replied, “I still need to remind you about tomorrow.”

She asked, “What’s going on between you and Lai Lai? Last time, you even asked me how to make hot and sour soup. I was so happy about it. How long have you two been living together, and you’re already not getting along?”

Because Chu Lai gave off such a delicate vibe, and with Cen Wei being so tall and strong, while they seemed like a perfect match, it was easy for people’s minds to wander when imagining what a fight between them might be like. Xuan Rongqing lowered her voice and gently reminded her son, “Be a little more gentle with him.”

For some reason, Cen Wei understood exactly what she meant.

No one knew that these two, who were legally married and living together, had only kissed once—and that had been in the car, and it had ended in rejection.

Unable to explain, all Cen Wei could do was nod. “I will.”

Xuan Rongqing said, “You’re all grown up, so I won’t lecture you too much. But if there’s something wrong physically, make sure to see a doctor in time.”

“Don’t you have other things to do?” Cen Wei asked, trying to usher her downstairs.

When he had first brought Chu Lai home, his father’s words had been enough to make Cen Wei feel miserable. He could still recall the look in Chu Lai’s eyes.

It was as if, should he really turn out to be incapable, Chu Lai wouldn’t mind being tied to him for life.

But, unfortunately, he was perfectly normal.

Afraid that Xuan Rongqing might start prying into Chu Lai’s affairs if she lingered any longer, Cen Wei hurried to send her downstairs, completely forgetting to grab his coat.

As they walked out, Xuan Rongqing said, “You’re acting suspicious. Are you sure nothing’s wrong between you and Lai Lai?”

Walking with her, Cen Wei said, “Really, there’s nothing. Even if we live together, it doesn’t mean we have to sleep together, right?”

She replied, “But if you only sleep together when necessary, that changes things. I think… wait, isn’t that Lai Lai?”

She stopped mid-sentence, spotting two figures walking toward them.

Chu Lai was holding a cup of milk tea, and the young man walking beside him, holding a dog leash, was taller than Chu Lai. They were chatting as they walked, and both had milk tea from the same shop.

Turning away, Cen Wei quickly urged his mother to get in the car, but she wasn’t about to leave after spotting Chu Lai.

Chu Lai hadn’t expected to run into Ding Xiulin, who had just finished taking the dog for grooming. After finishing his meal, they bumped into each other, and since it was on their way, they walked back together, chatting about the dog and work.

Ding Xiulin, who had been clearly rejected before, didn’t intend to dig into Chu Lai’s current relationship. He had just started at a new company, and everything was still unfamiliar to him, so their conversation revolved around work, the company’s annual meeting, and team-building activities. As they neared the apartment, Chu Lai heard Xuan Rongqing’s voice.

A Cayenne was parked under the building, and standing beside the car were Xuan Rongqing and Cen Wei. The woman waved when she saw him.

It was clear that Cen Wei had hurried downstairs without his coat—he hadn’t even changed out of his slippers.

The slippers they used for walking outside the apartment were ones Chu Lai had bought. Previously, Cen Wei had never worn slippers outside, but now, as a part-time dog walker, he had adapted quickly.

Chu Lai always bought things in bulk, and the random pair he had received happened to be fuzzy bunny slippers. It was quite eye-catching to see such a tall man wearing oversized pink slippers. If it weren’t for the fact that the blue pair had been washed yesterday, Cen Wei wouldn’t have stepped outside in these.

Chu Lai’s smile wasn’t too obvious, but those up close could see it clearly.

Ding Xiulin, hiding his disappointment well, glanced at the elegantly dressed middle-aged woman and asked, “Who’s that?”

Chu Lai walked over, replying, “That’s my partner’s mother.”

After chatting with Chu Lai for a bit, Xuan Rongqing looked at Ding Xiulin and asked, “And this is?”

“My high school classmate,” Chu Lai replied.

And my first love, thought Cen Wei silently.

Chu Lai added, “He lives in our building now and works at my company.”

“So much fate,” Xuan Rongqing commented.

Cen Wei politely greeted Ding Xiulin, who didn’t linger long and headed upstairs with the dog.

Watching his retreating figure, Xuan Rongqing remarked, “He’s quite handsome.”

Chu Lai responded with a simple, “Mm.”

Recalling Chu Lai’s reasons for rejecting their relationship, a wave of bitterness welled up in Cen Wei.

Ding Xiulin’s looks were the kind that made sense for a first love. Someone like him, on the other hand, was immediately disqualified.

For the first time, Cen Wei realized that being overly good-looking wasn’t always an advantage.

This had actually become his weakness. Why did someone like Shen Quanzhang count as a better option, just because he had a higher “cost-performance ratio”?

Standing silently to the side, Chu Lai asked, “Aren’t you cold?”

Before he could reply, Xuan Rongqing interjected, “It’s fine. Awei rarely gets sick. You, on the other hand, should dress more warmly. A cold front is coming.”

She ushered Cen Wei back inside and then turned to Chu Lai, asking, “Did you two have a fight?”

Chu Lai shook his head. “No.”

“Then why are you sleeping in separate rooms?” she asked.

After thinking for a moment, Chu Lai came up with an excuse, “Our schedules don’t really match.”

“Oh, I see,” she replied. “But don’t you both stay up late? Seems like you’re on the same schedule. Still, try not to stay up too much.”

Chu Lai nodded, playing along. “Yeah, that’s why I’m planning to adjust my routine, sleep earlier and wake up earlier. Awei works harder than I do, and I don’t want to disturb him.”

His reasoning was flawless, leaving Xuan Rongqing with nothing to counter. But before getting in the car, she couldn’t resist giving Chu Lai one final reminder, “If Awei bullies you, just let me know. If he ever makes unreasonable demands, you’re always welcome at our house.”

She smiled warmly, even raising her fist in a playful gesture. “Mom will take care of him.”

Chu Lai nodded and watched her leave. When he turned back toward the building, he saw that Cen Wei was waiting for him by the elevator.

As he approached, Cen Wei said, “She came while they were setting up the bed.”

“What did Auntie want?” Chu Lai asked.

“She came to deliver the gifts for tomorrow when we visit your mom,” replied Cen Wei.

Chu Lai was familiar with how thorough the Cen family could be, but seeing the sheer amount of stuff still shocked him. “That’s way too much and way too expensive.”

“Well, it is a wedding, and this is already what we could fit in the car,” said Cen Wei.

By the time they went upstairs, the bed had been fully set up, and the delivery crew had left. As he closed the door, Cen Wei said, “The room still isn’t fully organized. Do you need help?”

His legally bound partner, sipping from a straw, declined while leading the dog into the room and closing the door.

After a moment, the door opened again, and Chu Lai’s slightly muffled voice came through. “I do need help.”

“The desk and bed need to be moved,” he said.

The man outside chuckled, asking, “Before we start, do you need a hug?”

“This is part of my regular duties, so it shouldn’t count as crossing any lines, right?”

Chu Lai gave a soft hum of agreement, not moving, just tilting his head slightly to look at him, calm and composed, as if knowing full well that Cen Wei would come over.

Familiar with the process by now, Cen Wei stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug, holding on a bit longer than necessary. It’s okay, he thought.

If Chu Lai eventually gets over this need, great. If not, at least I’ll be the first choice.

After a while, Chu Lai said, “You’ve been holding me for a long time.”

Leaning into his embrace, Chu Lai found that hugs were an easy way to extend intimacy, filling the void left in his heart by the gravel rain.

This reminder should have been accompanied by a gentle push, but Chu Lai waited for Cen Wei to let go.

Cen Wei replied, “I can…”

Before he could finish, Chu Lai cut him off, “No, you can’t.”

“I wasn’t going to ask for a kiss,” Cen Wei said.

“Oh,” Chu Lai murmured, drawing out the sound as he glanced up at the man holding him. The warmth of the hand resting on his lower back was scorching, and the air around them easily became charged with a hint of intimacy.

Suppressing the urge to lean in closer, Cen Wei asked, “Can I hold you for another ten seconds?”

Chu Lai should have refused, but this was his weakness, and Cen Wei knew his advantage all too well.

“Okay.”

Ten seconds turned into another ten.

In the future, it might still be me, and only me, thought Cen Wei.

With his eyes closed, Chu Lai said, “Next time, don’t extend it without permission.”