Although Chi Yan wasn’t the only child in the family—he had a younger sister—his sister was still in school. Like Chi Yan, she didn’t have many expensive hobbies. During her time in college, Chi Yan’s sister took part-time jobs, and for daily expenses, Chi Yan would also transfer some of the rent money to her. However, she saved all of it.

Chi Yan had once teased his sister, asking why she was saving money when she could always turn to her big brother if she was short.

His sister replied with a snort, saying it felt more satisfying and relaxing to spend her own money. She was saving now to build her financial strength, so she could stand taller on her own.

Chi Yan didn’t quite understand where this mindset came from, but as her brother, he made sure to do everything he could for her.

Chi Yan’s father was an electrician who owned a small shop, while his mother managed it. His father did outside jobs, and their small family lived a happy, modest life.

Back in college, Chi Yan thought of dating as a way to pass the time, but after graduating, although he met people, none of them felt quite right.

So Chi Yan remained single, occasionally streaming games online. Over time, he built a good following. When he had free time, he traveled alone and met up with other streamers from his platform, expanding his social circle.

People had asked him about his family’s housing situation before, and it wasn’t something he hid. If asked, he would casually mention the story about his family receiving houses after a relocation project.

“Oh, so you’re one of the lucky ones from a relocation project? That’s great! If I ever lose my job, can I count on you to feed me?” A classmate, who worked at a company, tilted his head, raising his eyebrows with a smile.

Chi Yan could tell from the way his classmate looked that he was joking. He also noticed the expensive watch on his classmate’s wrist—just selling that could probably cover living expenses for a few years if he didn’t indulge in any more luxury items.

“Sure, any time,” Chi Yan replied with a charming smile, his signature dimple on display.

He treated everyone around him with the same warmth and gentleness, even his ex-boyfriend.

What was in the past had already passed, and time had washed everything away.

Had it been three days instead of three years since he last saw Feng Min, Chi Yan might have walked up and punched that handsome face of his.

But now?

Now, he wouldn’t do that. Chi Yan was afraid that hitting Feng Min might hurt his own hand.

Chi Yan acted so naturally that Feng Min had a strange feeling, as if the two of them had never dated before. It made him wonder if the encrypted photos of Chi Yan stored on his phone were just figments of his imagination.

But how could that be? For years, Feng Min had clung to his obsession with Chi Yan. Without it, he wouldn’t have been able to endure everything.

As Feng Min looked at Chi Yan’s radiant smile—the same smile that had once been for him alone—he felt his right hand start trembling uncontrollably. He suddenly stood up, almost knocking over the chair behind him. The classmate beside him, who had already drunk quite a bit, noticed and, slurring slightly, asked, “Hey, Feng Min, are you leaving?”

Feng Min seemed to be in a hurry.

That simple question caught everyone’s attention, including Chi Yan’s. His warm smile shifted toward Feng Min.

For a moment, Feng Min wanted to walk over, cover Chi Yan’s mouth, and make him stop smiling. Chi Yan could do anything—punch him, kick him—but not smile like that.

Because that smile made Feng Min feel like he’d been completely erased from Chi Yan’s heart, with no place left for him.

“I’m just going to the restroom,” Feng Min said flatly, under the curious gazes of everyone.

He turned and walked out quickly, heading toward the restroom. Once inside, he entered the furthest stall and stepped in.

The door closed behind him, and at that moment, Feng Min’s expression completely changed. The cold, indifferent look from earlier vanished instantly. His brows furrowed tightly, his teeth clenched, and the muscles in his face twitched subtly.

His fingers gripped the door tightly, the knuckles turning white from the force, veins bulging on the back of his hand, and a blue vein popped out on his forehead.

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Author’s Note:
Second update will be a bit later in the afternoon. Don’t worry, the protagonist won’t suffer! The seme (top) will be the one chasing his love back.
After making a few adjustments to the later chapters…