Whale Drowning

Pseudo-incest / coercion - Three years after her stepfather kicked him out of the house, Liang Chi received a call from his stepsister. Her voice was very quiet. “Dad’s been arrested, and the house has been auctioned off. I have nowhere to go, Brother… Could you let me stay with you for a while?” Her words were broken by coughing and a trembling sob. He remembered that she had been diagnosed with congenital underdevelopment of the lungs at birth and needed to take medication for years. Her mother named her Liang Jing, because whales have powerful lungs. - Later, in the rented apartment where he lived, Liang Jing came out of the bathroom after a shower wearing a slip dress. Liang Chi glanced at her and said stiffly, “Change into something else.” Liang Jing was confused. “I used to dress like this at home.” Liang Chi turned away. “It’s different now.” - Later still, they went from having no money to becoming an industry leader, and from a rented apartment to a private estate. That day, the housekeeper told her that her husband would be home that evening. Liang Jing paused, then said okay. She opened the window and looked out. The weather here was warm year-round, and the house had climate, humidity, and oxygen control, with a medical team on site at all times. But she thought of how, many years ago, Liang Chi had run through a blizzard, searching half the city for medicine for her. That night, Liang Jing said, “Dad will be getting out of prison soon.” “So what? You want to go see him?” Liang Chi asked. Liang Jing didn’t answer. She turned her face away. Liang Chi gripped her face, pressing his thumb hard against her lips. “Remember, from the day you called me, I’m the only person you can rely on.” Fragile little angel × obsessive, creepy man * Both are virgins / happy ending / three-year age gap * The hero is obsessive and unwell. Please skip this if that’s not your thing! * Both leads are adults from the beginning, and they aren’t registered under the same household. Their relationship develops only after they’ve confirmed that they have no blood or legal kinship. Coming soon Sweet Nurturing Insecure, sensitive man × cheerful, oblivious woman “If you knew my wife was popular and that I’m sensitive and overthink everything, wouldn’t you feel sorry for me too?” - As a student, Li Guancheng was the least noticeable boy in class. His grades were average, he spoke little, and his bangs hung over his black-rimmed glasses. Fang Qingyi didn’t get a proper look at his eyes until they became deskmates. They were round and dark, like a puppy’s. It took a week before she finally heard him speak to her for the first time. The boy lowered his head, his expression hidden, and asked quietly, “Could you move aside? I need to get some water.” His voice was surprisingly clear. Fang Qingyi paused, then stood up to let him pass. - Years later, Li Guancheng opened a dessert shop near Fang Qingyi’s office. Fang Qingyi walked in and froze. “Li Guancheng?” She still remembered his name. I’m so happy. Fang Qingyi smiled. “I almost didn’t recognize you without your glasses.” Then she added politely, “You look pretty good.” She said he looked good. I’m so happy I could die. Li Guancheng’s back tingled. He remembered how he’d tried learning to wear contact lenses back then, but couldn’t get them in no matter how hard he tried, until his eyes grew sore and teared up. It was worth it now. That night, he tossed and turned, replaying the way she’d said those words. Could she be interested in him too? The next day, he went to her office to deliver afternoon desserts. He heard her laughing as she complimented a coworker. “I almost didn’t recognize you with your new hairstyle. It looks good.” Li Guancheng felt as if he’d fallen into an icy abyss. Just like in high school, she casually turned his heart upside down, then smiled and laughed with someone else without realizing what she’d done. Theme: People call an inescapable ending fate