When the Rites Fall, the Clouds Grow Deep

Zhou Zhili is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The doctor says he has no more than six months to live.

After smoking three whole cigarettes, Zhou Zhili decides to imprison his unattainable love. He’s going to die soon anyway, and if he can truly have the person he loves before he dies, then his life won’t have been wasted.

On the first day of the imprisonment, his beloved knocks over a glass of water in front of him. The wet white shirt clings to his chest, revealing the shape of his broad pecs. Zhou Zhili flees in panic.

On the second day, Zhou Zhili walks into the bedroom while his beloved is changing. His loose loungewear is pulled up, revealing a perfectly defined six-pack. Zhou Zhili flees in panic.

On the third day, his beloved kicks off the covers in his sleep and tangles his long legs around Zhou Zhili. Zhou Zhili wants to flee in panic, but he can’t get away.

On the fourth day, Zhou Zhili gets out of bed clutching his aching waist and mutters through gritted teeth, “What do you mean, unattainable love? He’s more like a dirty daydream.”

On the sixteenth day of the imprisonment, the hospital calls to tell Zhou Zhili that the System made a mistake. He isn’t terminally ill after all.

Overjoyed, Zhou Zhili rushes to apologize and repent, then takes his beloved home.

But three days later, Zhou Zhili is tied to a bed, and his beloved, dressed in his high school uniform, looks down at him imperiously.

Those who imprison others will end up imprisoned themselves. This time, Zhou Zhili is the one being held captive.