A Wooden Guitar for You

That summer after the college entrance exams, after learning of his mother's death, nineteen-year-old Fang Zhuoran made a decision that shocked everyone: he gave up his score of over 600 and became a wandering folk singer with no fixed home.

When the school heard, they rushed to his home that very night to stop him. Fang Zhuoran ignored them, bought a train ticket, and left with his mother's belongings and a wooden guitar on his back.

He was going to follow in his mother's footsteps, then die.

Before heading to his final destination, Fang Zhuoran stopped by a bar as usual to earn travel money, and happened to catch sight of a familiar figure.

The tall man was half-hidden in the shadows. His graceful manner as he chatted with others revealed the charm of a mature, highly intelligent man.

Fang Zhuoran seemed to lose his mind all at once. Without thinking, he changed the tune he was singing, and even went out of his way to offer the man a drink at the end. The other man was clearly a little drunk too. His pupils scattered like a river of stars, and the fingertip resting on Fang Zhuoran's wrist bone felt as if it were on fire.

Since his life was going to end anyway, what was one reckless night? Fang Zhuoran thought as he undid the other man's shirt buttons.

Perhaps that night had been too outrageous. When they met again, the man grabbed Fang Zhuoran by the shoulder.

"Why did you just disappear?"

"Was my technique really that bad?" Chen Mingyu's voice was hoarse in the dark, just like the muffled groan Fang Zhuoran had heard that night when he tugged open Chen Mingyu's collar.

"Because I'm going to die." Fang Zhuoran brushed Chen Mingyu's hand away and chuckled. "Why are you still like this? You pressed too hard and hurt me again."

Chen Mingyu's brows furrowed. "Don't joke about that."

"I'm not joking." Fang Zhuoran put his car keys in Chen Mingyu's hand. "If there's anything else you want to ask, drive me somewhere once, and I'll tell you."

"Where are you going?" Chen Mingyu instinctively clenched his fist.

"To watch the sunrise."

From that day on, Chen Mingyu became Fang Zhuoran's personal driver on his travels.

"Ranran." Chen Mingyu rolled over on the single bed in an unfamiliar hotel room and drew him into his arms. "When you said you wanted to... were you afraid I'd actually do something to you, so..."

Fang Zhuoran shook his head. His voice sounded a little unnatural as he spoke. "I really did want to die, but I really do like you too."

A doctor who refuses to sink into desire × a sensitive folk singer who loves with all his heart

Listening guide:

1. They're both 33. At that age, of course neither is a virgin, so skip this song if that bothers you.

2. They're both a little older, so their romance will be like frogs slowly warming in a pot. The pacing won't be fast. Time makes people more mature, but it also makes them hesitate. If you want a story about young people, check out the R&B series on my profile.

Next up: a school-life story about childhood friends, The Little Shadow Is Naturally Gay

Cheng Sheng has been Qin Yi's little shadow since he was five.

When they first met, Cheng Sheng had just started kindergarten. He babbled, struggling to get his words out, but for some reason, the moment he saw Qin Yi, he shoved half an orange from afternoon tea into Qin Yi's hand.

Qin Yi: Mom says I shouldn't take things from strangers.

Cheng Cheng: (reaching out persistently) B-brother... have some orange...

Once they were both brought to live under the same roof, Qin Yi's life was thoroughly entangled with the little shadow who lived downstairs.

At seven, Cheng Sheng went roller skating in the neighborhood with a friend. They both tripped, and Qin Yi took them to the community clinic, one in each hand.

At ten, Cheng Sheng forged a parent's signature and got caught by his teacher. He wheedled Qin Yi into going with him to knock on the door at home. With a bundle of twigs on his back, he dropped to his knees with a thump and told his parents, pointing at Qin Yi, "I'll bear the thorns, and Qin Yi will come plead for forgiveness on my behalf."

At thirteen, Cheng Sheng curled up on the stairs, his eyes bloodshot and his voice trembling. "Brother, I don't have a home anymore."

Don't be afraid. Qin Yi pulled him into his arms.

You're your big brother's little shadow. I'll always be here for you.

Spanish has a saying: If everyone is half an orange, perhaps the other half we spend our lives searching for is the one God cut away from us in the beginning.

Donde esta mi media naranja?

Will you be my other half?

Bonus scene:

After they start dating

Qin Yi: Baby, do you remember the first thing you ever said to me?

Cheng Cheng: B-brother... have some orange...

Qin Yi: What a good boy. (He gives him a kiss as a reward.) Big brother's going to eat Cheng Cheng now...

A sharp-tongued but secretly soft-hearted top × a devoted little shadow bottom

Listening guide:

1. The bottom is often called by his childhood nickname, Cheng Cheng. He's cute and clingy, so don't read if that bothers you.

2. Lots of mutual affection, including among the supporting cast. The arrows are all very thick!

3. Supporting twin characters. Don't read if that bothers you.

4. The setting is fictional, and the plot is made up. If something doesn't add up, you're right.

Theme: Take yourself back